Seven Years

Seven years ago this month, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after dealing with several months of pain, weight loss, and intestinal problems. On Thursday, I go in for my 4th colonoscopy since being diagnosed (sorry, too much information). While I am not excited about having to do the preparation for it tomorrow, I am anxious to see the results. Long story short, I have felt better in the last year than I have felt since my diagnosis. That is due mostly to the fact that we have finally found a medication that seems to be working fairly well. Recent blood tests have shown that my disease is likely not in complete remission but, if my symptoms and my general wellbeing are any indicator, I am optimistic that there will be some good news on Thursday.

I wrote a facebook note back in April of 2013, four months after being diagnosed, that I found recently. What I said then still holds true today:

I have come to realize how much my happiness, motivation, and attitude can be influenced by how well I feel physically. I can feel great one morning and be ready to go out and change the world and, within an hour, I can be laying on my couch wanting to quit everything and find an excuse to not go anywhere or do anything. When I don’t feel well, I can tell that my productivity goes down and I am constantly preoccupied with a disease instead of living life.

The only thing I would add now is that it’s not just physical health that can have this impact, but mental health, too.

I am grateful that I am in much better shape than I was in April of 2013. Since then, I have tried about 8 or 9 different medications for my disease. I got a new gastroenterologist who genuinely wants me to be better which makes a world of difference. The medications I am taking now are weekly and monthly (rather than multiple times a day), and I no longer have to go to a clinic to get a two hour long infusion every six weeks. Even more importantly, I have been able to live my life the last year without having to constantly worry about how I am going to feel. I’ve been able to travel out of the country, fly on planes, and go places without needing to find a bathroom all of the time. I know that my condition may get worse some day. Or it may get better. Or a cure may be discovered. Whatever the case may be, I am happy to know that, at least for now, I am in a much better place than I was in April of 2013.

I mentioned that – if I could edit my original post in 2013 – I would include mental health as a factor of one’s wellbeing. I see with my students everyday, and even with myself sometimes, that mental status can change so quickly. Our perspective on a situation and even our overall outlook on life is always seen through the filter of our physical and mental status. I feel fortunate that my current physical health is relatively good and that I haven’t really experienced any significant mental health problems. These things allow me to have a fairly positive outlook which I know is not true for everybody.

The past seven years with Crohn’s disease have challenged me. They’ve forced me to grow as a person. They’ve given me a different perspective on life and allowed me to empathize with others. There have been some embarrassing moments and some frustrating moments. Some days were really difficult and some really great. Our experiences can’t be separated from our physical and emotional wellbeing so, the more we take care of ourselves and others, the better off we will be.

Now, off to eat my last meal until Thursday.