Sleep deprivation and coffee go hand in hand for most parents out there. But, for those with Crohn’s, it can be a recipe for disaster. My son is almost 11 weeks and has been spoiling us for the past four or five weeks, by sleeping through most the night. But there were plenty of nights along the way…and still every now and then, where getting a solid night’s rest is nearly impossible. Even when babies sleep, for mom and dad you’re practically sleeping with one eye open waiting for a sound or movement from your little one. I ran into the same issue while working as a morning news anchor for seven years. A 2 a.m. alarm clock for work is difficult to deal with…without caffeine.

For most—coffee is a must. Fire up the bottle warmer and the Keurig. Am I right? For me, it’s a game of Russian roulette. Do I want to risk the chance of feeling awake, but also feel stomach pains and the need to run to the bathroom? Some days, I feel like more of a “rebel” then others…and it feels like the only option if I’m going to be functional for myself and my son while my husband is at work.

Other days I do my best to use a shower and sunshine to feel awake. It seems like an easy decision for all the non-Crohnies out there…I hear it all the time from family members and friends (especially the days I complain about being in pain!). “Stay away from coffee”… “I wouldn’t drink that if I were you”… “Did you drink coffee today?” I feel like I’m surrounded by the coffee police. It almost makes me want to drink it even more to try and prove all the naysayers wrong.

This morning I enjoyed a nice mug of coffee. Of course, the minute I put the K-cup in Reid started crying. So, I grabbed my cup of joe and sat with my foot rocking his Rock N’Play while I soaked up the liquid energy. He quickly dosed off into his angelic little sleep state. A matter of minutes later I ran to the bathroom…of course, he starts screaming, again.

As I sat on the toilet with the door open, trying to calm him down and go as fast as I could…I felt guilty that I once again gave into the need for caffeine. I had been up since 4:30 a.m., it seemed like a necessity. But is it, really?

The jury is still out when it comes to the topic of Crohn’s Disease and caffeine. In other words, there is not substantial research that shows the impact caffeine may have on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. But, there’s common knowledge that caffeine has a laxative effect, so if diarrhea is already a problem, it could create even more of an issue. Caffeine is also highly acidic and acts as a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration. It’s also known to elevate stress hormones and divert blood from the stomach, which can worsen digestion.

While this seems like pretty solid evidence to stay away from caffeine,  it’s still tough to refrain because sometimes the 10 ounces makes no difference to how I feel at all. It’s either—phew, now I can conquer the world…or why did I do this to myself, again?

Yesterday marked my one year wedding anniversary. In the days leading up to the special milestone, I got to thinking about how daunting it can be to have a chronic illness and wonder if you’ll ever be able to find someone who loves you, despite your health imperfections. Since I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at age 21 in 2005, I’ve experienced how the disease impacts the way relationships play out. It’s not always pretty, but it does provide extreme clarity about people’s character.

Through social media I’ve come across many people and articles that express concern about ever being able to find a lifelong partner and worry about whether having a child is ever a possibility.

I’m here to tell you…you can have it all. Your disease does not need to limit you in this aspect of life. So, what does one look for when it comes to finding the perfect partner who also makes the perfect caretaker???

You need someone like my husband, Bobby. Prior to meeting me, Bobby did not know what Crohn’s was. When we went on our third date, I told him during lunch. It was my way of being transparent and laying it all out there. Was I nervous? Of course. Was it a relief to get it all out in the open? Absolutely. Has he been there for me every feel good and difficult day ever since? Yes.

Six months into our relationship I had a bowel obstruction that landed me in the hospital for five days. In the blink of an eye, I went from feeling fine to being rushed into the ER. Bobby quickly saw how debilitating, painful and scary Crohn’s can be. In that moment he went from being my long distance boyfriend to my lifelong rock.

The first time Bobby experienced a hospital stay with me was the toughest for him.  “I feel bad even saying anything is hard for me when I know your insides are twisting and torturing you,” he told me at the time. “But there is no better phrase than ‘it sucks’ to describe how I feel, knowing you’re going through hell and there’s nothing I can do.”

“I felt completely helpless,” he recounts. “I remember going to my car and just sitting there thinking about everything that had happened. My mind was going in a million different directions, and I was feeling every emotion. I was tired, anxious, and worried. Yet it wasn’t even 1 percent of how bad you were feeling. Part of me wanted to punch something out of pure frustration, while another part of me was ready to break down and just cry for a moment.” Fast forward more than three years later…I interviewed Bobby this week to get a better feel for what it’s like to be on the other side of things—as the constant caregiver.

