This page will be updated when I have news about my health … the latest will always be at the top.
August 3rd: I saw both my doctors last week … or was it the week before? The long story short is I’m ready to start physical therapy and they prescribed me a muscle relaxer. I avoided taking anything for pain all this time and now I’m kicking myself. I feel so much better and all it took was a 5mg pill … shocking!!
July 17th: I finally have news to share …. It’s a long story but I’ll try to shorten it. I went to see my Rheumatologist yesterday for an injection for pain. I’m traveling next week and the lifting of suitcases always hurts my body … even when I feel well. While I was there they were able to look at my MRI results (which I still have not received from that doctor but we won’t talk about that). They said I have three things going on ….but …. we will address it in August … as my appointment yesterday was only for the injections. Bone Spurs in my neck, Stenosis and a bulging disc (also pinched nerves).
The good news is …. it’s not cancer or a tumor. They did say I could start walking to get back in shape …. after they meet with me next month. For now they want me to continue protecting the left side of my body. The doctor reminded me of something yesterday and I’m so thankful. He said these injections are only treating you for pain … they are not fixing your problem. No lifting suitcases and ask for help. I did tell him that people don’t help people my age … he said ASK! Since I don’t want to make my issue worse … I will try to ask … pray I don’t hear a NO this time (I ask someone last year and the person turned away from me).
As for the injections … I had three of them and as of this minute … I’m still in pain and I was awake most of the night … but that could be from taking five naps yesterday. I pray tomorrow I’ll be painfree.
Convention is next week ….. I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to carry my stuff all day …. every day 🙁
Ending note: Yesterday I had two very awesome doctors. They were so nice, gentle and kind to me… I even thanked them as they were leaving for being so kind … and gentle. They even talked to me and actual conversations that did not relate to my health. (I’m going to write a very nice letter thanking them too!) I recently had a run in with a nasty nurse and she tried to put me in my place … I told her that I learned after my son had a bone tumor for three years and it took three doctors to find it and that I know better than to trust that no news is good news. That is not the case!!!
June 15th: Sorry ….. it’s been forever since I updated this page!! We went to Hawaii in May and I lost control of just about everything at home and at work. I’ll try to catch you up now.
I have two MRI’s this week and two more doctor appointments. I still have no answer. I had an EMG in May (that was NOT pleasant) and I see my doctor about that this week. As I said earlier I’m learning to avoid using my left side …. I only carry a few items to the laundry (three trips to load our washing machine). I never go grocery shopping. Pushing a cart doesn’t hurt …. just the lifting of the bags. Mass is still on the left side of my neck … swollen lymph nodes are still present. The only good news in all this is … I’m not worse. I’ll update this page when I know more.
p.s. I just read my words …… they are choppy and all over the place .. I’m headed to Tennessee next week to see my daddy and I have a million and one things to do before then!
Update April 27th: holy cow I can’t believe I’ve not updated this page … I swear time flies!! In the past 10 days I’ve had Xrays on my neck and back … they’ve found a few nodules on my lungs … and I have some bone spurs. They need to do a Cat Scan to determine the nodules … and I still have my appointment on Thursday with KU Medical. I’ll let you know what I find out … the irony of all this is I still don’t know. Someone ask me if I’m feeling better …the truth is no. I’m just learning to deal with the pain and work when I feel well enough. I used to work 10 -15 hour days …. I’m lucky if I work 8 …. my to do list is keeping me focus on what I must get done each day.
Update April 8th: Cat Scan shows I have some swollen lymph nodes in my neck …. blood work shows I have inflammation ……but we still don’t have an answer. GI tests were done yesterday … survived it …. the worse part was drinking the liquid … I still have a sore throat from the upper test and let me just say … don’t eat a peanut butter sandwich the day after those tests ….the tummy does not like it!! I won’t know the results of the biopsies for a week or so … in the meantime the GI doctor said it’s not Crohns …. thank God! But the question of the day is still … what is the problem? My regular doctor called today and she’s going to refer me to KU Medical … I personally have never been there but that’s who found Chase’s bone tumor when everyone else was telling us it was nothing. As for my pain …..I’m sorry I keep forgetting to include that … woke up this morning pain free … mid day I had sharp stabbing pains in left shoulder and arm. The severe pain comes and goes … but it’s always sore …. if that makes sense.
