It all started back in March of 2007 when I was having HORRIBLE pains (and actually prior to that it had been going on but I kept it between my family and I and I am not going into detail here but just know it got to be unbearable and I spent the next two years basically drugged up) I went to doctor after doctor searching for an answer. Every time I went into a new doctors office I thought, "this is it they will be able to diagnose me" and almost every time I was wrong. They were treating the symptoms not the overall problem. SHOUT OUT to all my doctors though. I know that I was sent to each of them by Gods leading and urging. He used my Mom a lot in this process too!)
So finally after eight surgeries, numerous doctor visits, and too many trips to the hospital (is it sad when you get to know your doctors by first name and a visit to them becomes more social than anything?) I was diagnosed by my PCP (everything started being filtered through his office, who'da thunk!) with having Crohns Disease. I was ecstatic to have a diagnosis but... NOW WHAT!?!?!
So after being put on medication, antibiotics and starting a new treatment, which has the side effect of death...(no biggie right... I know where im going) I was starting to feel like it was never going to end, and possibly just masking what was really going on.
Turns out all of this stuff I was put on was indefinite. What?? So when I die they could blame it on my medication? No there has to be more to it than this. Life has to be lived to its fullest yet every eight weeks I am tied to an IV.
Upon meeting my (now) husband in December of 2009 and explaining to him what all has gone on and of course thinking to myself, "as soon as he finds all this out, hes outta here" he urged me to try a more hollistic approach. Forget modern medicine (when I can) and explore possibilities.
I thought it over, and weird enough I went out to dinner with a group of friends prior to Christmas and one girl had very similiar symptoms, found a nutritionist and had been doing well ever since. Im not kidding you I felt like an old woman discussing ailments with everyone there. But my heart leapt and I started questioning it. But still being leery of "natural medicine" I did not get this doctors info. I prayed about it, mulled it over, talked to my parents and Justin about it. It was a hard decision coming to a place in my life where I could fully hand this over to the Lord. But the decision was made and I went through many channels to get Dr. Sconyers information. The appointment was set and Justin took off work to go with me. I was nervous but knew it was going to be productive. It was a full four hours of an emotionally packed meeting with him and telling him my story.
Dr. Sconyers immediately asked if I had ever tried to be gluten/dairy free. No, why? I said back with a shudder to think i would have to give up the goods. He explained that my body cannot process these foods (most likely) and by eating them I am continuing to harm my body. WHAAAT! I am poisoning myself!?!?! That is crazy.
As Justin and I walked out of his office with a new approach to eating we were both hungry. A Chipotle bowl was as good as it was going to get. All I knew at that point was I had to stay away from any dairy and basically all breads. BOO!
My family and Justin have all been so supportive of this. Justin has gone almost completely Gluten free with me (he only eats it when hes out with other people) and my Mom makes gluten free/dairy free desserts and meals when we come over. My Dad actually wanted to try being gluten free for a week to see what it was like for me. What an awesome family, what a huge blessing to me.
I need to stop here and say a HUGE thank you to my Mom. All of my family was vital in my walk through this but my Mom and I bonded greatly over these years. She was not only my mom but my at-home nurse, a confidant, a leader, an encourager, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. So what Im trying to say is Thank You, Mom. You are one amazing woman and I hope to be half the wife, mother and daughter you have shown me to be. I love you.
Okay enough of this mushy stuff... as of today I have not been admitted to the hospital in almost a year and I only have to go to the doctor for regular check-ups!!!! PRAISE THE LORD! My doctors were all invited to my wedding (because thats how close you get when youre in there all the time!) and I am happily married to a wonderful supportive man who encourages me every day in every way. Thank you Justin for urging and encouraging me to change my life.
a HUGE thank you to all my doctors for being not only doctors but confidants through all of this. I know God lead me to their doors.
Last, but definitely not least, Christ who without I would still be curled up in a ball not living my life. It is through him that I can do all things.
Okay, I feel like I was giving a speech. ha ha anyway, there are a ton of people I am sure I'm forgetting but just so you know I have not forgotten how you helped me through those times.
Gluten/dairy free eating is not as bad as I thought. It was tough starting out but gets easier every day and with the encouragement of my family and friends it is easily done.I have eaten some good, and some not so good gluten free stuff. I tend to stick with the good gluten free stuff... but who wouldnt?
WOW! Nine months... thank you for going by quickly and without me realizing it! If you need any help in the area of gluten free just send me an email graycarolen@gmail.com or visit these sites.
www.celiac.com
www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/
and now for a couple of pictures...
The love of my life, Justin
and the amazing family that helped me through this journey
(from L to R: my Mom (Vicki), me, my sister (Becca), and my Dad (Barney))
This was Becca's graduation night!! Congrats lil' sis, so proud of you!
