the ingredients in my witch's cauldron

I am perhaps coming out of the thick of it. My second flare. Many people have asked me what a flare is. I guess I should have explained that a bit more. To be clear, everyone's flare can vary. For me, it means I have frequent bloody and mucousy stools, mostly recently up to 7-8 times a day. Sometimes it's just blood and sometimes it's just mucous. I appreciate people asking me what being symptomatic means because I take it that they care. Or maybe they're just curious, but either way, it's bringing awareness to a disease and that is ALWAYS a positive thing.

I started flaring probably end of October/beginning of November. At that point, I would have a bloody stool maybe once every couple days. It gradually built from one per day, then eventually a couple a day, up until I was experiencing the 7-8 a day. When it gets to that point, I become anemic, fatigued, experience muscle fatigue, and probably a bit malnourished as I am doubtful I am absorbing nutrients.

Following my colonoscopy and the new diagnosis of Crohn's, I had a follow up with my gastroenterologist to discuss treatment options. He heavily encouraged me to get on a biologic immune-suppressant called Humira. He felt this would put me in remission and keep my disease from progressing. I downright refused. It sounds like a slam dunk, though, doesn't it? But if you look at the laundry list of side effects, you might think differently. I begrudgingly agreed to try mesalamine-oral and enemas. Meslamine is a non-steroid and a "heavy duty" form ibuprofen. So it's an anti-inflammatory. Before the appointment, I researched side effects, which were headache, hair loss, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal swelling, amongst others. This seems atrocious but Humira had much worse side effects, especially long term. I started the enemas right away after the appointment and hesitated taking the oral mesalamine of 3000 mg daily because I still just didn't feel right about it.

Within a week of my gastroenterology follow up, I went in for a CT Scan to see how far my disease had spread into my small bowel. Keep in mind, my doctor had used the words "Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's, Ileitis, losing your bowels, exploding intestines, colostomy bags, you're too young". These heavy connotations littered our appointment and left me feeling deflated. I wondered, "what the heck was I thinking? That I was bigger than my disease? That I really could do this on my own, without medication??!!" I did the CT Scan without much hope of a good outcome. My mom came and sat with me beforehand while I drank the murky contrast fluid (3 big cups!) and lifted my spirits.

A week later, my doctor's nurse called with the results. No severe or significant small bowel lesions. No other inflammation other than mild in the lower rectum. No ileitis. I had her repeat it to me 4 times. Then I still didn't believe her and asked to speak with the actual doctor. She said she would see what she could do. A couple days later, another nurse called and said the. same. thing. Wait. Wait. What??!! Are you saying there isn't Crohn's after all? "The CT scan revealed there is no inflammation in the small bowel, ileum, and only mild in the lower rectum." I hung up confused and dazed. Doc still says to take the mesalamine to combat my symptoms in the meantime and prevent progression. I had been using the enemas for about a week at that point and they helped significantly. Nonetheless, still not convinced by my good news, I agreed to start the oral mesalamine. Over the course of 6 days, I experienced terrible headaches, severe abdominal swelling, extreme flatulence, abdominal pain, and on the 6th day, I had a white stool. According to healthline.com:

Normal stools can vary in shades of brown, mostly due to diet. Pale or clay-colored stools are not normal. If your stools are pale or clay-colored, you may have a problem with the drainage of your biliary system, which is comprised of your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Bile salts are released into your stools by your liver, giving the stools a brown color. If your liver is not producing enough bile, or if the flow of the bile is blocked and not draining from your liver, your stools will be pale or clay-colored.
Having pale or clay-colored stools once in a while may not be a cause for concern. If it occurs frequently, you may have a serious illness. You should see your doctor whenever you have pale or clay-colored stools in order to rule out illness and disease.

Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and naproxen), birth control pills, some antibiotics, and anabolic steroids can cause drug-induced hepatitis. Drug-induced hepatitis is a swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by medications. Drug-induced hepatitis and the related discolored stools usually go away within a few weeks after the medications are discontinued.



Mesalamine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. My kidneys and liver were having a very severe reaction to a medication that was supposed to be helping me. I called the nurse immediately and told her my symptoms. Her and doc agreed to stop it immediately and once again recommended Humira. I said I'd keep using the enemas and keep them posted.

With the results of my CT Scan, I began to feel renewed again in my ability to heal. Under the coaxing of my mom, I contacted a doctor who does acupuncture. I saw her for a consult and we discussed my history. She could actually relate and appreciate my story because she has Crohn's. We discussed alternative and holistic treatment options, from vitamins and supplements, to essential oils and acupuncture. I have since had an acupuncture session and it was wonderful. I will be continuing that treatment as it is supposed to help with my stress levels and to remain in remission It is also a good tool while symptomatic by shortening the length of the flare.

I also was able to figure out a good regime with the guidance of my chiropractor of when (what time of the day) to take my vitamins and supplements so I am achieving optimal healing by means of muscle testing. I am currently on:

*a probiotic
*B6
*whole food daily vitamin Juice Plus http://www.juiceplus.com/content/JuicePlus/en/what-is-juice-plus/what-is-juice-plus.html
*Zyflamend http://www.newchapter.com/zyflamend/zyflamend-whole-body
*L-Glutamine
*D3 30K IUs
*mesalamine enemas at night

I currently have maybe 1-2 stools with small indications of blood. This is a vast improvement from where I was even a couple weeks ago. I am feeling more confident as each day passes. This flare lasted about 3 months, whereas my last flare about 4 years ago lasted over 8 months.

It is only when you go through the darkness that you really appreciate the light. I am so grateful for my prayer warriors, encouragers, supporters of my constant hunger for natural healing. I've learned so much this past flare. I've learned I'm not invincible and that stress triggers my flares. I've learned to believe in my abilities again. I've learned that life is fragile and precious and not to squander it. I've learned about acupuncture. I've been reminded of how strong and badass I am to combat this! I've learned once again that this will never go away and yet find myself blessed every day.

Ollie applying an egg wash to our paleo mini bagels. #lilchef

We are OBSESSED with smoothies and protein shakes. This one was a blend of frozen fruit, cranberry juice, a can of grapefruit La Croix, raw local honey, and grass fed beef gelatin.

#realtalk

Running is my therapy.

Is it summer yet??!! #realmenwearspeedos

Our weekend birthday celebration in Minneapolis. I turned the big 3-0 and Travis 31. Me and my OG (Original Ginger).