I don't believe medical statistics have the final say so...
I have been virtually symptom free (from CD) for the past 5-6 years. My doctors more than likely term this as "remission." However, I choose to believe that the symptoms of Crohn's will never return to torment me again, and that I have been completely healed of this awful and dreadful disease.
As a Christian, I believe in divine healing, and I give God all of the credit for the many symptom-free years I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy. It's more than just being symptom free though...
Allow me to explain: In 1993, I had my first bowel resection. At this time, the surgeon removed my ileocecal valve (along with about 15 inches of my small intestine).
I've been praying for years and believing God would heal me, I also asked Him to give me "new parts," so the doctors couldn't explain it away.
In 2002 (and after 2 more bowel resections), I had some standard tests performed. On both a small bowel follow-through and an abdominal/pelvic CT Scan I had done, the medical transcripts revealed that the radiologists who interpreted the tests saw and stated what they described as an "ileocecal valve re-implantation." Not only that, but several strictures which had previously been documented on several tests were nowhere to be found. None of my doctors can explain any of it logically, but I believe with all of my heart that it was nothing short of a miracle and answered prayer.
I still don't understand why it took nearly 20 years of waiting, lots of suffering, many prayers and tears before I actually saw it happen, but I assure you...I am not complaining (at least it did finally happen!). I don't understand LOTS of things, but I have faith!
NOW, I am battling Crohns in a different way. Many of you know that my daughter, Alyssa was diagnosed with it last summer! This disease totally sucks and watching her suffer with many of the all too familiar symptoms has almost been worse than when I was dealing with them myself!
Anywhooo... since my personal ordeal dealing with Crohns, and since I've been feeling better, I try to pay more attention to what I eat: make sure to get enough water, exercise, and supplement my diet with quality nutritional supplements to support my immune system and overall bowel health. I supplement with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and glyconutritionals.
This is my way of showing appreciation for my new found quality of life. I am so thankful for all of the good days I've been blessed with and don't take my health for granted anymore (especially when it comes to my tummy).
Additionally, I feel it is my responsibility and priviledge to try to encourage and inspire hope in others who are dealing with the same things I've dealt with or any chronic illnesses and to let them know that they should never live without or give up hope.
That's my story.
going by what you say - sorry if I sound so blase about it, but remission isn't a term I've used to describe myself before! - and I have been since 1993, when I had my ileostomy done. I've only had one minor flare which required a short blast of prednisolone, and a couple of blood transfusions - other than that, no surgery and a period of yearly consultations with my doc, who is one of the best in the business.