Update April 3rd: Ultrasound on Wednesday and Cat Scan today.
Update April 1st: The past couple days have been rough …. I have developed a new issue and I’m headed to the doctor today. I was close to going to the ER yesterday but Dave talked me off the ledge and I took a hot bath and went to bed. The new issue is I have a large knot or mass on the left side of my throat … and the knot doesn’t hurt .. but the whole area around it is very painful (left arm, chest, shoulders and back). Say a prayer for me!
Update: March 20th Tests are scheduled for April 7th … people have these tests done every day … but I’m still gonna say it …. say a little pray for me …. on April 7th … in the am.
Update: March 19th My appointment with the GI doctor was today … next up … the tests 🙁 Without mentioning all the words …. they will be testing from the top and the bottom …. as expected…. wait …. I did not anticipate they would go thru my mouth to my stomach. Just typing that is too much info and it gives me the willies! I’m waiting to hear back from Dave on what date works for him … since he will have to drive me … and pretty much hold my hand the whole time.
Update: March 15th My appointment with the GI doctor is on Thursday. The good news is … the steroids that I was given for Bronchitis put an end to the pain … for the most part. I had two bad days of pain … but the last week I’ve had almost none. I’m not sure what means … but I’m sure the doctor will tell me.
Update: February 13th Once again I find myself in the wait pattern … my next appointment is March 19th and I’m on the waiting list for a cancellation. I’m able to sleep …. that’s good. But it still hurts to do most activities (walking up and down stairs…but mainly down, washing and drying my hair, washing dishes, cutting paper with my paper trimmer … anything that extends my range of motion). I cut some fabric last week and at the time it didn’t hurt …. but that night was rough .. so I’ll back off on cutting and go back to using pre-cuts. The fed up side of me wants to say “to heck with this I’m going to do what I want” ….but I’ve learned the hard way … it will come back to haunt me!!
Update: February 9th Nothing is ever easy with me … but … things do tend to work out eventually. So, after months of pain and misery (I call being in pain 24/7 for several months misery) we finally have an answer …but I need more tests to figure out the treatment (wouldn’t you know it). Update April: it is not Crohns. So, here it goes … Crohns Disease. Are you scratching your head? Saying to yourself I thought that was a stomach issue. Well, you’re right …. but what I didn’t know is that it can be very painful to joints …. especially hands, elbows, knees. (Google it … you will see.) I’m still shocked … I never knew (just as I didn’t know a thing about thyroid cancer until I had it). Anyway … the rest of this story may just be more than I’m willing to share (the tests are not pretty and I’m certainly not gonna write some of those words here on my blog … you know what I mean … right?). I’ll update you on how I feel … when or if they prescribe meds. What I know right this minute is as soon as my gut is all straighten out … the pain should disappear without any lasting effects (thank God). What has me troubled is .. I’m still in constant pain and … the tests … yucky yucky yucky! Excuse my childish behavior … it’s no secret in my house that I do not deal well with medical stuff … when accidents happen in our house I always scream at the of my lungs “DAVID” for him to come running and help me … LOL That reminds me of when I fell up the stairs and broke my little finger …many moons ago . .. I ran outside for a neighbor to help me (because Dave was out of town) .. …man the pain was something awful! Sorry for the lane swerve there … just maybe it made you laugh?
Update: February 6th Not much to report today other than …everything is the same. On a positive note I’m sleeping really well thanks to the natural supplements from my chiropractor. I’ve had some crazy dreams this week … which means I’m sleeping! Still waiting to hear results from blood work. I know they said it would take a while …but patience has never been my thing! I continue to try things that may help …. for example the Copper bracelet… it did not help (a month later) so I’ve removed it. I did not wash my hair this week or wash dishes … haven’t stamped or touched my sewing machine ….. stopped using three pillows at night and went to one under my head and one under my arm. So far …. nada (means nothing has worked). The pain in my left foot/leg is better … due to the massive amount of tape on it and if you’d like a good laugh today … imagine me in bathtub twice a day with a garbage bag over my leg. LOL I told Brooke last night someone might have a heart attack if they saw me. With all this gloom and doom we have to find something to laugh about ….right?
