Kombucha Anyone?

I have recently discovered at the local Whole Foods Market a drink that has been helping my tummy like you would not believe! Synergy Kombucha is a sort of tea that is made from live culture. Their website explains it far better than I can. It is not a new thing, but actually an ancient Chinese secret. I guess what I am saying is check it out.... maybe you will find success wth it too. This also leads me to ask - what other products are working for you?

Colonoscopies - No Joking Matter

My Dad was diagnosed last week with prostate cancer. He will be having surgery on Monday, June 9th. In honor of his surgery preparation, which is a lot like the preparation for a colonoscopy, I am posting the following bit of humor, which he sent to me:

Colonoscopies - No Joking Matter

Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments , made by patients, during the exam were quite humorous..... :

• "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!
• "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"
• "Can you hear me NOW?"
• "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"
• "You know, in Arkansas , we're now legally married."
• "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"
• "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."
• "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"
• "If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!
• "Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."
• "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"
• "God, now I know why I am not gay."

And the best one of all..

• "Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?"

On a more serious note. If you don't have a copy of The First Year, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, by Jill Sklar, you should pick one up. She has written five pages regarding colonoscopy prep that everyone about to have a colonoscopy should read. Here is a link:

http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Ulcerative-Essential-Diagnosed/dp/1600940226/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212681070&sr=1-2

Crohn's and Gallbladder Disease??

Yep, that's right. It is very common for Crohn's patients to have gallstones or inflammation of their gallbladders. I learned this after I had an attack last Friday. My fever was 103.5 upon arrival at the hospital. The ultrasound and CT Scans were each normal. No stones. My Hida Scan was BORDERLINE.... Where have I heard that before? After my Internist, Gastro, and Surgeon consulted, it was determined it should come out. I spent the weekend on antibiotics and a clear liquid diet, and on Monday, April 8, 2008, I lost my gallbladder. It was sent for pathology. Wonder if I'll ever hear about that?

Happy New Year!!!

Back from the wonderful world of Disney, and seeing "Hidden Mickeys" everywhere I look. My children think I need counseling. I thought it would be fun to have prizes (Disney pins) for the kids whenever they found a Hidden Mickey. I had no idea that there were so many!!! I could have seriously gone broke if I hadn't quickly modified that game!!!

And props to Disney World on the food. There was a huge selection of healthy choices. Fruit stands in almost every area and fruit and salad choices on every menu - yes - even the fast food places served fruit. I only had one minor Crohn's flare up and it was related to missing a medication dose.

I have never been happier to see a year pass. I wonder if you feel the same regarding the year you were diagnosed with Crohn's? Goodbye and good ridance 2007....

GREEN DAY LYRICS "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)"

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road

Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

So make the best of this test, and don't ask why

It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind

Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time

Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial

For what it's worth it was worth all the while

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.

I hope you had the time of your life.

Merry Christmas

We will be waking our kids up and taking them on a surprise trip to Disney World in the morning. I understand now that this is Disney's busiest week of the year - learned that little bit of trivia AFTER I bought the tickets. Pray for my Crohn's during those 20 minute bathroom lines I read about!

And I will be praying for each of you too. Praying that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas. And that you accept The Gift.

Peace on Earth, and goodwill toward men.

My First Comment!!!

I now have had my first comment posted!! I think that means I've been read!! What a HUGE day in the life of a new blogger. Oh no........someone is reading what I write???? How stressful is that? :)

Thanksgiving

I can't say I will be sad to see the year 2007 pass. It has been an unbelievable year in regards to medical diagnosis es and surgeries in my family. Five surgeries among us. Two were mine, knee surgery, oompectomy (ovaries removed), and then my Crohn's diagnosis. My husband had four cervical discs replaced, HS1 (17 years) had his wisdom teeth removed, and last Sunday follow Thanksgiving, HS2 (10 years) had to have an emergency appendectomy. I have a four inch binder going already to keep up with our medical bills and the insurance EOBs and I haven't even begun to insert anything from the latest hospital stay. I am considering a second binder.



DH and I have begun to feel "good" again. We have started to get out a bit, go to football games, take walks in the neighborhood, take the kids to the movies, etc. This is something to be thankful for. And when I think about counting my blessings, I am quick to acknowledge they truly are too numerous to count (Psalm 40:5 NIV).

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,

And Your thoughts toward us;

There is none to compare with You

If I would declare and speak of them,

They would be too numerous to count.

Thank You Lord.