My name is Natalie and I have Crohn's. It should have came as no surprise in 2007 when I was diagnosed. My mother and twin brother had already been diagnosed. I currently have a younger sister who is finally going to a doctor, to see if she has it due to her having the symptoms.
I really didn't think much of the disease when I was diagnosed. I constantly had to run to the bathroom a lot, already. My husband was even getting used to driving me home while we were out running errands on the weekend, I hate using public restrooms! I started taking medication but switched to over the counter pro-biotics, after having problems with the meds. I was on them for over a year and had great success.
In May 2010, I awoke to severe abdominal pain. I layed around for a few hours praying it would go away. With no luck, I went to the ER. I told them I thought I was having a bowel obstruction because I had no appetite (and I eat all the time) and was constipated. After doing some tests, they sent me home with pain pills and steroids. I felt miserable and lounged around the house the whole next day. When my husband came home from work that evening, I finally managed to get up off the couch and realized that my stomach was extremely swollen.
We made another trip to the hospital, this time I was admitted. I was headed towards the worst few months of my life and had no clue. I spent two weeks in the hospital, having had surgery one week into my visit. It was after many tests and doctors trying to decide what to do. I had a bowel obstruction and it was severe. I ended up with an ileostomy from the surgery, which I was able to have reversed in September 2010. The ileostomy was the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with in my life. Thank goodness for supportive friends and family, whom took such good care of me.
I am walking to raise awareness of this diease and money for finding a cure. People don't realize how the symptoms of this disease affect every aspect of a person's life. I spent most of my summer cooped up in the house because I couldn't do anything. I spent a lot of time away from my three children and a lot of time off work. Others don't realize the pain, fatigue, and embarrassment that comes with this disease.
I'm hoping a cure is found for my children's sake. My children have seen all that I have gone through and they have voiced concern to me that they are afraid they will have to go through the same thing. I can only comfort them in saying that it's possible they won't end up with Crohn's, but let's hope there is a cure one day.
My mother is helping me with fundraising ideas. She is planning on getting her office to have a dress down day and maybe a couple of raffles. I am also planning on coordinating a Penny War at my children's school. The winning class will get a pizza party or some kind of treat. I will also be calling on neighbors, friends, and family.
As a Realtor with Semonin Realtors, I was excited to get our local chapter of the CCFA into the Home Life Perks program, we will soon be launching. I should have flyers available soon that will allow you to sign up for discounts while shopping, traveling, and dining. It's free to join and you may invite as many people as you like. Almost every purchase made will have a small portion donated to the CCFA, helping to bring awareness and money to our cause.
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