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I've had Crohn's over 40 years now

I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 10 years old, and now I am 51. If anything I would like to offer hope and encouragement.:).

Over the years, I have had a total of 4 bowel resections and other Crohn's related surgeries. I also almost lost my colon to a cancer diagnosis in my 20's, but it turned out to be displactic cells, which are common during a flare up and was able to avoid getting a bag.

I have been on many drugs over the years including 5 years on prednisone, but none of them ever worked.

Eventually, in my early 30's, with 2 small children, everything failed and I was in a very bad spot. The doctor's left me with no viable option, so i had to deal with it myself.

I began with food, eating only organic veggies and juicing. Over 3 weeks I gained 30 pounds from that, bringing me to a healthy weight from 85 lbs. I addressed my food through trial and error and an elimination diet. The outcome was very similar to what is now the SCD. Then I moved on to examine the other areas of my life.


I looked at the spiritual roots that may have caused this. I addressed exercise, sleep, vitamins and eliminating worry. I found my limits and went to them and not beyond. Over the years, my boundaries stretched and I discovered a very full life.

I have been through a divorce, raised 4 healthy (thank G-d) children and worked through a second challenging marriage, until it became a good one. I have maintained exciting jobs and created organizations that did things that mattered to me. I was active and able to be outside a lot. (In fact, right now, I am taking an outward bound like course focused on wilderness healing.)

After about 18 years in a drug free remission, I once again became very sick with a fissure that went from my intestines out through my belly button amoung other things. After the surgery for that, I didn't get better. In fact I got much worse. It wasn't until my organs started shutting down that we discovered I was Celiac.

That was about 6 years ago now. I took about a year to regain my energy, but I did. Except for the occasional Venifer treatment for my iron level, everything has been maintained through diet and lifestyle.

Over the years, I discovered many great things to help maintain a healthy vibrant life and I have learned a great deal with my body as my teacher.

I wish you success on your journeys and hope they are part of the path to a wonderful life.
 
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