It’s been a long time, right?! As I mentioned before on my site, I have a condition called Crohn’s Disease. It’s something usually unheard of…which I know firsthand, because before I was diagnosed I’ve never even heard of such a thing! It started back 10 years ago; I just started my first year at college and I knew something wasn’t right. I could barely eat and when I could I would feel sick and get the worst pain ever! I would sleep for 10+ hours, wake up and still feel like passing out. I thought I was just enjoying college…staying up late, eating horrible food, studying at crazy hours. But it wasn’t until I noticed I hadn’t actually gone to the bathroom in a long time…and then I started noticing blood…lots of it. Something definitely wasn’t right, but I was embarrassed. So instead of telling my Mom…or going to the doctor, I self-medicated by guzzling tons of Pepto Bismol, hoping to eliminate my symptoms.
But things got worse.
Six months later after doubling over in pain during class, I went to the Emergency Room where I was tested and diagnosed. I still didn’t actually realize how serious this condition was. I figured I would take medicine for a while and be cured. Boy, was I wrong! This is for life! And to be honest, up until a few months ago I still didn’t take it that seriously. Literally I woke up one morning, was in horrible pain and couldn’t even sip water without vomiting. Things were really bad. And medicine wasn’t working. But finally after three months of hospitalization, a close call to needing emergency surgery and a ton of tests and infusions, I was good to go!
Thank God!
So why am I sharing this little tidbit of my life? Well, it’s only fitting as Dec 1-7th is Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness week! Many do not know what this horrible condition is and how it impacts not only the person, but their loved ones as well. It’s also good to become knowledgable because while I could look normal on the outside, I’m actually suffering. Besides, we need all the awareness that we can get and hopefully we get close to a cure! But for the time being, I just take my health more seriously, make sure to get my infusions every 8 weeks and keep a smile on my face! After all, I do feel proud that despite having such an awful condition I’ve still manage to accomplish many great things and I look forward to keep doing so!
For more info on Crohn’s Disease visit: www.ccfa.org
Happy Holidays!
- Tilly