Positive things!

[Misty-Eyed]

So today is Friday. Gotta get down on Friday. Ok, enough of sounding like Rebecca Black. I've decided to only have positive thoughts today. There's no doubting that crohn's truely sucks most of the time but I want to hear about all the good, positive stuff in your life that's come about due to Crohn's.

For me, I'm a much stronger person and I really appreicate food! Plus, I find it pretty easy to weed out the good people in life from the not so good!

Also, due to my crohn's, I'm only 5'1 rather than 5'8+ which genetically, is what my height should be. I love being short. I get to wear high heels, not worrying about being taller than guys, can squeze into small places and sit comfortably on planes, no matter how limiting the leg room is!

 

[mikeyarmo]

I am a healthier person in terms of diet/exercise because of Crohn's. I love working out and really did not start doing it consistently until after surgery for Crohn's.

 

[ThanksP]

I've learned to love and appreciate good, wholesome foods. I used to cover up everythign with salt and sauces. Last night I enjoyed the heck out of some freshly steamed carrots. That would have NEVER happened iin my pre-Crohn's life.

Because of Crohn's, I know my husband is there for me through sickness and in health, absplutely no doubt about it. I also learned some people aren't worth my time or effort.

I have to admit, I also enjoy not having to worry about my weight.

 

[Dexky]

I e-met some really great people here!! My family has a much improved diet since my son was dxed. I was shaken from what had become a sort of sleep walk. I got up, went to work, came home which was all normal and good but now life has more meaning I guess. I'm sorry it took my son's health issues to push me out of that complacency but I'm sure I'd still be there otherwise.

 

[sawdust]

I like both my GI and surgeon; they listen to me, and care about me. Mrs Sawdust is very supportive and dragged me to our first CCFA seminar recently, which was excellent.

While I'm still working on it, I've decided to eat more whole foods and less processed stuff. Three weeks after having a seton placed, I took up about 480 sq ft of sod, created a new compost pile, and am on my way to planting my first vegetable garden toward this end. I have enjoyed 5 or 6 books in as many months about gardening, canning, and nutrition in general.

And, I have found this forum to be a great source of information, support, and perspective from others who are, or have been, where ever I may find myself along the way.

 

[e13 boy]

For me, I'm a much stronger person and I really appreicate food! Plus, I find it pretty easy to weed out the good people in life from the not so good!

Spot on Misty

It showed me peoples true colours.

Best Wishes

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I'm not fully diagnosed yet, but this gut illness has made me really appreciate the good days. It's also let me know who my real friends are (my closest friend nowadays is a fellow Crohnie). And getting through flare after flare has taught me that I really am pretty strong, even if I sometimes feel pretty weak.

 

[ameslouise]

I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received for my participation in the Take Steps event. I have raised over $4000 from friends and family who care so much about me and my health, that they have donated money to try to find a cure for these horrible diseases. It's been tremendous to see the outpouring of support. I am literally speechless at the generosity shown by my support system.

-Amy

 

[ambermeghan]

I'm more determined. I accomplish more each day than I did before the dx. I'm eating healthier and even planted a garden. Every experience with this illness is making me a better nurse.

 

[xJillx]

this gut illness has made me really appreciate the good days.

You said it, Cat! Also, it has helped me to learn to not sweat the small stuff. I tend to roll with things more these days rather than getting worked up over every little thing.

 

[Crohnadian]

It's bumpy, but I have learned to more easily weed out those who are not worthy, and hold closer those who I cherish. I've also learned to appreciate a good diet, as it highly and directly influences both my physical and mental well-being. I've also learned to spend more time doing what I love, and not to take ANYTHING for granted.

 

[Terriernut]

I've learned that a wicked sense of humour can get you through alot of things. I've learned that to help yourself, you should reach out and help others.

I've learned that people lie....and I need to let go of any unauthentic people in my life.

Misty

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Oooh a sense of humour is a good one!

I'm also not really bothered about my modesty now. After having a layer of my cervix taken off with a wire with an electric current going through it and then having 4 doctors putting their fingers up my bum in one day, nothing really phases me anymore! You can't be a prude when you're a chronie!

 

[Terriernut]

Misty Eyed, (whats your real name..I'm really misty..) I lost my dignity in hospital. Running down the ward in a hosp gown will do that to you. After surgery...well. Why didnt I wax first....sigh............
Misty

 

[Keona]

I am surprised at how people came out of the woodwork to offer me support. Just got home from someone taking me grocery shopping and just got my dog home today
Someone had her since the 11th..

I like this thread....

 

[Terriernut]

Whoooo hooooo, Keona is home!!!! Puppy kisses!!!!! Life is Gooooood!!!!
Misty

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Haha it's Michelle

I'm actually literally down the road from you, Misty. I live in Caddington. Small world, huh!

 

[Terriernut]

Not that they wouldnt anyway Michelle! I'm just a good shield! Didnt mean to imply anything other! Old tart that I am. Hey, it's a positive thing that Dr Johnson at the L&D is pretty cute! (comparatively) and that is always a good thing!!!

