Monthly Roundup....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.
25. Crohn's disease affects about one in 1,000 people.
26. It is not caused by infection and it is in no way contagious.
27. It's hard to have a disease in which most of the symptoms are internal.
28. It not just the disease and pain that makes patients cantankerous. The drugs we have to take can make us moody. Especially steroids.
29. Just ask. If we are not comfortable sharing we will let you know. Most patients are open about their disease.
30. There is no cure. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about this disease. People believe drugs will cure us Crohnies. This is not true. Drugs only get the disease under control.
31. People with Crohn's Disease just want to be treated like everyone else.



Well. It's been a long month. But I've made it. I only missed two days and with my track record for length between posts I believe I did well.
I hope I brought an itsy bitsy teeny weeny little bit of insight into the wonderful world of Crohn's Disease and all of it's glory. And I also hope in some small way I've helped to bring CD up another notch in the chronic condition totem pole. Thank you very much for hanging with me. It truly means a lot.

OK. Enough with the sentimental stuff. The real thing I want to post about tonight is Halloween.
Now when I was looking for a halloween costume for my friends party I was at a loss about my choices. So many things but I wanted to keep it on the cheap. Lately I've been really into The Big Bang Theory(since the beginning of June) and my first thought was Sheldon. Superhero t-shirt, undershirt, pants, shoes. Easy, peasy, cheaply, right? Until I had a stroke of inspiration that would rival even the most experienced Halloween connoisseur. I, my friends, was Amy Farah Fowler.
When looking around through pictures and watching the DVDs of her seasons I deduced that there wasn't really much to her fashion and came to the conclusion that I had most of the clothing articles already.
Here's my costume breakdown....

Striped Sweater - already had (paid $12 for last year at Walmart)
Flowered Shirt - $5 on clearance from Walmart
Purple T-Shirt - already had (paid $8 for two years ago at Walmart
Jean Skirt - $7 at Value Village (I had a jean skirt that would have worked but it wasn't quite right for the look that I wanted)
Panty Hose - $1 at the Dollar Store
Dress Shoes - already had
Glasses - $1 at the Dollar Store (I looked around at different party stores but they were very expensive and none of them looked just right. I saw a pair of sunglasses at the Dollar Store and punched out the lenses and they looked awesome!)
Hair Clip - already had
Optional Tiara - I bought one from the Dollar Store for $1 but didn't end up wearing it much.

Super easy and cheap coming in at just under $19 for everything I needed. I had a lot of fun at the party. It's fun to just let go and lose it for a few hours (until 4am, oops!) and forget about your problems and enjoy friendship. I know. That's a lot of "ands". It was a busy day and everyone was hopped up on sugar. So tired. Going to bed momentarily....

Oh ya! And cake pop tutorial coming soon! Check out the awesome pumpkins I made!
:D

Almost There....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.
25. Crohn's disease affects about one in 1,000 people.
26. It is not caused by infection and it is in no way contagious.
27. It's hard to have a disease in which most of the symptoms are internal.
28. It not just the disease and pain that makes patients cantankerous. The drugs we have to take can make us moody. Especially steroids.
29. Just ask. If we are not comfortable sharing we will let you know. Most patients are open about their disease.
30. There is no cure. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about this disease. People believe drugs will cure us Crohnies. This is not true. Drugs only get the disease under control.

Here's Hoping A Hurricane Doesn't Blow Me Away....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.
25. Crohn's disease affects about one in 1,000 people.
26. It is not caused by infection and it is in no way contagious.
27. It's hard to have a disease in which most of the symptoms are internal.
28. It not just the disease and pain that makes patients cantankerous. The drugs we have to take can make us moody. Especially steroids.
29. Just ask. If we are not comfortable sharing we will let you know. Most patients are open about their disease.

Such A Bad Blogger....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.
25. Crohn's disease affects about one in 1,000 people.
26. It is not caused by infection and it is in no way contagious.
27. It's hard to have a disease in which most of the symptoms are internal.
28. It not just the disease and pain that makes patients cantankerous. The drugs we have to take can make us moody. Especially steroids.





OK. So I forgot to post again last night. But I was at a Halloween party until 4am this morning. Can you guess from the picture who I was?

Wow. My Last Post Title Sounded Very Gangster....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.
25. Crohn's disease affects about one in 1,000 people.
26. It is not caused by infection and it is in no way contagious.

P to the L to the EDGE....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.
25. Crohn's disease affects about one in 1,000 people.

Wednesdays Are Hard....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.
24. Crohn's disease is very close in relationship to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a percentage of CD patients also develop RA.



Wednesdays are hard.
Tonight I was trying to pump foam hand soap out of a hair spray can for a good ten seconds before I realized what I was doing.
I repeat, Wednesdays are hard.
That is all....