Update: February 3rd I’m still waiting on the results of my blood work. The last two days I’ve had a lot of pain!! And …. I think the Curcumin is hurting my stomach and it’s not helped with the pain. My chiropractor told me yesterday to stop all activity that raises my arms above hip level…. grrrr
Update: January 30th I saw the Rheumatologist this morning and it went just as I expected. My regular doctor told me I would need more testing … and that’s what happened. She had lots of questions … and told me that the medicine she thinks will make me feel better could also affect the results of my blood work. So, the first step is blood work ….. went there immediately afterwards. Then based on those results I may need more blood work. In the meantime she told me to take Curcumin 500mg to help with the pain. As soon as I know more I’ll let you know.
Update: January 29th Although I have a whopper of a headache today I’m happy to report that I’m sleeping. The natural meds that the chiropractor gave me … are helping me sleep …but they are not helping with the pain. Tomorrow is my appointment with the Rheumatologist!
Update: January 23rd Two days later the headache is finally gone…. and I’m happy to say I slept pretty good last night. I woke up about three times …. but I was able to go right back to sleep. I feel so good I’m going to head to my office and try to get some work done. It’s crazy because I felt good on Monday and then today is the first day I’ve felt good since…. crazy. I still have the pain … but I’ve told everyone I can handle some of the pain but when you add the pain plus no sleep it’s impossible to do much of anything!
Update: January 21st Woke up with a major headache – entire upper body hurts like someone tossed me in the washing machine.
Update: January 20th I’m headed to my chiropractor in a few hours to see if she can give me any relief for the pain (I was awake most of the night … again!!). I’m counting the hours until January 30th!
January I saw my primary doctor and she mentioned Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and a few other. My blood work ruled out Lupus and I see a Rheumatologist Specialist on January 30th.
In December I could barely function with the lack of sleep and the pain (I’m constantly turning to find a comfortable position ….but there isn’t one …. just laying in bed hurts). I called my thyroid doctor thinking it could be that … she said it was not (that was Christmas week). When I was there I mentioned to her that I had a nose sore …. at the time for three weeks … and that I have had a mouth sore or a sore in my nose for almost three months. She told me to see my regular doctor. I also stopped drinking wine in December for fear it was making things worse (still no improvement).
November I started experiencing pain in my upper body, mainly arms and hands … then it moved to my shoulders and occasionally my legs. I also started having sharp pains in the top of my left foot and my left elbow.
October came and went and I still wasn’t myself. Sleep was still an issue. I saw my thyroid doctor and we discovered that I needed an increase in meds…. she said the right side of my thyroid had probably stopped working and that wasn’t uncommon. With an increase in med my levels returned to normal … I still did not feel well.
In September I noticed I wasn’t feeling myself and dismissed it because I thought I was working a little too much (working on the Retreat and I wasn’t able to sleep).
When I know more I’ll be sure to share it with you.
Thank YOU!!
Angie, I’m so sorry you have received negative comments about posting health updates. I’ve followed your blog for quite awhile. I am concerned and interested in your health. Please don’t get the wrong idea from a few jerks. I wish you well.
Thanks Gerri!!
Don’t give the negative people your power. You need your power to get well. We are pulling for you to be healthy and pain free..
Thanks Dawn!!
Hi Angie,
I am so sorry you have had hurtful and nasty comments regarding your health issues. I simply don’t get people who feel the need to send negative comments. It’s completely incomprehensible! I was concerned for you when there had been no video tutorial. I ADORE your videos!
Get well soon please Angie.
Sending a warm, healing hug from Australia.
Caroline x
Thanks Caroline!!
I just read you last posting. I can’t believe people are so inconsiderate towards people. Your health comes first. When you don’t feel good or in a lot of pain, sometimes you just have to take a break. Don’t let those negative people get you down. There are plenty of bloggers and customers that are concerned with your health.
Get well wishes for you.
Thanks Maureen!!
Hope you feel better soon! So sad that people have such a negative attitude. You do such a great job! Get well soon!