Just sayin
Misty

 

[spcwife23]

well since i have this, i appreciate the days when i can spend time with my son and family with no pain and just enjoy being young and a mother...

i love that i start eating healthier, and joining the zumba class at the gym has been really great for me... if it wasnt for crohns i wouldnt have been in the gym at all..

i love that i live for today and not plan tommorrow, ith as brought me and my husband closer for sure and showed me what a wonderful man he is..

his parents showed me that they love me so much that they will pay and do anything to help me get healthier so without crohns i dont think i would see this side of them..

it has brought me closer to god in i know with him everything is possible and this is just s test in my life that will be one day a testimony to others

 

[Keona]

ya Misty , Im pretty happy about it.
So is Keona
i will post a pic soon when I figure out how to compress them..

 

[Terriernut]

Haha wow! You can walk to the L&D from there! I should of got you to come visit me when I was there with my obstruction or whatever the hell it was!

Awww I'm sure you're not!! The men of Dunstable are not much to look at anyway! lol

ARE there men in Dunstable? Have I missed something?? erm???

I would happily visit you and leave the ward laughing their medical socks off!

Misty

 

[Terriernut]

ya Misty , Im pretty happy about it.

new pic of her up soon

It is a proven medical fact that puppy kisses are healing. As are their farts. One needs cuddles from dogs or cats in order to feel better. Also it helps you to help them. You forget yourself when pure love comes your way. Only an animal can do that. Family 99%...dogs and cats...100%

Furr cuddles!
Misty

 

[Misty-Eyed]

I've not met him, Misty. I had Dr Jayne (sp?) do a few colonoscopies on me before I went to Great Ormond street but I know he's left now. Then I vaguely remember Dr Simmons?

I go to St Marks now but I had a Mr M Barreca do my dilation of my stricture, although they have him down as general surgery on my discharge letter.

 

[Terriernut]

well since i have this, i appreciate the days when i can spend time with my son and family with no pain and just enjoy being young and a mother...

i love that i start eating healthier, and joining the zumba class at the gym has been really great for me... if it wasnt for crohns i wouldnt have been in the gym at all..

i love that i live for today and not plan tommorrow, ith as brought me and my husband closer for sure and showed me what a wonderful man he is..

his parents showed me that they love me so much that they will pay and do anything to help me get healthier so without crohns i dont think i would see this side of them..

it has brought me closer to god in i know with him everything is possible and this is just s test in my life that will be one day a testimony to others

You cant get better than that!!! You are living in the moment, which is the best place to be...bless you and your family!
Misty

 

[Terriernut]

I've not met him, Misty. I had Dr Jayne (sp?) do a few colonoscopies on me before I went to Great Ormond street but I know he's left now. Then I vaguely remember Dr Simmons?

I go to St Marks now but I had a Mr M Barreca do my dilation of my stricture, although they have him down as general surgery on my discharge letter.

Vaguely recall you lived in Harrow now?? (menopausal...mentalpausal..please forgive) No, i dont know those ones. All I remember is alot of Dr's around my bed looking like crows waiting for the kill!? Who were they....DUNNO??? The L&D is a very strange place! No matter...we all get out in the end! One way or the other! Thats positive! I remember arguing with Dr Obichere (surgeon) she didnt like that! Sadly she was right. They have some good folks there at the L&D I have to say. Bad ones too, but thats everywhere.

For this thread....I AM HAPPY TO BE ALIVE everyday. Because I almost wasnt!

Misty

 

[Misty-Eyed]

No.. Caddington born and bred and still here! I was born in the L&D. You probably thought that because St Marks is in Harrow lol. Everyone kept telling me how wonderful it was there and my experiences of the L&D weren't great. So after I was too old to go to Great Ormond Street, I decided to be referred to St Marks instead.

Ooo that reminds me! Last year I did a work placement in the histology lab at the L&D so I got to see what happens to all the colons etc once they get taken out and how the slides are made and how diagnoses are made.

So that's another thing I'm thankful for.. my crohn's got me SO interested in biology.

 

[Crohnadian]

Yeah I agree with you, Terriernut. Being at my most vulnerable and weakest point in my life in the weeks/months pre-op, in the hospital, and then post-op, I've found more pleasure in helping, and nurturing others. It has also led me to the realization that regardless of what we do in life, there will always be those who disapprove, so we must do as our hearts desire. Live every day as the last, and as the only, and count your blessings. I also think we should learn to do our best with what we have, and where we're at at any given moment in time. And like others have said, being sick, and having my operation, is the only thing that's made me start paying closer attention to my health (going to the gym, eating well).
I think accepting who we are is the first step.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Even though my Crohns flares still hang around, I have been in the company of my family, my mom came for a two week visit, then my husband was home and now my daughter is here, making cookies, she has her last exam of the semester. The weather is getting nicer, so I am taking it easy. I have to think positive even tho I hate that word..

 

[Soybean]

I love this thread It's really helping me to keep positive.

I am thankful that I have had such a quick diagnosis and am now on meds that are so far working. Going through these last 8 months has shown me how lucky I am to be with my partner Sam. He has been my rock and really shown me what unconditional love is.