What. A. Day....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.
23. The disease takes its name from Dr. Burrill B. Crohn. In 1932, he and two colleagues published a monumental paper describing the details of the disease that now bears his name.


Peed on. Pooped on. Puked on. Baby food thrown in my face. Van broke down in the middle of taking kids to school. Got Ethanol all over my boots and now they smell.
Happy half birthday to me!
:\

Kylee Reviews Her Doctors and Adds Another One Into The Mix....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients have told me a second wave occurs between 55 and 65.
22. In certain African countries there are little to no incidence of CD.


My list of doctors. Here goes....

Family Doc - Dr. S
Gastroenterologist - Dr. P
Allergist - Dr. F
Gynocologist - Dr. R
Chiropractor - Dr. B
And now....
Endocrinologist - Dr. A-S

Is that it? I don't remember....
*SIGH*

P. L. E. D. G. E. ....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.
21. it usually strikes between the teen years and age 30. However, many patients are diagnosed between 55 and 65.

40"....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
20. Crohn's Disease cannot be prevented. If you are going to develop it then you are going to develop it. The trick is not letting it get to the point of taking over your life.





What is better than watching The Big Bang Theory on a Saturday?
How about watching The Big Bang Theory in hi-def on a 40" brand spankin' new television. (On a Saturday).
Life sized Sheldons are always better....

Laryngitis, Netflix and Knitting Needles....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.
19. It is believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.





What do the three things in the post title have in common? They are all intricate pieces in this weekend's activities. Except the laryngitis. That can leave whenever it wants....

PpLlEeDdGgEe....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
18. Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering surgery should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments.

A Slackin' and A Pledgin'.....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.
16. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is an intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall because of swelling and scar tissue.
17. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms.






OK. So I'm a slacker. I didn't post yesterday but when you see my knee you'll know why. I don't know what it's from. My best guesses are (a)My arthritis finally got to it, (b)My iron absorption has kicked into overdrive and it is now pooling in my knee OR (c)I injured it somehow. Who knows. What I do know is that it hurts. A LOT. So much so that I went to bed at 8pm last night and forgot to post.
I posted yesterday's fact as well....

Halfway Through and I'm Running Out Of Things To Call These Posts....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.
15. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families.

pLeDgE....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.
14. The gradual loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as chronic inflammation, often leads to anemia.

PlEdgE....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.
13. Eating small meals frequently instead of big meals may also help with a low appetite.

I Was Going To Post Something Witty But My Last Post Intimidated Me So I'll Just Post A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.
12. Certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, including dietary adjustments, elemental diet, proper hydration, and smoking cessation.

When Life Gives You Lemons You Shoot It Back A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.
11. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty; a colonoscopy is approximately 70% effective in diagnosing the disease, with further tests being less effective.






Learning that you have a second chronic illness is kind of like lemonade.

Have you ever had a craving for a big old glass of pink lemonade? I mean an if I don't get it now I might melt type of craving. So you go to the refrigerator. You open it up and realize that the container you thought held your beloved pink lemonade instead holds the regular, boring, plain old yellow lemonade. This is what finding out you have Crohn's Disease is like. You have to adjust to the fact that while yellow lemonade is fine, OK, heck some people even prefer yellow lemonade to pink lemonade, you will never be able to quench your thirst for the pink stuff or a non-CD life.

So you accept the fact that yellow lemonade is all you have and decide to pour yourself a glass. You amp yourself for it. You are get yourself a glass. You pick up that container with renewed vigour. You unscrew the cap and begin to pour. What? This yellow lemonade is orange? This doesn't make sense! You stop pouring. You look at the container. It reads "Orange Juice". ORANGE JUICE?!?! You say. What? I was OK when I had to settle for yellow lemonade over pink lemonade but this is a whole other juice altogether. This is what it is like to be diagnosed with another chronic illness. In my case it's Hemachromatosis.

Now I must accept my new diagnosis. Along with the old one I am still learning to cope with. I will forever be stuck in the middle of these two conflicting diseases. My body forever under attack, never getting a break, being pulled this way an that.

I am still researching and absorbing, figuring and finding my way.

It's a good thing I like Orange Juice.
;)

Realization, Remicade and A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.
10. Crohn's Disease is often misdiagnosed. Most commonly as Irritable Bowel Disease.






I have Hemachromatosis.
Today I got Remicade.
That is all.

P.S. Here I am holding $4,000 worth of Remicade. Be careful! Don't drop it!
;)

My Body Is A Lemon and A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.
9. Women with Crohn’s disease can become pregnant and have a baby. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should talk with their health care provider before getting pregnant. Some medications used for CD can harm an unborn baby.






Of course. Why wouldn't I have another incurable, chronic disease? I already have Crohn's Disease, why wouldn't I also have Hemachromatosis?

