I’m a busy girl…but not like you think.

 

A few weeks ago, I took a leap of faith and started this blog and our Facebook page.  As you can imagine, there have been quite a few hurdles for us since then. To get a better understanding of one aspect of the chronic illness life, I’d like to share my appointment book with you. Below are the months of March, April and May.

 

March 2016

April 0216

May 2016

 

Looks busy, huh? Take a look closer and you will see the majority are doctor’s appointments. There are many that have yet to be scheduled for the end of April and into May. I see my therapist (mental health) once a week. I schedule the following week’s appointment after each session. I will also be scheduling physical therapy for twice a week through the end of May. That’s about 15 more appointments to be added to the books. 15!

It’s exhausting. There are other factors to consider: insomnia, fatigue, pain, anemia, brain fog, etc. On bad brain fog days, I don’t even like to drive. Unfortunately, I don’t have a choice. I put the work in on my part because I want to feel better. Sometimes the only thing I can physically and emotionally do is get to my appointment and back home. That leaves minimal time for much else…but that’s another topic I plan to explore at a later time.

In closing, my point is to show you why I’ve yet to really post anything between here and our Facebook page. I have a really long entry that I am working on and am excited to finish, but the topic is emotionally draining and I’m sure I am being overly critical of my writing and experience.

So, let’s talk! How often do you go to the doctor? How many doctors make up your team? Have you had trouble finding a doctor that’s the ‘right fit’? How do you deal with the constant doctor’s appointments, labs, scans, etc.?

xo

Hollie

 

Meet Two Crohn’s Girls

Welcome to Two Crohn’s Girls! Cara & Hollie went to the same small high school in the same small town. Years later and many miles apart, they were brought together over a shared diagnosis, Crohn’s Disease. This is where they share their stories from diagnosis to ostomy tips to being a mom with a chronic illness.

Meet Cara

Cara was diagnosed in 2005 with Crohn’s disease. She has tried and failed each biologic treatment that was available during this time. Remicade was the only one that seemed to be promising until she developed an allergic reaction. During this time, Cara has been in and out of remission. A flare in 2015 lead to her first surgery and a subsequent emergency ileostomy. Six months later, she went under the knife again for a colostomy. Cara has three beautiful children and lives in West Virginia. She believes in her heart that her struggles with Crohn’s Disease has given her the opportunity and desire to share her story and help others.

Meet Hollie

Hollie was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in November of 2000. Remicade has been her saving grace since 2002. She lives on Maryland’s eastern shore with her girlfriend, Lynzie,  and many pets: 4 dogs, 1 cat, 3 fish and 8 chickens. Hollie enjoys meeting those affected by IBD and other GI issues as she believes in the power of “Me too”. Sharing stories and experiences, help patients feel less isolated and alone. Hollie was very young when her mother was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and only 30 years old when her mother passed away due to complications of CD.  As a result, she has experience as a patient and a caregiver.

If you have any questions for Two Crohn’s Girls, send them an email at TwoCrohnsGirls@gmail.com!