Crohn's disease is a type of
irritable bowel syndrome, which involves the body
attacking itself. The body's digestive system relies on
bacteria, which breaks down food and assists the
intestine in absorbing nutrients. It is believed that
the immune system sends disease-fighting white blood
cells to attack the bacteria, believing it to be a
foreign substance. The invading white blood cells
inflame the intestinal wall, manifesting itself into
Crohn's disease. Gastroduodenal Crohn's occurs when the
white blood cells attack the walls of the stomach and
duodenum.
Gastroduodenal Crohn's is one of the
rarest form of Crohn’s disease, with only 4% of those
diagnosed every being told that they have this form.
This form can and often does lead to Gastroparesis.
Crohn’s disease runs in my family like a plague,
despite the fact that most of those in my family with
intestinal issues are vegetarians. My grandmother
suffered from Gastroduadnal Crohn’s disease and
eventually lost so much weight her eventually died of
starvation. My Mother had Crohn’s disease and colitis,
both conditions were in her colon. One of my Aunts had
to have her half her stomach remove. One of my nieces is
nothing but skin and bones at the age of 22, and has had
to apple for SSI. I understand the ups and downs of deal
with this disease not only from personal experience but
also because I have listen to the members of my family
who has battles stomach and intestinal
problems.
In reality, it took me 42 years to get
a final diagnose of Gastrodudnal Crohn’s Disease/
Gastroparesis. During that time period I have lived with
the frustration of misdiagnosed and treatment. I have
been told my illness was all in my head, that I had
chronic appendicitis ( when I did have an appendix, it
had been taken out when my son was born.) I have dealt
with chronic nausea that woke me up every morning for
the last 27 years… and only by the Grace of God did I
not go crazy, or commit suicide like my mother did . And
that is how I have been able to deal with this illness
and the frustrations of battling a disease that even
medical science has not understood how to treat in a
constructive way.
Have I ever questioned that
there is a God? Never. Have I questioned His ways and
the hand I've been dealt? Many times! I'm right there
with Mother Theresa when she said the first thing she
was going to say to God when she got to heaven was " You
sure have a lot of explaining to do!" But despite the
fact that I have had my far share of battling a illness
that has caused me a great deal of physical , emotional
pain and heartache. Despite the fact that I have had to
battle the up-hill struggle of dealing with the food I
tried to eat rebelling and coming right back up, or
causing me hours of stomach cramps and pain. I can give
thanks to God for showing me one simple truth; “ I am
not alone!”
The reason that most people feel
alone and isolated, whether they are deal with the
natural trails of life or struggling with chronic
illness and pain, is because they have to feel that
their struggle is unique. They have come to believe that
they are the only ones that have every experience the
pain and hardships of life. It is a deception of on our
part to believe that we are unique in our pain, or that
we have to struggle alone.
I want to share with
you a few letters of encouragement that I have
personally received over the last few years, as I
struggle to overcome my conception that my pain and
hardship was unique in any way.
==== I've had
this disease for 24 years. I am not overly religious but
I believe that there is a God, and I couldn't imagine
not having Jesus with me as I go through this pain and
suffering. Don't get me wrong and think that everything
is perfect, for at times I get angry, confused and
question why? I'm only human and I know that God
understands that weakness in me. No, not healed yet, but
the way I see it, He's given me help through all my many
attacks, I've been given the strength to endure. I've
What most take for granted, I thank God, for I see His
blessings in the air, the green grass, in a gentle rain,
the warm sun, a beautiful flower, in bird watching,
seeing the innocence of little children, hugging a
puppy, watching a garden grow out of seed, a song, a
good book, a smile, a soft warm bed . Like Eljay has
said, “You can find beauty and peace in nature around
you.” Most people with Crohn’s have pain after eating,
the odd time when I can eat something without pain, it
is truly a blessing. There's nothing like being brought
out of an attack and feeling better that brings a
thankful heart. It makes you turn your eyes to the
important things in life, my husband wants to win the
lottery, but what is money if you don't have your
health. I want my health back! I 've been given strength
and a hope to carry on. I've been given compassion and
understanding for others that are hurting, both mentally
and physically, and a faith to keep believing that I
will be cured, that all of you who suffer will also be
cured.. The bible tells us to have faith and not to give
up! The way cured.. The bible tells us to have faith and
not to give up! The way I see it, GOD IS GOOD.!
From your sister in the Lord Mary
Beth
==== I was raised in a Christian family,
but getting Crohn’s when ! was 17 really made me
question my beliefs. And rather than losing my faith
because of the horrible experience of question my beliefs. And rather than losing my faith
because of the horrible experience of
Crohn’s/hospital/surgery etc. - it has actually made it
stronger. I guess one of the turning points was just
after my first surgery (colostomy and ileostomy) when I
lying in my hospital bed, and was questioning God -
asking him why on earth he would let me go through this.
And I didn't get the answer I was looking for - but
instead I had this amazing realization of how much God
loves me, and He has so much compassion for people who
are hurting, whether it be physical or emotional hurt.
Of course, that didn't stop me wondering about the 'why
me', but it did give me the strength to get through it
anyway. Like some of the others, I can look back and
see God was working through all the bad times to make me
into the person I am today. Had I not gotten sick I
would never have been as strong, as loving, and as
convinced of the fact that there is a God as I am today.
And I know that no matter if I am healed or if I end up
getting sicker and sicker, God will work through it.
