From Colitis to Crohn's….20 years of a progressive illness

HEALTH HISTORY and TREATMENT

I started having problems as I was ending a very stressful job in 1990. A Gastroentologist confirmed with several tests including a colonoscopy, that my intestines were inflamed, diagnosed me with Colitis and prescribed sulfasalzine. This dose was increased by another doctor several years later as I continued to experience low grade fevers, bloating, diarrhea, mucus and/or constipation. I also changed the way I cooked; without frying and I minimized my dairy intake. This doctor also discovered I had a lactose intolerance. I fortunately experienced a period of remission starting in 1994 during which time I had my second child. Again, stress possibly caused the next flare-up in early 1996.

From 1996 to now, I have experienced many flare-ups, each seemingly worse. In addition to the problems above, I also had some bleeding. I have been on prednisone too many times which has resulted in the bone lose. Fosamax only upset my stomach. I also experienced Anemia which has been a life long problem. Again, Iron tablets only upset my system. I was referred to take a laxative too which ALSO upset my system. Other medications prescribed during this time included Rowasa, Protofoam, Flagyl, Vioxx and Remicaid. 6 MP has been recommended by 2 doctors but I have avoided this to date.

In the fall of 1998, I experienced low grade fevers and fatigue which they thought may be mono, spots on my arms and legs which they thought may be chicken pox, respiratory problems, arthritis along with the other problems of Crohn's/Colitis. After a 6 week absence from work, I returned for 4 weeks only to be out with the flu in the winter. This turned into a respiratory infection. The antibiotic given to clear me up gave me diarrhea and put me in the hospital with dehydration. At that time, a fistula formed which changed my diagnosis to Crohn's Disease. The treatment was steroids and Remicade. I responded well to the treatment given. During 1999, I was also diagnosed with Institial Cystitis which is inflammation of the bladder lining for which I took medication for that too.

In the fall of 1999, a second round of Remicaid was given due to another flare-up. After the second dose, I experience a locked jaw and the following 9 - 12 months, arthritis. I was taking 50 mg of Vioxx a day to help with the pain.

Throughout 2000 - 2002, I was on prednisone several more times due to flare-ups. In the fall of 2002, I had bronchitis for 6 weeks. When I did not respond to the medication, I was prescribed 3 different 7 day packs of prednisone before I responded and got better.
Another flare-up started and continually got worse (I tended to ignore the symptoms and live with them). By the time I saw a doctor the end of March in 2003, I was having trouble walking due to the Tendonitis in my foot, I had a boil on my wrist and severe pain in my knees. I also had open sores on my upper arms. At that time they were small. The doctor did not want to place me on prednisone again due to the bone loss I was diagnosed with. However, when he did, it was obvious that this time the Prednisone was not going to work. He recommended several alternatives: 6MP, Remicaid or an irreversible Illeostomy. Due to the progression of the disease, these were the only alternatives.

At that time, I knew there was one other alternative.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

My first consultation with Virginia was in the summer of 1997. I was having the classic flare-up and with the encouragement of my mother, I started the macrobiotic diet. I followed the diet well for about 4 months - until I went to work that fall. During that time, my bleeding had stopped (within just a few weeks) and I experienced an overall improvement in my health.

My second consultation with Virginia was in the spring of 2000. During this time, I was experiencing the arthritis pain. I cannot really say I practiced the diet in the fullest but I did enough to keep me out of trouble…..for a while.

AMAZING RECOVERY

After the doctor told me I needed surgery, somehow I managed to drive from Georgia to Tennessee. Once I arrived, I call Virginia to get another consultation with her. She only had an 8:30 am appointment available the day before she was leaving town on business. By the time she saw me, a bladder infection cropped up and I was doing much worse - ready to go to the emergency room because I could not take care of myself. She took one look at me and said I could come to her home and if we did not turn this around in 24 hours, I could go to the emergency room then.

My bladder infection was gone the next morning! I stayed at Virginia's home for 10 days. During that time, I did a lot of reading and learned a lot about the macrobiotic diet. I was also on herbs and a probiotic that assisted with my healing. Virginia had to leave town but Suzi cooked for me during those three days. I had Reiki several times and could feel the positive results from this. After I left Virginias, I stayed at my sisters cooking and staying in touch with the KOL. By the following weekend, I was able to attend the cooking classes with Christina Pirello. No one thought I would last through the day!!!

I walked away from this experience renewed spiritually and physically. I have now embraced my kitchen by hearing how others have done so. I have found ways to keep me on track, balancing what I eat. I realize that this is a continual learning process until I truly experience all four seasons. After that, I am sure there is more to learn!

This fall, I had another setback due to emotion and the lack of balance. I found I was protein deficient and took steps to correct that. I still have to address the bone loss issue and my anemia but hope to do so with the proper supplements. I am seeking counseling to help me address some emotional issues I have stuffed deep inside.

Good health is emotional, spiritual as well as physical. I have seen my body heal in all kinds of way. I feel I am at my ideal weight now, my fingernails will grow and not split, my energy level has increased and my mind is clearer. I don't get upset over the little things. For the first time in the last 20 years, I feel I have control over my health. I CAN control a flare-up and not ever experience what I have been through in the past. Of course that comes with commitment and willpower - something I will continually ask my Lord and Savior for help with. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to heal thanks to Virginia and her staff and all those associated with the KOLLC.