NH: What advice do you have for those whose significant other has chronic illness?  BH: I don’t look at you as having a severe chronic illness. I don’t let that be the thing I think about with you. I find I almost reject the idea of you being sick until we’re dealing with a flare up or rough patch. My advice would be to treat the other person like everyone else, don’t make them feel like they are any different because of the health issues they face. Be by their side and think of anything and everything you can to take their mind off the current situation. Every person is different—but, when you love someone you know what takes their mind off things and what they like best.

NH: What have you learned since we met in summer 2013?
BH: At that time I just knew the word Crohn’s… I had no clue what it entailed or meant. When you first said it, I wondered if it was contagious and how it impacted your life. It’s been nearly four years and I’ve witnessed how devastating it can be. It’s hard to see the person you care about in so much pain. I always try to be supportive, but also keep our life in perspective and recognize that there are many people all over the world going through a whole lot worse. We’re both still breathing, both still living. You may be in pain, but we’ll push through. To this day, I’m fearful of emergency situations and complications that may arise.

NH: When I was wheeled away to surgery for my bowel resection in 2015… what crossed your mind?
BH: I felt sad and fearful. I envisioned you being nervous and scared, it sucked watching you be wheeled away because I wanted to be there with you. After surgery…I was relieved the procedure was over, but was still concerned because I know with Crohn’s you’re never entirely out of the woods since there is no cure. When you’re in the hospital whether it’s for Crohn’s flare ups or when you were delivering Reid there is a certain vulnerability about you that makes me want to do all I can to take care of you…and it’s easy, because I hate seeing you like that and just want to help you get back to feeling 100 percent.

NH: How has living with and loving someone with chronic illness inspired you or changed your perspective?
BH: It’s a constant reminder that this isn’t going away…when I see you give yourself shots and how painful they are for you it’s a reminder that you go through a lot to keep everything at bay. It inspires me that despite what you go through with the disease that you have so much energy all the time and are such a ray of sunshine through it all.

NH: What advice do you have for those with chronic illness who are concerned about finding “the one?”
BH: Don’t let it limit you in anything that you do. Don’t feel like you need to share it until you are ready. I wouldn’t be fearful of it being a deal breaker. If the person is worth your time and is in it for the right reasons…and truly cares about you, it won’t matter. You are so much more than “Natalie with Crohn’s disease.” There’s no downside in sharing. There’s a good chance the person will feel closer to you for knowing that personal detail and they’ll probably be thankful you were willing to share. Try your best not to be wrapped up in worrying what people will think about having Crohn’s. Be with someone who makes you feel comfortable and at ease with what you are going through. When I knew I liked you, I wanted to be around you and taking care of you when you needed it was and is second nature to me. When you love someone and they are hurting…you
want to be the one who’s there for them.

NH: Aww thanks honey… any last thoughts?
BH: Remember that every moment in life is fleeting and temporary. In the good times and bad… you get through it. Try your best not to worry about things you can’t control…stress is a trigger with Crohn’s. It’s easier said than done…but know you can’t control everything. Stay away from things like corn on the cob and coffee…if you know it’s going to cause issues. I don’t look at myself as being a special person, babe. Anyone you love…you do what it’s going to take to help them. We learn together through each situation, experience and setback.

As a new mom with Crohn’s, there are countless stories of postpartum flares that typically rear their ugly head around 2-3 months postpartum. You hear it from your doctors and from those on social media. Today marks two months since we welcomed our son Reid to the world. Navigating these first weeks as a new parent with a chronic illness has been interesting to say the least. 

Like all flare ups—they tend to happen when you least expect  it, coming out of nowhere to remind you that the disease is still very much a part of who you are. This time of the disease process is unique in that you are almost anticipating and wondering when symptoms are going to strike.

Out of the last eight weeks, I’d say I’ve had about 10-15 “bad” days. Meaning I felt that unwelcome gnawing pain or needed to take pain medication. While it hasn’t been ideal at times, I know it could be a lot worse. My symptoms are certainly not enough to need a hospitalization at this point. I’m hoping I can make it through these “postpartum” months and dodge that bullet.

Reid has offered up amazing inspiration to me when I give myself my Humira injections. For more than eight years, I’ve stared at something on the wall or a photo of a person who inspires me to “get in the zone” when the needle is in my leg. Now, I have my husband stand in front of me holding Reid and I stare into the eyes of my sweet little man. Looking at him eases my pain and is a reminder that I have to stay healthy and be strong so I don’t have to take a break in a hospital bed without him by my side.