Angie, when I read your note about you receiving the nasty comments, that really fired me up. Some people have some nerve. YOU are doing them a service by offering a wonderful, creative & fun place to go to see great Stampin Up ideas. Not to mention workshops, for FREE. Where in the world can they go, without going out, to get something for free now days? I so wish you could delete them from your site & keep them from being able to even to see anything you have to offer. Why do they even bother. It is your site to do what you want to on there & we watch it because we like it & we also care for you!! I really hate this has happened & I know it does affect you. I have lots of health issues also, due to a fall I had when I was 29 years old & I compressed my spine. I was just standing in a chair getting things down from a shelf, now I am 44 & 12 surgeries later, I am still having lots of problems. I pray you find out soon. I hate people are so rude, but that is all it is, pure rudeness!! Take care until the next appointment. Buffy
Hi Angie, First may I say that I really enjoy your videos and love what you do, I can relate to many of your symptoms and like you have investigated just about everything..Sjogren’s syndrome was suggested by a rheumatologist (I’m 49.) I can understand the frustration, as the pain and physical evidence is there but there isn’t a clear diagnosis. A few years on and I manage the symptoms and do feel better at times, but the cause continues to baffle my doctors. I commend you for being able to provide us with your creativity as I know you must be tired and motivation is difficult, so well done to you!! Take no notice of negative people, you obviously have a huge following of lovely people who are genuinely concerned for you. If you’d like to compare notes I’m happy for you to email me. Take care and I hope you get some relief soon,
So sorry you are still not well, and haven’t gotten an answer that will lead you in the right course to be heeled. However, I am also sorry that others find this time to be rude to ou. No one needs that when they are in pain. I enjoy your posts and will follow you no matter how long it takes. I will add you to my prayers, and hope that you can just learn to ignore the others who just lack the grace to be kind.
I am amazed there are people out there who would take the time to leave nasty comments. If they don’t like what you post on your blog, they just need to move along. Your loyal followers are really worried about your health and while I miss your postings, I am far more concerned about you getting a diagnosis and feeling better. I am relieved that you have posting this update – I have been visiting regularly to see if you have found anything out. So please don’t let some ugly people keep you from letting us know how you are doing. You will be lifted up by the outpouring of love and support from so many of your blog followers. You have made us so happy with your projects -let us make you happy by showing our support while you get better!
I am so sorry that you have received hateful mail regarding your heath. I hope you receive some answers soon so that you will not be in so much pain. Sending prayers and positive thoughts.
Hugs.
Hope you are feeling better soon. Don’t listen to the negatives, keep a positive outlook.
Hi Angie,
I too am sorry that people are so rude. You are so talented and giving of your time and ideas that I feel for you and your health issues. I feel sorry for the folks that are leaving you mean comments…they obviously need a life! Keep on inspiring and be good and kind to yourself! God Bless!
I hope that you soon find out what is wrong with you, you must be out of your mind with worry. Please do not allow nasty people, making equally nasty comments about your health issues to upset you. One day they will realise that what goes around comes around and when they need help and support and some caring words they will not get them! Take care of yourself, we are all praying for you. Thanks for all the pleasure that you give us.
Hey Angie, thinking about u always. I am praying for you. Your supporters love u, n want to know how you r doing. I feel i can speak for all, we want you well.
Hi Angie, I am so glad to finally hear how you are doing. I have been reading the blog
closely looking for updates. Hopefully you will find out more on Jan.30. I so hope you
are feeling better. Hang in there–things are going to get better for you!! There are
many people out here thinking about you and praying for you. Hugs, Margie
Hi I Angie,
Email me anything and EVERYTHING. I consider you a friend. I hear more from you than I do my own relatives. I wait with anticipation hearing about everything you do. I want to
Know about Brooke, Chase, Miss Bella, Quilting, where you and Dave vacation, your lake house, loved the tour of your home and your Daddy’s quilt…..It all interests me. Oh, and the crafting part too.
Your my friend. Don’t leave me out. And I was happy to meet your sister this year on your website. You live life to the fullest and I love hearing about it.
Ignore the naysayers. You have more people in your corner than you will ever know.
NOW, DANG IT,………..GET WELL. and for goodness sakes, keep posting EVERYTHING.
