Chutes and Ladders

[sawdust]

Ever play the board game Chutes and Ladders? It's a kids' game where you try to clime a series of ladders to be the first to the top of the game board, however, there are certain landings that have slides that set you back to a previous part of the board.

When I first got diagnosed, I was all optimistic and was going to beat this thing, it wasn't going to affect me, etc. Then, something happens, your doctor explains the "chute" you're sliding on and you get used to the reality of where you land. Then, you climb some ladders until something else happens. Then, you freefall again you get used to the reality of where you land... and so on.

I never expected to look up and be so disappointed with all the "getting used to" I've done over a long period of time. It seems like your choices keep getting worse and worse, but you keep choosing the best of what's available at the time. Given the choice between broccoli and brussel sprouts, I'd choose broccoli, but I still don't like it. Why can't we get more ladders than chutes? I'm tired of playing this game.

 

[Tesscorm]

Good analogy! My son, 17 years, and our family are still in early stages of learning about his disease and what will develop. However, I have seen a little bit of what you're describing. I can see that he keeps thinking that soon life will go back to what it was before... Because he reacted well to his initial treatment and has minor symptoms now, I think it's easy for him to 'forget' about his Crohns and that his current treatment and healthier diet are still necessary. But, every once in a while, I think it hits home for him. He's had a few symptoms lately and said that he was lying in bed the other night realizing that he will require treatment forever. I could tell he was a bit down over this.

I try to keep him positive and stay positive myself. He's never been a 'healthy' eater and Crohns is forcing him to put more thought into his diet and, as a result, eat a healthier diet than in the past. Yes, he will always have to be conscious of what he eats and of his health generally, much more than he ever did before and perhaps more than the average person (especially the average teen boy). However, this in itself, is not a bad thing. I have a friend who's brother died in his early 40s. He was a bit overweight, didn't exercise, skipped annual physicals, etc. gave minimal thought to his health, just let his health go because other things in his life took priority. This attitude (which is so very easy for any of us to adopt) probably cost him 30 years of his life.

I've told my son that his Crohns will not allow him to become 'lazy' about his health. Hopefully, his Crohn's will continue to be manageable and he will gain a respect and appreciation for his health that the average person does not have. I apologize if my naivete is just glaring right now and I realize I am simplifying the challenges that you and others face with Crohns; I'm not trying to minimize them, but, I guess, I'm just trying to say that from each ladder you learn something new and perhaps will, in time, help you avoid the more 'insurmountable' chutes some people end up facing.

I hope I'm not being too pollyanna-ish! :ghug:

Wishing you all the best!!

 

[beth]

Was called snakes and ladders when I was a kid.

Sucks doesn't it.

 

[Grumbletum]

That's a good one, Sawdust. Also reminds me of that Bash the Alien arcade game where no sooner have you taken care of one of the little blighters, when another one pops up
What's up love? Have you had a setback?

 

[sawdust]

What's up love? Have you had a setback?

I thought I was climbing, but I found another slide. I lost my patience there in the first post, but I'm better now. Disappointed. Please excuse me. I have some more tests and whatnot to determine what's going on and the extent. I'll be sure to bring it up in our new subforum there when I have better answers.

 

[Grumbletum]

I thought I was climbing, but I found another slide. I lost my patience there in the first post, but I'm better now. Disappointed. Please excuse me. I have some more tests and whatnot to determine what's going on and the extent. I'll be sure to bring it up in our new subforum there when I have better answers.

:hug::hug::hug:

 

[Gemmajoy]

Sawdust! Just read your post and it summed up exactly how I'm feeling too.

I call it snakes and ladders

 

[LindaS]

Chutes and Ladders is a perfect analogy. Especially that it seems impossible to finish the game, as there seems to always be more chutes than ladders.

I hope we all find a lot of ladders and no more chutes!