The past week there have been countless occasions where I’ve been in the middle of feeding him and felt the urgent need to run to the bathroom. It’s been hard and it’s stressful. When I’m home alone and there’s no one around to swoop him up, I do all I can to muster up the strength to hold it. It’s not easy. Sometimes I don’t even know if I’m going to make it in time to the bathroom. Sure, I could interrupt his feeding and put him down…but, that’s easier said than done. My priority is to keep him happy and content.

Part of living with Crohn’s is dealing with extreme fatigue. Not the kind of tired where you didn’t get enough zzzs the night before. I’m talking about an exhaustion that consumes your whole body. It’s very similar to how it feels that first trimester of pregnancy, when there are days your legs feel like jello and you don’t know how you’re going to make it through a work day upright. The lack of sleep associated with having a newborn and battling Crohn’s can be downright difficult. I’ve combatted that with coffee… which is probably part of the reason why I’m having some “urgency” issues.

Like all change—it takes time, learning and patience. Being a mom and enduring pregnancy and childbirth makes you feel like somewhat of a superwoman. You look at this perfect little human that you created within yourself. So, while there may be some “bad” days along the way, they are completely overshadowed by the incredible ones. The magical moments when your baby smiles at you, stares up at you in the middle of the night while he eats or calms once he’s placed in your arms. While the Crohn’s symptoms are a reminder that I’m not a “typical” mom, they also remind me that despite my medical ailments, I was still able to bring a life into this world…and nothing will ever change that.

World IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Day was on May 19—it’s a day when patients and caregivers reflect on their health battles with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. It’s a day to educate and spread awareness. It’s a day to pause and think about how the disease has impacted your life. Just like many people, I too shared a post on Instagram that day. Without thinking, I instantly went to my camera roll and thumbed through to find pictures of myself in the hospital.

All the posts I saw that day were much like mine—photos of tough times coupled with inspiring and thought provoking words. One post in particular really stuck out to me. I randomly came across an Instagram account for Laura Scaviola. On World IBD day she shared three pictures of herself smiling from ear to ear, looking strong and healthy as a horse. At first glance, I never would have thought she battled ulcerative colitis.  The words that accompanied these photos struck a chord with me:

@mangiapaleo “Can you guess which picture was taken when my disease was flaring? Spoiler alert: ALL OF THEM. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is often invisible. Sure I could show photos of me at my weakest, looking skinny in a hospital gown and needles in my arms. I have those photos, too. But the point here is the general public knows little of our struggles because they can not see them. Pictures don’t tell the true story and people with ulcerative colitis don’t always look or act sick. May 19 is World IBD Day—the perfect time to make our disease visible.”

This mindset and perspective really hit home. It made me stop and think of all the social events and work days I put a smile on my face while I was crying inside. It’s a fragile place to be—on one hand you don’t want to complain and come off like a sickly person. On the other hand, if you suffer in silence you create your own prison. No one can help you if you don’t speak up about what you’re feeling.

Here are some photos of me—that take me back and remind me of times I held my head high and kept my illness invisible to others. Here’s a quick backstory to correspond with each.

 

Photo #1: Each year my Greek family hosts a huge New Year’s Day party. I spent the entire get together on the couch, in a ball… in horrific pain. I started a burst of prednisone that night. By the photo—Bobby and I just look like a couple sharing a moment in front of Christmas tree, enjoying the holidays.

 

Photo #2: I was training for a half marathon and had just completed a nine mile run. I felt fantastic. After my run, I drove from Springfield to St. Louis…and started feeling very sick. That night, I was hospitalized with a bowel obstruction.

Photo #3: Just a typical day on the news desk, but I remember having to loosen up the belt on my dress because my stomach was hurting so badly during the newscast.

Photo #4: What started as a fun night out watching the Cards play at Busch Stadium, resulted in us having to leave in the middle of the game due to my stabbing stomach pains. In this photo we had left the stadium and the only “cab” we could find was a guy on a bike with a carriage to take us to our car. I was in so much pain I couldn’t even walk to the car. Our smiles tell a whole different story.

 

 

 

Photo #5: The food tasting for our wedding was supposed to be such a fun experience. Yes, we loved trying out all the different entrees with our parents months before the wedding. But in between each course and taste test I was running to the bathroom in embarrassment. I cried in the stall as my mind frantically thought—how the hell am I am going to be able to eat at my wedding and get out of dress in time to use the bathroom? Lucky for me, I didn’t end up needing one bathroom break the day of my wedding.