Sincerely, Linda in New Jersey
Hi Angie,
I’m glad that Lupus has been ruled out, however, I do hope that on the 30th, the doctor’s do find a reason for your pain. I think it’s even worse for a person if they feel bad and don’t have an explanation for it. Am keeping you in my prayers that a solution is found soon so you can get back to feeling good. Take care of yourself (and forget all those negative ninnies)!
Marciene
Hi Angie,
I have so enjoyed watching ALL your YOUTUBE video’s and found such inspiration watching them and hearing your voice! Please put it out for your follower’s to send up a prayer for you if that feels right for you right now.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us. You have been blessed in many ways and have many talents …….Sending good thoughts your way. 🙂
Angie,
I am very sorry to hear you are ill. You are the highlight of my day sometimes and when I need a quick idea I KNOW I will something clean and simple and do-able. I am an ex-demo working off her inventory so I don’t order much but I send my sister and my old customers to you. Please get well soon.
P.S. love your home….might copy the whole thing 🙂
Hi Angie,
I’m so sorry to that you’re going through all of this. My sister has problems with her tyroid as well. She has a load of issues as well and going into the Dr. to adjust her meds nearly every couple of months. She was also told that she has Rheumatoid Arthritis. I will be praying for you to find relief and better med control.
God Bless,
Dawn
I am sorry for the rude people. Hope you will start to feel better after seeing the specialist.
I am truly sorry that insensitive people have been dissing you. I have been reading your blogs for a while and appreciate all that you do for us. If I didn’t know about your problems, how could I pray for a quick resolution??? As it is, because you have shared your life, I am able to offer prayer and we KNOW that prayer works! Ignore those insensitive people. They need to get a life. Prayers , blessings and love to you.
Thank you for all that you do for “the community”. Thank you for being honest about your health, rather than to try and cover it up with a stilted attitude that would come off as a “don’t care” attitude. Love your videos, ideas & the encouragement to stay inspired. May the “tacky tail un-caring followers” find their way to the exit door to go vulture somewhere else. Keep smiling, and looking for solutions.
Angie, I apologize for the rude people….they are everywhere. I want to thank you for everything that you do for us and I hope that you will soon find out what you have so you can start receiving the proper treatment. God Bless.
Hope that u feel better and the doctors find out what the problem really is I know I art righties in my lower back and being on feet really hurts so don’t pay any attention to the negative comments their turn will come and they won’t be so fast to dish any negative words out of their mouths ….. Rhonda
Angie, praying that you get some answers and relief soon. Thanks for all you have been doing through all of these health issues. I just wanted to let you know I made some of your bath crystals with a vanilla scented oil and I named them Snowflake Bath Crystals (something you could change up with for next years 12 days of Christmas projects) everyone loved them! I just used 4 oz. Quilted canning jars and used snowflakes in the labels and tags.
Thanks for sharing and giving me inspiration!
Hi Angie, sorry it is such a process for you to get answers for your health. I was diagnosed years ago with fibromyalgia and can keep it all pretty much in control. The best initially was getting a diagnosis and knowing what it was so hope you get a diagnosis soon and can start healing soon. I love all that you do and helps keeps me motivated…..I have struggled recently with the passing of my husband and flare ups of the fibro but your ideas and projects will get me going again soon. Wishing you answers and good health in 2015.
Sometimes Lyme disease can be a sneaky culprit. Hard to diagnose, but I know people
that have benefited by treatment by qualified professionals. Good luck in finding the cause of your situation Angie. You are a great teacher and artist. Love your work. Remember
people can only hurt you if you let them.
Hi Angie, Been following you for a bit- love your videos!!
So sorry to hear about your health troubles. I have had Fibromyalgia for 20 years- not fun but manageable. Worse in the first few years but more up and down now. Sleep is so key to feeling better- it is half the battle. I will pray for you and hope you get things sorted out real soon. Take care!
Sorry you are getting negative comments, some people think you owe them a new post everyday. Keep a positive attitude and we will keep praying for your good health. Jan. 30 is just around the corner, hang in there. Thank you for all you give us.
