4 months post surgery and LIFE IS GOOD!

It's been a couple months since posting and honestly it's because I have been so busy living life! It is really amazing how your body can bounce back and life goes back to being completely normal. When I think about how sick I was and what I went through just a few months ago, it feels like a dream. I have been inspired to write again because a few followers have reached out to me and asked why I haven't posted all summer. Honestly, I didn't really think people went to my blog to look for answers, inspiration, advice, etc. but I guess there are people out there who do! The whole reason for this blog was to 1. let me vent about all the "shit" going on in my life and 2. to try to reach anyone who needed to hear my story to help them. It makes me sooo happy that my story is actually helping other people. I also love connecting with others who know what I am going through.


I got a message from someone who read my blog and her message is why I am continuing to post. "You are a fabulous blogger, I hope you start again. I really appreciate how honest you are about how Crohn's affects your life in more ways than one. You talked about having to miss out on events and feeling young, and that's exactly how I've been feeling. You also talked about people leaving and I can relate to that so much I want to sincerely thank you for writing so honestly about all of that, it really made me feel better. Us Crohn's girls need to be with people just as strong as us."

This message really pulled at my heartstrings and pushed me to get back on the blogging horse! She too is going through a very similar situation to mine- hasn't eaten for a long time and is looking into getting surgery. I know how awful it can be and I really hope all goes well for her and she has an outcome like mine! I am lucky to have a gained another Crohnie gal pal through this blog.

Latest Update:
For the most part, I am feeling great and eating pretty normally. I am working out 4-5 days a week and have way more energy than I've had in a long time. I am still figuring out what I can eat and what I can't, but I am able to eat salad every once and awhile and let me tell you....it tastes so good! Most importantly, beer and wine don't bother me..thank god! :)  I still have pain here and there and I don't think that will ever go away but any bad day now is a cake walk compared to what I went through. I still have my annoying Crohn's moments here and there, like when I am fishing on the boat with my dad in the middle of a lake and out of no where you really have to go... those moments still happen and I don't think any surgery can fix that. Laughing is the best way to deal with this disease, because at the end of the day, poop can be pretty funny.

 I still am staying away from high fiber foods, seeds, nuts, and a lot of raw veggies. It's hard to eat healthy when your options are limited but I am trying my best. I am finding that it helps to take the skin off of fruit like apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, etc. before eating them. I have cut out a lot of my dairy intake and only trying to eat a small amount. I switched to drinking almond milk and using coconut oil for most of my cooking. It seems like these little changes are helping reduce symptoms and helping me feel good. If anyone has any other dieting tips or helpful things they are doing please share!  I am having my 5th Entyvio infusion next week. This medicine has been working great so far and I don't really have any side effects that I can notice. I also am taking imuran, a probiotic, fish oil, b-12 shots once a month, and iron 3 times a day. I have also read about turmeric and its anti-inflammatory effects. Has anyone taken this and seen positive results?

Summer has sadly come to an end. This summer was really amazing and I had so much fun. I am so thankful that I was able to travel to Mexico with my girlfriends, go out with family and friends, and be able to enjoy a drink in my pool. The school year has begun...teaching, tutoring, and 2 grad classes are keeping me very busy. This year I am way more conscience of my stress levels and trying to do things to keep them down - working out, yoga, and different relaxation techniques are really helping me to do that. I am really looking forward to fall this year! Bring on the football, football party food, yoga pants, sweatshirts, and pumpkin spice everything! I'll keep trying to kick Crohn's in the ass, one day at a time.

Keep on keepin' on everyone.


-Steph