 

 

 

 

Photo #6: This photo is from three weeks ago. Several of my close friends came to town for a surprise bachelorette party. While my friend opened gifts that all-too-familiar gnawing pain started…I knew we had a long night ahead. Rather than go home and miss out on quality time with my girls, I popped a Tylenol with codeine and powered through.

The moral of this story—while you may think those who battle IBD are weak or exaggerating their symptoms—think again. There’s a pretty good chance there are countless times when they too chose to stand tall and smile, despite the pain. This goes for any type of “invisible” illness, whether we’re talking about mental illness, diabetes, you name it…just because someone isn’t in a hospital bed or “looking sick” doesn’t mean they are free of health issues and concerns.

From this point forward on World IBD Day and all the days in between, thanks to Laura, I too will choose to share different pictures of myself when trying to educate and inform others about life with Crohn’s.

Close your eyes for a moment and think back to what life was like at age 13. Think about the highs, the lows and everything in between. Now imagine going through all that while battling an invisible illness that your peers in school, friends, family and teachers may not know about.

I recently received an email from a dad with a teenager who battles Crohn’s. They wish to remain anonymous—but their story is easy to relate to.

He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was 8 years old. Now, as a teenager he’s no stranger to how debilitating and exhausting the illness can be. Sadly, the disease has robbed him of the healthy and carefree childhood most kids are afforded.

“Children are God’s blessing, but we hurt when they hurt. I’m an ex Green Beret, but he’s the bravest, and toughest person I’ve ever met. My mom had autoimmune disease, so I thought I knew this drill, but I was just so stunned by this. I could never have imagined the pain and embarrassment and issues my son faces. But, he’s usually laughing and smiling,” said the father.

As an eighth grader, between dealing with side effects of medication and the need for frequent bathroom breaks, there’s a real struggle to find ‘normalcy’ in the classroom. He said it’s heartbreaking to see his son with a genius IQ struggle to be a part of school and extracurricular activities.

“This school year has been difficult. So much change, so much worry. One teacher was reporting him as tardy unexcused even when he had to run to the bathroom, and he was suddenly threatened with suspension. Imagine cleaning up after a bout, trying to knock down the nausea and pain, and to make it on time to school. It’s very difficult to make school practices, for him to ride a bus, and to endure the social issues (bathroom issues) in today’s zero tolerance school world. We found success in getting a medical letter in his file and working with the school front office. However, schools are just not set up to deal with this well.”

I’m told teachers and students seem to “get it” when prednisone causes his cheeks to become puffy or when he drops close to 20 pounds from his inability to eat and get nourishment, but what’s a person to do when they’re in remission and there are no physical signs that set you apart from the rest? THIS is when communicating with those around you is most important, because unless you speak up, educate others and make sure your voice is heard…you’ll be forced to suffer in silence.

As a new mom who has Crohn’s—here are five tips for families with kids battling IBD.

1. Share your story.

Rather than staying hush hush and worrying that people will think differently of you. Share your story with humor and positivity. Yes, everyone knows having a disease isn’t something to be taken lightly—but attitude is everything. If you come off honest and lighthearted, that’s how you will be received by others. Let those in your circle know when and how you were diagnosed and the challenges you face on a daily basis so it becomes clear that living with Crohn’s is not a walk in the park.

2. Educate the educators

At the beginning of the school year meet with teachers, the school nurse and the school psychologist to discuss setting up a 504 plan and explaining what your child endures on a daily basis. Since being diagnosed myself in 2005, I’ve found unless someone is a medical professional or has a family member or friend with Crohn’s, they have no idea what it is. Include the physical education teacher as there are days when the pain and fatigue may keep kids on the sidelines. You want an understanding in place, so your child isn’t reprimanded for no reason or stuck in an embarrassing situation.

3. Connect with other families who “get it.”

Reach out to your local CCFA chapter and find other local families who are going through the same journey as you are. There is nothing better than meeting those who understand what you are going through. There is a great network of people in the real world and the cyber world who are wanting to connect, share stories, discuss medications, etc. It’s reassuring and comforting to talk to someone about how their bowel resection surgery went or how Humira works for them as a management drug. Each year CCFA holds Camp Oasis around the country. The camp features counselors and kids who battle IBD. It’s the perfect way to see firsthand that you are not alone in your struggles as a youngster with the disease… and have fun at the same time!