Angie, just think January 30th is in a few days. Hang in there. I am praying that the news is not to drastic. And about the negative responders, they don’t have a clue what pain and illness is about, believe me, I understand. Prayers and love are with you,. Forget about the negative and concentrate on the positive. Ilena
I have been very concerned about you and am appalled to hear there are people out there that are so insensitive to others and their problems. Someday, they may be in your shoes and will looking for understanding and sympathy themselves. I have been suffering from pain and extreme exhaustion for the last year. I did have a major illness and major surgery in February, but never could get my strength back. I was suffering from extreme exhaustion. I have gone through every test imaginable, as well as Cat Scans and X-rays. I have had every blood test run, including one for lead poisoning to no avail. My pulmonary doctor suggested a sleep study, which showed I was suffering from severe sleep apnea. I went back to have a sleep test with the CPAP machine, which I did not sleep real well because of adjusting to the machine, and the tech coming in the room constantly to adjust the machine. But even not sleeping well, I awoke the next morning I felt better than I had in over a year. I have been on the machine for 3 weeks and I feel like a new person. I am in a better mood, my blood pressure is down and I have more energy than I have ever had. I am 64 years old, but now feel much younger. This might be something you can look into,
I will pray for you and for the doctors to find what is wrong.
Belvq
Praying for you Angie! Hang in there. You will find answers. Thankfully your Dr has been able to rule out some things. Love your videos. Hugs!
Angie, Just read your latest update, which is blood work, and more blood work. A new medicine… I am praying for you and your doctors and pray for your pain to ease and for you to be well. I enjoyed your post on the quilting, which I have never done but have thought about trying. My daughter was doing some with one of the ladies from our church, and had made a couple of small hangings for craft shows at our church. Very pretty; my girlie is very crafty, too. It must be hard on you today to not be in Florida. I am sending out some extra strength for you today. 🙂 You have a very loyal following, even a newbie like me who feels she knows you and has met you, just by you being who you are on your website and your live streams. Be well Angie, God Bless.
I hate it that you couldn’t get answers right away…. Don’t you wish it was like on tv where in 1 hour or less, you are diagnosed and cured or at least on your way to recovery.
May God bless and keep You and Yours.
Oh Angie. So sorry about your pain and things not working for you. I am glad to hear you are sleeping. Can you talk more about the bag? Why are you wearing a bag on your leg? You did not fall and break something, did you? Still praying for you, girl! You hang in there! Watch you tube videos! I saw one with a gal who made the berry basket with no die! Dang! Store up the ideas so when you feel 100% you can craft like crazy! 🙂 Be well.
My husband has Crohn’s Disease too. He was diagnosed back in 1980. My best advice to you is to watch what you eat, or what triggers it to act up. As of late, I’ve gotten my Vitamix out and have started making smoothies for him and me, but mainly those that have fruit and veggies in and he can hold those very well. You should also get a base line bone scan too because Crohn’s can rob your body of the calcium that it needs. If you have any questions, you can e-mail me at imacrafty1953(at)gmail(dot)com.
Angie,
I hope knowing what is causing your discomfort is somewhat of a relief for you. At least now they know what to treat. Hope all goes well.
At least having a name for what has been bothering you for so long must be a relief. I have two very good friends that have had Crohn’s Disease for many years and have lived very active lives. They each have some dietary restrictions and have many more good days than bad days. I wish much good luck to you and, hopefully, you will soon be back to doing all the things you love and sharing your talents with everyone.
Angie, I am so glad you finally got some answers. Just have faith that
everything is going to be fine now. Still praying for you, Margie
Hi Angie, well at least you finally know. I have two friends with Crohn’s but as far as I know, with them it’s just their stomach. I hope that you can get that under control and all your pain goes away or at least subsides. Thanks so much for keeping us up to date, we are your friends, even if it’s online, and we worry about you 🙂 Take care.
Angie very happy that at least you have some answers–and that you will be tested (I know YUCKY) but in the days coming you will find some relief. Its not fun being ill no matter what part of the body–when it hurts life is just difficult. I will continue to pray for you–please know we care about you very much. You have been my inspiration in wanting to create and even trying to get a jelly roll quilt a try. Thank you for all you do. You are an angel of God.
Hopefully, this means the beginning of your feeling better. Those kinds of tests are yucky, but if they bring about a treatment I guess we have to grin and bear it..or maybe I should say grin and ‘bare’ it 🙂 We will be right here praying for you. Hugs..
