Monday, February 8, 2010

I Survived…AGAIN!


I feel like I am saying this phrase way to often, but I guess it's better than the alternative statement. ;) 

Well, today was the most anticipated day of my colonoscopy.  I will admit, the whole experience was not exactly a joy; however, it wasn't the worst thing in the world either.  I knew I needed to do it and now that I did, I am so happy I went through everything. 

2 days of not eating and an entire day of "cleansing" really starts to get to a person.  I think that hardest part was the not eating, but once I started forcing 8 billion gallons of liquids in my stomach, I sort of forgot about food. 

Okay, but now for the important part…the results.

As soon as I woke up from the procedure, the doctor took me and Toly into a room and told us that he had found some things.  I was actually hoping he would say this because I knew there was something, I just wanted to know exactly what that something was. 

Good News: My colon looks good!!!  
Bad News: The lower lining of my large intensive (aka rectum) is positively a mess. 

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Proctits which is an IBD that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the rectum. Basically, Colitis affects the colon and Proctits affects the rectum.  Proctitis is much more treatable and manageable than Colitis and has a significantly less chance of spreading or developing into something more serious. 

It is something that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life, however.  Any IBD is really not fully curable, rather more or less treatable.  I'm actually not very surprised because I feel as thought I've been dealing with an IBD for most of my life. 

The doctor prescribed me some medicine that he said will help me feel better within a week!  Thank goodness!!!!  From here on out, it's going to be one of those things I will just have to monitor and learn how to live with.  Thankfully, I already eat a well balanced and healthy diet, and the things that I have already eliminated or decreased from my diet years ago are the main components that trigger symptoms of an IBD (such as dairy, meat, processed foods…etc.)  So, really it's not going to be a HUGE life change, but I may need to be a bit more in tune with my diet and intakes to make sure that I am not triggering any more attacks.  For example, I think I will start watching my intake of gluten because gluten is another culprit that is found to be directly related to any IBD disorder. 

Wow, such a relief!  When I got home this afternoon, I was famished, naturally.  But, still feeling rather crampy and bloated.  It was like my stomach was so sore and empty that it was at the point of hunger pains, but the thought of putting anything heavy into it make me sick. 

The only thing in the world I wanted…...



Big bowl of cereal (puffins and oatmeal squares) with bananas, blueberries, and almond milk and whole wheat bagel 1/2 with Peanut Butter and banana.  Along with a massive cup of coffee to nurse the MAJOR caffeine headache I've had for the past 2 days.

Amazing!  Food never tasted so good! 

I'm taking it easy for the rest of the day.  Apparently, I am not supposed to make any important decisions, drive, exercise, or operate heavy machinery. I guess the snow plowing will have to wait! :) 

Thank you all for your well wishes and sweet support! :)  
You guys are the best and I love you all!

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22 comments:

  1. oh girl! I'm so glad its over!!! And at least now you have some answers (hoooooray!)Take it VERY easy today. Enjoy the eating ;)

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  2. Glad to hear you've finally figured it out! It sounds like you have a positive mindset about the whole situation. Cereal is such a good comfort food though :)

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  3. You must be sooo happy that you have something figured out, and that it's not the worst case scenario.

    Have a restful day today
    xo
    Jess

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  4. I am glad to hear it is over and some answers were found. I am sure you are utterly bumbed that you can not operate a snow blower, huh? :)

    Have a good rest of the day, friend!!!

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  5. Wow you seem so postive about everything! I am glad you got some results and answers, best of luck with treatment!

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  6. your attitude is incredibly inspirational. you are so positive. i am so glad that you know what hte issue is and know you will get through anything :)

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  7. So glad you made it through and finally got some results!! I've been praying for you girl!! Have a great and relaxing rest of the day and keep up your wonderful attitude!!

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  8. Glad that is over. I had/have GI issues and I know they are not fun. Hang in there!

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  9. I'm so happy that a. you found what the issue was and b. it's not the worst case scenario. Granted, it doesn't sound like fun! You sound positive and upbeat so I'm hoping that everything will turn around for you!! I'm sending you lots of get well wishes :)

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  10. I am so glad you got this over with and found out some major 411 that will help you out so much!! :)

    XOXO

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  11. oh honey, i am so glad to hear that you are okay, your diagnosis is positive and that you are remaining upbeat! i can't even imagine what that is like not to know and have to wonder for so long - drink up that coffee girl and take care. lots and lots and lots of love to you!

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  12. glad to hear that it's over, you survived and that you have an answer! I hope that the meds do make you feel better in a week - that would be awesome!

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  13. Yay - answers!!! I'm so happy that you were able to figure out what the heck is going on, and better able to understand how to manage this. My Dad has chrons and he's very sensitive to gluten too. Anyways, kudos!!

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  14. SO glad that you got some answers!! And thankfully it's manageable. My endocrinoligist told me that people can be gluten or wheat-intolerant without being a Celiac. I'm still investigating my issues, but I haven't been proactive about it in awhile-- I got sick of going to doctors lol.

    Your first meal was rather humble, I would have eaten everything in sight, starting with my own arm! lol Actually I've had fasting tests, and you really do get used to not eating and you're full and bloated. Blah. :)

    Jenn

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  15. Lauren, so I just started reading so I haven't been following what was going on with your health, but I hope that you are feeling better and better everyday!

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  16. Breathe, eat, and start feeling better!

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  17. What a day- hard to believe this is the first post I read from you, ever, but I'm happy to be on board with your adventure as you figure it out- I love your blog, and the looks of that puppy- sorry to hear you had a lame couple of days, but good news is that you have answers, and that is always enough.

    Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! xo

    PS- I had to google you from Meals & Moves- make sure to post up your blog address for people!

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  18. Yay! Glad it's over!! So not fun. I have to start going soon since colon cancer runs in the family. Yikes!

    Glad you finally got to eat somethin' good =)

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  19. Girl, I feel ya...I've had to have numerous colonoscopies! YUCK. Take care!!!

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  20. Oh my goodness. I can't imagine going through this, and I am so sorry to hear about the 'bad news.' Thank goodness that at least your colon looks ok. I can't fathom not eating for two days. That sounds like a nightmare! Thank goodness it's all over.

    I bet those Puffins tasted amazing after all that ;)

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  21. whew! you must be so relieved. you have the greatest attitude. now i hope you can enjoy the relaxation!!!

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  22. Thanks for the comment! I guess we're both full of poop huh? I was so excited about the "emptying" out process too. I only had to not eat 1 day so I can imagine your pain. I looked at the symptoms of the Ulcerative Proctitis and luckily I don't have those. I go back to the doc on March 11th...i'll keep you posted! Right now he thinks my pancreas is producing too many enzymes???

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