A few weeks ago (mid-August to be exact) I got a call from my GI doc's office saying that she wanted me to do a special blood test. The receptionist was very sweet, reassuring and saying that I just had a little higher iron count in my blood and Dr. P wanted to rule anything out. I got the test done and 17 vials later I was convinced she was OVER testing.
I went to see her in mid-September and she still hadn't gotten the results back. But she didn't seemed worried, so neither was I.
So this morning I get a call and it turns out the reason it took so long to get the results was because they were doing extra testing to see what KIND of Hemachromatosis I have.

What is Hemachromatosis you ask?

Well, essentially and in a nutshell it means that my body stores too much iron from the food I eat. The total iron content in the body can reach as high as 50 g (at last check I was at 33 g), compared with the normal levels of about 2.5 g in women and 3.5 g in men that do not have this disease. All of this iron builds up in the blood, heart, joints, liver and other organs. It can be life threatening if not treated.
The only treatments available are eating less iron and get a phlebotomy procedure done regularly to remove some of the blood in your body.


This is all I really know right now based on about an hour of quick Google searching. I am waiting on a dietician appointment at my local hospital.

I'll keep you posted....
:\

No. More. Food. (and A Pledge)....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.
8. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop Crohn's disease.





I'm so done with turkey, ham, potatoes (white and sweet), turnip, squash, stuffing, cranberries, carrots, pumpkin pie, apple crisp/pie, lemon squares, cracker squares that I didn't even know existed, and too many other things that my Thanksgiving coma won't let me remember.

I don't think I'll eat for a week....

Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).
7. As is the case with many digestive diseases, people are quick to assume that the cause of Crohn's is stress. However, most doctors tell their patients that this is simply false. Stress can affect the patient much the same as it does with any other major disease but is not the cause of the illness.

Happy Turkey Day and A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)
6. The illness has several names: ileitis, regional enteritis, ileocolitis, and Crohn's colitis (for disease solely in the colon).



Happy Turkey Day to my Canadian friends!
:)

P.S. Is it ridiculous to do the Chicken Dance on Turkey Day? Because if it is then I don't want to be right....
:D

I Better Not Get Sick and A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.
5. Crohn's also causes three different types of inflammation of the eye (episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis)



I also better not be getting pneumonia and/or Strep Throat. I have family coming in from out of town this weekend and that would suck.

Sore Knees and A Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
4. Many children do not present with classic abdominal/intestinal symptoms. Most first present with growth issues.





And also my knees are sore and swollen. But what else is new....

Turkeys and A Pledge

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.
3. Crohn's Disease is similar to Colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's Disease infects multiple layers of tissue.



Today it was raining. So we made lollipop turkeys!
Happy Thanksgiving Canadians!

Quick Pledge....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.
2. The most common age to be diagnosed is anywhere between 15 to 25 but approximately 10% of those with Crohn's disease are under 18 years of age.

Why Purple Will Never Be As Big As Pink....

October is Brest Cancer awareness month. Yesterday my town held 26th annual Walk for Breast Cancer. There were 1,800 participants in my town and $390,000 was raised in my province. The Crohn's and Colitis walk in my area had nowhere near that much support.

I realize that Breast Cancer (or any type of cancer for that matter) and IBD are two totally and completely different illnesses in the world. And before I go any further I would like to state that I am not downplaying Breast Cancer. My Aunt had Breast Cancer. I watched her go through chemo and radiation. I reluctantly helped pull out tufts of her hair. I watched her puke and have more life drain out of her everyday. I know. Cancer is horrible. I get it. I have lived it.

That being said I believe that Crohn's Disease is never going to be as publicized as Breast Cancer.

It's not anyone's fault. Crohn's Disease is a very internal thing. You don't loose all of your hair. You don't have to go through a rigorous chemo and radiation schedule. Some people don't have to have a "major body changing surgery". This is the attitude.
What some people don't understand is that yes, a lot of CD patients do have to go through these things. And they don't end. Yes our hair falls out, but slowly so you can't tell because we change up our hairstyle. No we don't have to go through chemo but we do have to get Remicade. And guess what? It doesn't end as chemo does. And yes we do have surgeries. And while you may no longer have boobs we now poo through our stomach into a bag. It's not fun.

So I guess the major difference is....

Breast Cancer is a "short term/intense battle" that either ends in death or remission. And in five years the majority of patients know wether or not they need to worry.

Crohn's Disease is a "long term/marathon" endurance that is unpredictable and never ending. After five years chances are patients have been in and out of the hospital(numerous times) and are still not better. We can never let our guard down.

And that my friend is why purple will never be as pink....

*I PLEDGE THAT EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER (BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH) I WILL POST A FACT ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CD*

1.Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the World.