Oh my gosh…well, at least you found out! Never knew it could effect the joints! yikes…and it doesn’t help I’m sure that you use your hands, shoulders and neck while making beautiful quilts and paper crafting. Hopefully you will find relief soon. You will continue to be in my prayers!
OMG!! Never would have thought of that. My father had Crohns Disease . As far as I can remember he didn’t have the pain that you are having. He had other problems though. Praying for you
Angie, I have a daughter who was diagnosed with Crohn’s when she was 28 years old and a granddaughter who was just diagnosed last year at the age of 11. Imagine explaining a colonoscopy to a little girl! After almost 9 months of treatment, my granddaughter is feeling great and is doing well! My daughter is well managed, too. There are good treatments and good doctors who can take really good care of you. Get the best medical team you can who are current on treatment plans and you will feel better before you know it.
Thank God you have an answer! Crohn’s Disease! You don’t mess with that, Angie! You do what your doc says, as that is nothing to mess with! My nephew has it and as a teenager, he will eat things he should not and ends up in the hospital! And stress triggers stuff too! So you do what the doc tells you and get yourself well! Wow. I sound bossy. Sorry. I don’t mean to sound bossy. I am sounding in my head like pleading for you to take good care of yourself and get healed up so you can feel well and feel like yourself and do what you love to do with your life.
I had to laugh at your story about calling your hubby. We moved to the country (not that I was from a big city, but this is rural where I am). Our first summer here, I stumbled across a very dead mouse in our basement; near the room where the kids play (the basement is partially finished). LEVITATED! And had to call my bestie hubby to come get it. I could not be in the house with my kids and that dead thing! ha! He came and got it. What a good guy! My mom came over and we scrubbed! And bought poison. Ahh, country life. ha! Now I hope you are laughing. I am glad you have an answer. Take care of your body! Don’t think about the testing! Drinking the goo is yucky. Think about paper crafting. 🙂 I am so glad to hear you have an answer! OK. This is way too long. Be well!
thanks for the laugh Gail! I changed the spelling on your typo so no one saw it but me 🙂
Angie,
So glad you finally have an answer. Crohn’s Disease isn’t fun, but at least it is something a person can live with. Keeping you in my prayers that you’ll be out of pain soon and feeling like your old self soon.
Marciene
So glad to get an update and that you finally have an answer. Now just to get you pain free. I have been following your paper crafting blog for some time now. Thanks for all you share. Just concentrate on getting better. I will remember you in my prayers.
Angie, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie, still praying for you and your health each morning and night when I say my prayers. I have had many a test from the mouth to the stomach, including biopsies. I was nervous, of course, and hungry and grumpy (no coffee), but never knew anything happened…they put you in a “twilight sleep.” I got pics of my stomach! My students (4th graders at the time) loved seeing what a pink stomach looked like! And the tube shape at the top of the stomach. They are cool pictures. The mortifying thing that made me nearly die after that NO ONE told me would happen was that when you woke up, and started moving around you would be gassy. Now, us gals generally hold that gassiness in til we are alone, but let me tell you…there was NOTHING I could do! Those belches and other unmentionables came up and down and out with absolutely no control. I was super embarrassed. I don’t think my husband had ever heard that. I asked him to leave. The nurse was like, it is okay, we pump in the air to open things up, just let it release…blah blah blah. I could not wait to get out of the room and in the car and home and be by myself! I am embarrassed saying this…but maybe your doc did not tell you. I did survive and the gassiness was not uncomfortable or stinky…just embarrassing and a bit loud. Middle school boys would laugh… As for the bottom up, I cannot tell you. I would expect it is embarrassing on your part, but not the docs or nurses…they see lots of body parts from lots of bodies…old ones, new ones, fit ones, unfit ones, clean ones, dirty ones…you get the picture! All will be well. Gail 😉
The prep part of your test is the worst, by far. Not painful, just having to go to the bathroom all the time is, well, no fun. But don’t worry, when all the test are done you will do just fine and you will be asleep the whole time too. Saying prayers for you too.
I know what your going to go through…like someone just said the prep is tougher
than the test…will keep you in my prayers on that day.
