"Doctor Right" (as I refer to him now) not only figured out what's been wrong with me all these years, he has me feeling BETTER! Yes, REALLY feeling better! Finally!
My diagnosis has 3 parts: Crohn's disease, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (in short, it means my immune system is attacking my thyroid) and Psoriatic Arthritis. (Arthritis from Psoriasis)
He started me on a "cocktail" of medications back in August. The first two weeks were Hell on Earth, but after the initial "yuck", I started to notice big changes in how I felt. There was less and less pain, I wasn't getting sick after eating and even the skin on my upper arms and legs cleared up. (He said that was all part of it, and that I would notice it going away as I felt better)
Unfortunately, during the first month, I developed an infection and needed an antibiotic, which I turned out to be HIGHLY allergic to. My anaphylaxis was so bad that I had to stay in the hospital for a couple days. While I was there, they took me off of ALL medications, save those which treat allergies. Alas, being off the new meds threw me right into a flare up of the Crohn's. After 2 miserable weeks, I went back to "Dr. Right" and we slowly started me back on the medications. And I FINALLY started to feel better....and it lasted.
All my skepticism and doubt has gone out the window. It's been about 3 months since I was diagnosed and started the treatment and I can honestly say that I feel like I am alive again. I am slowly but surely reclaiming my life. It's been a slow process; I still find myself pretty weak and don't have half the stamina that I used to. And I have some permanent damage from the whole ordeal, mainly stuff that is a result of the nasty vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, that kind of thing. But I consider myself lucky if that's the worst this whole mess has left me with.
I am improving every day. I can happily say that I am able to eat again, without pain or getting sick afterward. It feels absolutely amazing to be able to plan my day without worrying if I am going to be chained to the bathroom or have to carry a bucket with me.
I am so blessed, and so, so, so grateful that God led me to "Dr. Right." I know that this isn't "over", that it will come and go, but let me tell ya, I am really enjoying this part and I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. :-)
So, there ya have it. My health "story". You know, for the first time in 12 years I went 3 months between doctor visits. Yep, 3 months. Before that, my longest time was around 2-3 weeks. Woot!
I want to thank each and every one of you who have been there for me over the years. To those of you who have listened to me whine, to those who visited me in the hospital, and to those who prayed for me or kept me in your thoughts....THANK YOU. You will never know how much it means to me or how much I appreciate you. Just wanted to get that out there.
Blessings,
~Michelle
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