4. Take time to be patient and listen.

IBD can be very isolating and daunting. It’s a big disease for little people to have to come to grips with. Instead of making them ‘feel sick’ by constantly asking them how they’re feeling and not allowing them to do certain activities or eat certain foods—let them spread their wings and try. Those with IBD quickly learn their limits. Be a motivator, rather than a hindrance. If your child says they are too sick to go to school, a family party or their soccer game—trust them and don’t question it. Chances are, they are doing all of that in pain many times without you even knowing it.

5. Learn from them.

While I can’t fathom what it would be like for my son to be diagnosed with Crohn’s, I can say that your little one who’s going up against a chronic disease with no cure is going to be wise beyond their years. Each set back and flare up will give your child a very mature perspective when it comes to not taking health for granted. As a parent, celebrate their strength. Commemorate their ‘diagnosis’ anniversary by doing something fun, rather than thinking of it as a terrible day in your family’s history. People with IBD (regardless of age) often feel a sense of guilt. That guilt stems from needing to be cared for (sometimes constantly), missing out on events and plans and the cost for receiving care and taking daily medication. Be mindful of your child’s strength, courage and resilience and recognize them for it.

Special thanks to this strong father and son for reaching out to me and inspiring this article. As a new mom, I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is for all the IBD families out there. To those with other questions/concerns and story ideas, please email me at lightscameracrohns@gmail.com.

Being a new mom is a lot like navigating what life is like with a new diagnosis. It’s unchartered territory, you learn as you go…and there will be incredible high points and low points along the way. I had to laugh at myself the other day. The morning started with my newborn son, Reid, peeing in my mouth while I changed his diaper. For the most part my little guy is an absolute angel when it comes to eating every three to four hours and sleeping in between. But this day was different. I couldn’t get him to stop crying. He was inconsolable for hours. As I paced around the house doing a silly waltz and singing ridiculous lyrics to him on the fly, I had to pause and laugh at my appearance in the mirror. For a moment I felt unrecognizable to myself. While being a new mom is miraculous and the best gift—it’s a major adjustment, something all parents can attest to.

As the clock inched closer to the evening hours I realized I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. I desperately grabbed a leftover fortune cookie on the table from a night my girlfriends came over and brought dinner. The fortune read “Functioning superbly comes automatically to you.” I had to laugh. I kept the fortune as a reminder that no matter how difficult some days may be, whether it’s in the mom department or as a Crohn’s patient…it’s important to remember that we all have what it takes to overcome obstacles that come our way. Change in life is never easy—but attitude and finding the humor of it all are everything.

At this point the doorbell rang and I received a package from a friend in San Diego, a complete surprise and so thoughtful. When I texted her to say thank you, she wrote back and said… “One day at a time, some days one minute at a time.” Those words are so important. As a woman who battles chronic illness and is learning what it takes to be a mom…those words ring so true to me. If we all focus on what’s next and get consumed by fears and worries of the future, we’ll miss all the amazing moments along the way. It’s imperative to celebrate the mini victories—whether it’s having a feel good day or learning how to put your baby in the car seat and explore the outdoors on your own. Each day is a gift.

There are so many parallels between chronic illness and motherhood. Some days are going to be a breeze, while others challenge your patience and strength to the core. Take time to unwind and destress whenever possible and take advantage of the support around you. If friends or family members want to offer a helping hand to ease your burden don’t be afraid to take them up on it. There’s no telling what tomorrow will bring. Take advantage of today. Remember to breathe. Have faith that while there will be difficult and scary experiences, each will help you learn and grow.

I think back to myself at age 21, frail in the hospital bed, trying to come to terms with the fact that I had a disease that would be part of me for the rest of my life. In that moment—I had no idea what the future would hold. While the disease has tested me and given me immense amounts of pain, it’s also made me strong, resilient and brave.

Now, as a new mom—almost six weeks in, I look in the mirror and may not recognize myself without my hair and make-up done, wearing yesterday’s pj’s…but, I know in my heart my baby boy has already shown me how deeply you can love another human being. He’s shown me what it’s like to know another person’s survival depends completely on you and that you have the ability to shape a life…and a family…and that my friends, is magic.

A week ago a college friend who’s battled Crohn’s since she was 11 called to tell me her disease was spiraling out of control and that she’s getting started on a biologic—my heart immediately sank. My friend Mary McCarthy and I have been Crohnies since we met at Marquette University in 2005. At that time I did not have Crohn’s and I wasn’t aware Mary suffered from it. A few months passed and I was diagnosed. That’s when I found out she too dealt with the same chronic illness. This week, Mary shares her story of having IBD since 1995, and finding out decades later that not only will she be starting Humira injections…but, her parents have IBD as well.

I have had Crohn’s for most of my life, but I’ve dealt with it by taking medication and pretending I don’t have it.

