Saturday, September 22, 2012

Life

It's been a while since I have had a post.

What's going on in our world?

I am back on the Humira shots and *crosses fingers* so far, I am doing well. I go to my GI this week and hopefully he will start weening me off of the Prednisone. I still have some days where I feel like absolute poo, but overall, I am doing well. I have had some sickness since I gave the ole immune system the boot again. I had a sinus infection and a stomach flu within a week of each other. YUCK!!!!

Other news? hmm.

I got a promotion at work. WOOHOO!!! I am the lead over my department now. I have taken on more responsibility and I am busy ALL day. Which I prefer. Makes the days go by faster.

Other than that, nothing really new with us. Declin is turning 5 this week. I can't believe it!!!!

Well, there is my update. Hope everyone is doing well!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

My husband

Monday, September 3rd, will be 9 months since I married the love of my life.

I would like to share some of the things about Ben that don't often get talked about.

Ben is the most loving person I have ever met. He loves unconditionally.


He loves me like no other person can. He has proved that he is there through sickness and health. He is one of my biggest supporters with my fight against this disease.


He is always willing to help anyone, even if its something he really doesn't want to do.


He is the kind, loving, sensative, strong, Godly Prince that I have waited for.

I can't imagine my life without him by my side. I can't wait for many more days, months, and years with him.

I love you with all of my heart, Ben!!!



Thursday, August 23, 2012

root canal and GI visit

Well today was definitely an exciting day. (insert sarcasm)

The tooth that was giving me problems a few weeks ago, well it requires a root canal and crown. Today was the first step of that process. Root canal is complete, I have a temporary filling until I go back for the crown fitting and placement.

Anyone that knows me, knows I would rather have my head cut completely off than even step into a dentist office. However, I must admit, I think I found a great dentist this time. He is so understanding to my fears and worries. It didn't hurt at all today. If anyone is looking for a good dentist in the DFW area, look up Sam Koo in Irving. I highly recommend him.

After spending an hour or so at the dentist, it was time to head over to my GI specialist.

It was decided that now that all my infections are cleared up, I am able to go back on Humira. I will start my injections again this Sunday. I am honestly excited to get the ball rolling. I know that I will be down and out for a while, but I have to look at the big picture and pray for remission.

We also decided to go from 20mg to 10mg per day on my Prednisone. This makes me SUPER happy. In the 2 weeks that I have been back on 20mg, I have gained probably 10 pounds and have not been sleeping AT ALL.

I did also learn from some blood work done recently, that my Hepatitis B vaccination is NOT active. The Hep A vac is active, but apparently the Hep B didn't work with me. So I will be doing the 6 month series for the Hep C vac again. How strange!!!

So, that's where I am at today. Fun stuff, right? :)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Crohn's disease and Gluten Free

I have decided that I really want to track my progress and disease on my blog. So that I can keep up with what is going on and look back on my progression, or series of events. But also so that if I can help anyone else through this battle of Crohn's disease and going Gluten Free, I can. Please feel free to share my blog address with anyone who you might think would be interested.

I am going to start with an email that I sent someone with Crohn's disease and Celiac disease today.

This is my personal experience thus far:


I have Crohn’s disease (was just diagnosed in May, but they believe I have had it for 15 years or more without treatment and/or diagnosis). I have an ilium stricture and have not been able to get in remission since being diagnosed. I am hopefully going to start Humira again soon, as I had to stop because I got several infections after the initial loading doses.

I was tested for Celiac disease, and it came back negative. However, my GI specialist feels that I should try to reduce gluten in my diet as much as possible. I am not 100% gluten fee.

This is just what I am doing right now, as recommended by my GI specialist.

Also, eating out and being GF is extremely hard. Unless they have a totally separate GF kitchen, there will be cross contamination.

I do not eat any raw vegetables.
I do not eat any seeds or nuts.
I do not eat any peelings on fruits or vegetables.
I do not eat anything leafy. (spinach, lettuce, etc)
I do not eat anything stringy (no stalks on broccoli or cauliflower. No celery. No string beans. No okra.)
I do not eat any type of beans or peas.
I only eat raw fruit that can be easily broken down (bananas, peeled peaches, peeled apples, peeled pears)
I have found that regular potatoes do not work for me. any recipe with regular potatoes, I substitute with sweet potatoes.
I can eat broccoli florets and cauliflower florets, but they must be cooked to death.
I can eat squash and zucchini, but they must be peeled and have no seeds.
I eat a lot of chicken and fish.
I have tried to cut out red meat as much as possible.
Pork makes me sick almost instantly.
NO POPCORN.

As far as GF, I have found several websites were you can buys GF ingredients for way cheaper than the stores. I buy a lot of mixes and flours and cookies, etc through these sites.

Each person is different on what they like as far as GF. Personally, I am not a fan of the rice pasta, but a lot of people seem to like it. To me, its too much like rice to be pasta. haha.

www.Allergyfreegirl.com
http://www.katzglutenfree.com/Default.asp
http://glutenfreehomemaker.com/
https://sugarandspicemarket.com/
http://betterbatter.org/
http://www.glutenfreesaver.com/



If you add me on Facebook, I have “liked” a ton of GF pages, and they often advertise sales, etc on FB and you can sign up for their email lists to get email updates, recipes as well. I try to always “share” the deals, good recipes, etc on FB.

I hope all this helps. Please feel free to comment and/or email me with any questions. We are all in this together and I would love a new Crohn’s/GF friend.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Sunday Social



This week, I am joining up with Neely and Ashley for Sunday Social!!!

Join us!





1. What were you like in Middle School/HS?
I think I was just a regular kid in middle school. High school, I was a gymnast and had been for many years. I was also a partier and liked to hang out with the older kids. Probably should have done less partying and more school work.

2. What were your favorite past times?
Shopping, talking on the phone, hanging out with my friends, slumber parties, gymnastics.

3. What songs were you obsessed with?(Backstreet Boys anyone?)
Hmmm. I listened to a lot of country music back then too. I am sure it was someone oh so hot that I thought I might meet and marry someday lol

4. What fashion statement do you look back on and cringe?
overralls. units. lol

5. Who was your celeb crush?
I probably still had a crush on Donnie Walhberg from NKOTB. lol

6. What were your favorite tv shows/movies?
Family Ties. Growing Pains. Who’s the Boss. Married with Children. The Cosby Show. The Wonder Years. Perfect Strangers. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Full House. Saved by the Bell. Family Matters. 90210. Friends!!!!