Another update from college!
I have been working very hard lately and with that comes stress - even the good type - and stress makes the body work harder to heal. College makes it very hard to avoid unhealthy choices (such as fried foods, insufficient sleep, sugar).
I hope that those of you that have found encouragement in what I've shared have understood from these posts that I have not always been successful. Sometimes I am weak, and this path yields results when followed strictly. Sometimes I have simply done too much in a week and my body feels ragged because I am still dealing with a physical disadvantage. The disease is the disease. My faith and my family fill in these weak spaces and help me to the next level of strength and adherence to this lifestyle. I want to convey this experience honestly, because those of you choosing to do this are making what should be an informed decision and an expectation to work very hard! As always my wish for all of us is that health was not something we have to strive for.
With that being said, the stress of my current lifestyle, as I've mentioned, has taken a little toll on me. My doctor noted some chronic anemia and slight inflammation from blood work. I agreed to take Pentasa, a drug I'd taken a year ago and experienced NO side effects from, IN ADDITION to my holistic choices, which my doctor supports. I will be on the liquid diet for the next month, then blood work will be done. I will report my results! If it has helped, I will go on 80% liquid (that is 1 solid meal a day). We will do a scope in Spring, which I will also report, in order to see if internal remission has been achieved. (A note: Remember that inflammation may be ongoing even without symptoms!)
My goal has shifted with this thread. Originally, I wanted to share my story as it unfolds and my hope was to achieve remission naturally. And while I still intend on these things, I have to adjust my expectations for my body. I may need a maintenance medication in order to maintain *long-term* health, because while I am symptom-free, internal 'smoldering' inflammation can cause damage if left alone for a long time.
I think we can all agree that the goal is and has always been HEALTH! Whatever route you find that will achieve for you a level of peace and a kind of harmony with your body, THAT is what you should do. Tomorrow isn't a promise for anyone, disease or no disease. It is so important to make sure that your today is full. And if you feel medication gives you this, or if you feel natural therapy gives you this, then do your best to adhere to it wholeheartedly, even when it is difficult. (And every path for us Crohnies is difficult! That is why we are such tempered and patient people with such great character!)
I will of course share with you my journey to finding what path brings me a full today in hopes of brightening up our forum a little bit. It is important to celebrate success on a daily basis, even when it is followed by a setback.
I wish you all many daily successes! Remember, healing takes place in the mind first. The body will follow.
Prayers, Shannon