However, I recently learned that my Crohn’s is severe. I am going to start Humira soon, and I expect the shots to serve as a constant reminder of the disease.

I have since turned to the Crohn’s online community for support and wanted to thank Natalie and other Lights Camera Crohn’s contributors for helping me.

I know Natalie from college, so she was the first person I called when I learned about my severe Crohn’s. Until now, I read this blog to hear about how Natalie was doing. When my disease took a turn for the worse, I started paying closer attention to posts like the one about giving yourself Humira. It wasn’t something I needed until it applied to me, but thank God there’s a place to connect with people who are suffering from the same illness.

Natalie told me about how she gives herself shots in her legs, and I immediately thought about this picture. Look at those hot legs! She looks great. I’ll be fine.

As I dug further into the blog, I also felt downright jealous of Stephanie Horowitz, an actress in NYC who put on a show called Flare: A Crohn’s Cabaret. What a humorous, artsy way of dealing with Crohn’s.

Stephanie’s post got me thinking about the endless possibilities to be part of the Crohn’s community.

For now, that means sharing my story and finding humor in having Crohn’s.

A few weeks ago, when I was waiting to have a colonoscopy, the nurse at the University of Chicago told me that she thought I was in college (God love her). I’m really 34, and I’ve had Crohn’s since I was 11, which means I have more than 20 years of stories.

As a kid, my mom used to take me to a pediatric specialist at the University of Chicago, where we would wait for an average of five hours in the waiting room. I would then be examined by several different medical students. They would huddle around me and eagerly ask the head doctor questions about my case.

Over time, I started to be a bit sassy with my visitors.

They would look at me with pity, and I would have none of it.

They would ask me about my diet, and I’d tell them I felt fine and would continue eating whatever I wanted.

They would ask me how my medications were working, and I would tell them with full confidence which ones were working and which weren’t.

I’m still very much the same way with my doctors, but I’ve learned to temper my attitude over time. My parents and I still laugh about it. I refuse to be “sick.” I always will.

Mind, body, family connections.

My dad was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in his 50s, and last year, my mom was diagnosed with Crohn’s at the age of 63. It’s a topic we discuss more frequently now, and I’m lucky to hear firsthand what their doctors have told them about managing IBD later in life.

My dad was part of a research study at Rush University a few years ago where he did yoga for several months while the researchers tracked his symptoms. I asked him for the results of the study for this blog post, but he has not received them. Instead, here is what he said:

My assumption—and I think it’s a safe one—is that there is some positive correlation between increased stress and flare-ups of UC, and that some mastery of stress management reduces the frequency and severity of flares. Regular physical exercise and regular meditation/visualization — and yoga is something of a combination of the two — do wonders, in my opinion.

That’s reason enough for me to commit to a daily practice of slowing down, meditating and visualizing the person I want to be—with and without Crohn’s.

If you currently meditate or you’d like to start, please leave a comment and let me know about your experience with it. If there is enough interest, I’d love to write a blog post more focused on the connection between managing a chronic illness and taking time to meditate.

Mary McCarthy is a consultant and career/life coach living in Chicago. She helps people with Crohn’s and Colitis thrive in their work and life in spite of their illness. Contact her at mary@clrtycoaching.com if you are interested in her one-on-one coaching program for people with IBD.

 

 

 

Through life we come across certain people who we connect with effortlessly, understand completely and admire beyond measure. One of those people for me is my cousin Bill Coon. I’ve mentioned Bill in previous articles—and anyone who knows me is aware of his incredible back story. Bill was the eighth newborn transplant in the United States and the fourth in the Midwest. He received a second heart transplant, along with a kidney transplant at age 20 in October 2009. Bill has always done a remarkable job of honoring the life of his donors and has made it his life’s mission to educate, inform and inspire others about the importance of organ donation.

Today is Bill’s 28^th birthday. It just so happens he was born during Organ Donation Awareness month. Thanks to the unselfish hearts of complete strangers, my cousin, who is like a brother to me, is with us today.

“By being a donor, you don’t just save a life, you change a life forever and those lives go on to positively impact hundreds if not thousands of others for years to come. At the center of all that positivity is your single, selfless act of generosity,” said Bill.

Bill is a professional motivational speaker who travels across the country sharing his story. This year he’s embarking on a new journey—focusing all his efforts and energy on meeting with medical groups, nonprofits and corporations. There’s one audience in particular he’s targeting—and that’s students through something he calls “Your Legacy Tour.” 

