MY visit to the "white coats" ;)

[NoahsMommy]

Thanks for the cute phrase Logan.

I went to my GI for my follow up after my procedures yesterday. I suffer from a moderate case of Crohn's Disease.

He prescribed me Pentasa (250 mg), and I need to take 8 a day for the rest of my life. This medicine in unique in that it needs to be released at the site of the problem. So, it'll open up right after it hits my stomach and will then travel to the intestines and colon to make me feel better. This drug also needs to be taken when/if David and I decide to have children biologically. (Otherwise, if I have an attack, my body could abort the baby. Interesting, huh?)

Anyway, I'll be monitored for any kidney damage every six months and will get to have colonoscopies every 2 years after I've had Crohn's for 8-10 years. This will be checking for early signs of colon cancer.

As far as food, he told me that everyone is different and to moniter everything I eat. So, I'm going to start keeping a food journal. I ate an apple with lunch and my pain seems to be creeping back, so I guess I'll be adding raw apples to my list of no-no's.

Thanks for all your advice and concern for me. You are all wonderful friends.

God Bless,
Kelly

[luckies4me]

Kelly,


I am glad your doctor prescribed meds that could help you treat what you have. Keep the faith and I will be praying for you.

[aly]

Awww Kelly, I wish I could give you a big hug! 8 pills a day??? Wow. You're a strong, wonderful person to be handling all this so well! I'll keep you in my prayers that this will remain as easy as possible for you.

[batgirl1980]

Wow. 8 pills a day.. well I shouldn't say much, i take that much in vitamins and herbs LOL.

But really, glad to hear that you're at least on the path to getting better. I know it'll be a pain, especially monitoring food!

Keep it up. I'll keep you in my prayers! (and Micah too!)

[NoahsMommy]

Thanks guys. I just took my first two pills. I have to take two after breakfast, lunch and dinner and then two more before bed. I'm just worried about remembering to TAKE them.

[aly]

It will become habit for you ... like taking shots is for me and Naomi.

[gini]

Kelly, Bless your heart! 8 pills a day.

The food journal is such a good idea. You will have some disappointments as you discover the foods that cause you the problem...but there will be some nice surprises too - hopefully some of your favorites don't have any effect on you.

At least NOW YOU KNOW what you are dealing with and why!
Everyone will be so understanding.........and after a while taking the pills will be so second nature to you that you won't ever forget.

The good news is that you can lead a strong healthy life and continue on ..........

You have been so lighthearted about it with us..........but it just could not have been easy for you!

A big hug to you!!

[Karen]

I agree - soon it will become routine ... but until then, maybe you need a Winnie the Pooh watch with an alarm! That's what I have to remind me of my twice a day antihystamines! Otherwise, somewhere between half an hour to an hour after I SHOULD have taken it, I'll sneeze, and go ... Duh!!!! Sniffle...

Good for you, life will be different from now on, but hopefully a lot more comfortable and less worrisome!

If you have a micrwave at work, and love apples, you could try a microwave-baked apple and see if that is better un your insides softer, anway ... core the apple (or quarter it), stuff the inside with brown sugar (or raisins .. or whatever) sprinkle cinnamon on top if you have it, then microwave 'til it bubbles. Yummmm!

Now, go rub some kitty tummies in celebration - you went to the white-coats, didn't bite or scratch anyone, and didn't piddle on the table, right? Good girl, you get treats!

[Sudilar]

Hope you get everything regulated quickly! Glad there is medicine to help you. You will get used to taking your pills. It will become a habit. Good luck!

[gini]

Originally posted by Karen

, and didn't piddle on the table, right? Good girl, you get treats!

Gosh, Karen, if she did, do you think she would tell us??

[shais_mom]

I am glad that is a mild case!
Good Luck with remembering the pills! That is a challenge

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Now, go rub some kitty tummies in celebration - you went to the white-coats, didn't bite or scratch anyone, and didn't piddle on the table, right? Good girl, you get treats!

*lol*

wow... eight pills.... It is good that it is so treatable.. . I could easily swollow eight pills to keep comfortable. I'm still praying for you though....

[Barbara]

A mild case. That's good.
It's very likely that you can keep it under control just this way.

I know people who also have to keep a food journal for that reason. It becomes a habit and you'll knwo what helps you to keep your tummy ok.

And relaxing with cats is good for any medical problem

[lynnestankard]

{{{Hugs}}}} Kelly - I'm so pleased that you're on something that will hopefully help - I think after some time taking the tablets will become second nature. And being such a good girl at the 'white coats' deserves a treat! Your in my thoughts and fingers are well and truly crossed.

Lynne

[PayItForward]

Thank god, you have a mild case. Good luck with remembering to take all the tablets.

Maybe you could use one of those weekly pill boxes my mum uses. You place the right number of pills in each section and glancing at the box, reminds you whether you have taken enough today. Until it becomes second nature.

All the best. Cuddle those kitties.