Some of us have gone through it and made it and so will you…hugs
Angie, don’t worry, the tests really aren’t that bad and you will be sound asleep! The main thing that I do is always start the liquid diet about 12 hours sooner than they say, if they say 24 hours I start it 12 hours sooner so it’s lots of jello, Popscicles, tea and chicken bouillon! To make it easier I just buy the stock in a box, that way I just pour some into a mug and heat it in the microwave! Also the great news is that it knocks off a couple of pounds! I’ve got you and the doctors on my prayer list so I know everything will go great!
Angie, I’ve had Crohn’s disease for almost 15 years and I’m in my 40s. I get a colonoscopy every 2-3 years depending upon my symptoms.
The preparation really is the worst part. Drinking all that liquid to flush your system really gets yucky (diarrhea). The actual procedure you get knocked out for. In fact, I make sure to tell my doctor to knock me out.
There are some people that like to actually watch their colonoscopy, not me.
Then, in recovery, you just wait till you “break wind” and can go home!
After the procedure, I usually treat myself to something I like to eat but don’t very often.
Plus, at that point the doctor can tell you what he/she saw…which will be good because it won’t be a mystery anymore.
Feel free too email me if you want to chat about anything regarding Crohn’s disease or the colonoscopy .
Love your blog. I’ve been a follower of your website since 2010.
Thanks Susan!! If it turns out I for sure have Crohns I will be in touch. I’m still hoping it’s not that ….but I’m just ready to know what the problem is and get some relief!!
Tonight we went to dinner and after eating a very small amount … my stomach ache started … then my chest and my shoulder started hurting. I was ready to crawl out of there two hours later (makes me want to never leave my house).
I appreciate you following me all these years!! First it was thyroid cancer in 2011 and now this … I’m very blessed to have such royal followers.
Have you been tested for Celiac sprue? It is gluten allergy. It can cause severe symptoms in some people such as migraines, stomach aches and diarrhea. I have an aunt that found out she had celiac disease in her 30s. But as you said. Once you know what you have it helps to figure out what to do. Take care.
Prayers for you always.
Sending prayers your way. Hoping you get answers and relief. Hang in there.
Thinking of you, Angie, and hoping the tests will find your problem so you can go about getting it fixed asap! Prayers..
Angie, praying for answers and a fix. Hang in there.
Angie: Just wondering – have you been tested for Lyme disease? That illness can cause a lot of problems throughout the body.
Hi Angie. I am worried about you. I see you are having a live stream on Friday, but it is not a workshop. I am very curious about this. Right now my schedule is clear and I plan to keep it that way. Still praying for you daily. Be well. “See” you Friday! 🙂
Hi Gail, Thanks so much for your concern! The good news is I don’t feel any worse …the bad news is the pain is still present. I’m learning to focus on the priorities early in the day … before the pain becomes too much to handle. An Online workshop involves a lot of cutting (three projects and the kits) … and a live stream is just one project that I design right on the spot (sometimes it turns out super cute and sometimes not).
Thanks!
Thanks for the update Angie, glad to know that you aren’t any worse but, I still hope you get an answer to what is going on so that you will know and can hopefully do something about it.
Sorry to hear about your continuing mystery concerning your health. Have they tested you for Lyme Disease? I hear so many times people have endless testing to no avail only to find out that is what they have. I hope you get answers soon. Since I started using Stampin Up I have enjoyed your videos and projects!! Take care!!
Angie, I read your update today; it has been busy here with extended family for two weeks. I am SO GLAD you have some answers and I am guessing your diagnosis is not a bad one. I have to look up bone spurs and the other thingy to see for sure. Praise God! I expect you will check back after Convention, where I hope other Stampin’Up Guys and Gals helped you with your bags and the hotel staff was kind and friendly. We never know what others are going through and when someone asks us for help, we should all be kind enough to do what we can to help others! I hope your trip was delightful and I look forward to more from you Angie! Thank you for sharing your life with us! Be well. 🙂
So sorry you have been having these issues for SO long. I was so happy to hear that you don’t have cancer. You will get better; but sometimes it just takes so long to get test results back; and for that fact, just have the tests done. I’m a lymphoma survivor (at least for now); and know how the testing is; waiting for results goes. Good luck to you.