“I realized I could do something unique. In recent years I have been asked by high schools in the Midwest to speak to their students about leadership, adversity, handling cyber-bullies and many other topics. I figured while I was traveling, I could very easily bring those same messages to students in different parts of the country. That’s essentially how Your Legacy Tour was created,” said Bill.

Here’s how the tour works—Bill is looking for 12 schools, ideally high schools, in select states. In his presentation, Bill uses his unique life story of overcoming extreme adversity to teach students the importance of leaving behind a lasting, positive legacy in high school. Bill achieves this through his humorous and conversational style that provides students with stories and lessons, which encourage them to care for one another, develop the characteristics of a leader, and strengthen the student body through acts of kindness. Click here to submit your school’s information and to learn more. Bill will provide the selected schools with a 60-minute presentation. There’s no catch—he just needs a large space, a working microphone, a projector and a laptop with PowerPoint. The 12 schools will be selected by June 30.

As someone who suffers from Crohn’s disease, words cannot begin to explain how Bill’s outlook on life, advice and perspective has pushed me to see the sunshine and rainbows even on the stormiest days. Through life—we all face challenges that put our strength and will to the test. Find “your Bill” and I promise it will help you get through whatever isn’t going your way.

Click here to learn more about organ donation.

 

 

19 days…that’s how long it’s been since my son Reid made his grand entrance into this world. Unfortunately, this past weekend my Crohn’s started acting up again and I needed to take pain pills not for my incisional pain from my C-section, but rather for my unbearable abdominal pain. Since we’ve been home from the hospital with our little bundle of joy I’ve slowly started to feel the symptoms creep up. Whether it’s running to the bathroom in the middle of a feeding or feeling the gnawing pain when I hear Reid cry…I’ve been reminded multiple times that I’m not in the clear from the dreaded postpartum flare.

I laid in bed after taking a Tylenol with codeine staring at the ceiling—taking in the silence of the early morning hours as my mind raced. The only sound I could hear was my eyelashes brushing across my pillowcase… tears rolling down…knowing that while I’ve been strong since the diagnosis…now I had to be even stronger. It’s not about me and my pain anymore, life is about my son and my family. I miss Reid when I run to the grocery store or head out on a quick errand, I can’t even begin to think how my heart would ache if I had to be hospitalized and kept away from him for days.

Is it discouraging and worrisome? Yes. Am I grateful for the timing? Yes. Throughout my pregnancy I hoped and prayed I wouldn’t go through a flare up that would harm my baby. I was blessed with nine months of freedom from the disease that’s been a part of me for nearly 12 years. While pregnancy had its fair share of discomforts, they paled in comparison to what a day of Crohn’s pain feels like. It was amazing to drink a little coffee and have a bowl of ice cream and not face any repercussions. I would go through a stressful day waiting for my stomach to carry the burden, and feel nothing. Now that my little Reid is in my arms and out of my belly, that whimsical feeling of being disease-free has disappeared before my eyes. The symptoms slowly started to return about a week after we got home from the hospital. It’s emotional and scary, but I’m so glad I was able to stay healthy when it mattered most.

My mom has been staying with us since Reid was born—taking the brunt of the night feedings and doing so much to help us get acclimated to our new life. When I’ve been experiencing stomach pains or had to run to the bathroom she’s been right there to swoop Reid into her arms and take care of him like I would. My mom heads back to Chicago tomorrow and my husband is back at work. I’m losing my safety net and the knowingness that if I’m sick they can step in and allow me to take care of myself. What’s a mom to do when her baby is screaming and she can’t even stand up straight to walk across the room? What’s a mom to do when she has to run to the bathroom and her baby needs to eat? What’s a mom to do when the fatigue from the illness is coupled with the exhaustion of sleep deprivation?

If you’ve followed my story or know me as a person, I pride myself on being positive and not focusing on the negative. Like many who battle a chronic illness so many days are spent with a smile on the outside while you’re suffering on the inside. Being a new mom is an adjustment in itself. Being a new mom, while healing from childbirth as your body morphs back to “normalcy” coupled with Crohn’s making a vengeance is a challenge. A challenge that I know I’m not alone in facing. If there’s one distraction or one reason to get up each day with a will to fight and be brave…it’s looking into the eyes of my son and knowing he counts on me for his existence. One day he’ll know how much I count on him, too.

Living life with a chronic illness has its fair share of challenges—coupled with pregnancy, life gets even more complicated and fragile. Every decision you make to handle your disease process not only impacts your own well-being, but also your child’s.

During my pregnancy I noticed how common it was for people to ask questions regarding Crohn’s disease and having children, whether it was online or in person. Questions such as—can you get pregnant? Should you stay on your medicine? Should you deliver vaginally or have a c-section? Now that I’m a mom and my first pregnancy is behind me—I thought it would be helpful to reflect on some of the difficult decisions and experiences that come along with bringing a life into this world.

Here are my responses to the most commonly asked questions.

Can you and should you try to get pregnant?

The answer to this is YES! Just like with most things in life—timing is everything. Women with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease that’s in remission can become pregnant just as easily as other women of the same age. However, if your IBD is active, you may have more difficulty getting pregnant. The key is getting pregnant when your symptoms are at bay and your disease is calm. That way you have a better likelihood of carrying over that remission throughout pregnancy. Luckily, my husband and I started trying for a family 10 months after my bowel resection surgery. I was feeling great and my disease was nonexistent during my entire pregnancy.

To stay on medication…or not to stay on medication.

This can be an emotional decision (especially if you’re feeling well) and one that you must discuss with your doctor(s). After my surgery in August 2015, I felt invincible. I had been taken off all medications for the first time in ten years to allow my body to heal. This newfound freedom made me believe that I could always cruise through life without needing to pop pills each evening or give myself injections. That November, during an appointment with my GI, I was told that would never be the case and that I’d be playing Russian roulette with my health. I’ll always remember being told that I had a “severe and aggressive form of Crohn’s” and that I would need to start up my Humira injections and add additional medications immediately, or else there was a big risk of my disease flares returning within a few years. I remember the tears flowing and how it felt like a punch to the stomach. As difficult as it was to put myself back on medication knowing that I wanted to start a family in seven months, following the doctor’s orders ended up being the best thing for me.

Having clear communication with your doctor is imperative. My GI put me on a prescription prenatal vitamin and folic acid to prepare me for pregnancy. I started back on Humira in November 2015 and haven’t stopped giving myself the injections since. Was it scary at times to inject myself with a medication when my baby bump was prominent and I could feel my son kicking? Yes. It was very emotional—but, it gave me peace of mind to know that this medication was preventing a major flare that could complicate Reid’s birth and cause pre-term labor. Every doctor has a different opinion on this—some say to get off biologics the final trimester, others say to stay on throughout. My OB, high risk OB and GI all agreed it was important for me to stay on Humira and Lialda from start to finish so that everything with my Crohn’s was managed properly.

Will I pass Crohn’s disease on to my children?

According to many health studies, there is a 4-10% chance of passing IBD on to your child if one parent is an IBD sufferer. This increases significantly if both parents suffer with IBD (up to 30%), plus if other members of the family are also sufferers. I personally, would not let your diagnosis hold you back from having a family. While you hope and pray your offspring don’t end up with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, what better person to advocate for them…than a parent who lives it–and gets it.

Should you deliver vaginally or get a c-section?

Once you find out you’re pregnant you’ll want to make sure you get a team of doctors in place—an OB, a high risk OB and your GI. Each case and situation is different and both types of deliveries are possible. I know women with IBD who have delivered both ways. The key indicator is where your disease is located. If it’s in the perianal region or if you’re apt to fistulas, you’re a candidate for a scheduled c-section.

The next is your size—my first appointment with the high risk doctor I was told it would be difficult for me to deliver a baby larger than seven pounds due to the size of my pelvis. After hearing that at 8 weeks pregnant, I felt pretty confident I would end up with a c-section.

Just like any pregnant woman—if the baby is breech, if you have placenta previa, etc…the decision is a clear one.

It ended up being a game time decision until my 39^th week. The doctors kept a close eye on me and once Reid showed no sign of coming on his own, we decided to schedule a c-section. The entire experience was extremely positive and I’m so grateful everything went smoothly for us both. Lucky for me—the incision from the c-section was able to be the same as my incision from my resection, I didn’t have any adhesions and the scar tissue from my previous abdominal surgery was nearly non-existent.

Becoming a mother is emotional and overwhelming—you’ll receive advice from anyone you’re willing to listen to. Take it all in stride and remind yourself that no matter how your baby gets here—whether you have a natural birth without medicine or a c-section, if you breastfeed or if you don’t…it’s your life, your journey and your family. Do what feels right in your heart and what you are most comfortable with. After nearly 12 years of battling Crohn’s, it’s truly remarkable to go through a pregnancy, bring a life into this world and see all that your body is capable of… despite the hardships its endured along the way. Have faith in your medical team and once that baby is in your arms and you lock eyes that first unbelievable moment—it will all be worth it.