Guys you've got it a little easier!

Ok sorry guys. I hate to blog this BUT......
As if crohn's isn't bad enough. With stomach cramps and bathroom issues. Us ladies have to deal with PMS too. One thing that I am definitely finding is that 1x a month my stomach cramps and diarrhea get alot worse and then I started connecting the dots. I feel like I am about to have another flare up and then I look at the calender. Sometimes it can be so bad that I contemplate the ER or another dreaded doctor visit.
Not that most of you GUYS care about this. But, I do find it interesting that it effects me as much as it does. So maybe the ladies would find it interesting.
All of that to say.....
Eve should have kept her apple to herself and my life would be much better.

Food!

Oh my weakness! After being diagnosed only 3 months ago I am still playing the "Food game". It makes absolutely no sense to me and in fact drives me crazy most of the time. It seems like one day I can eat somethings and then the next time I try that same food, it sends me into a tale spin and I am laid up in bed for a while.

Things that I have learned to steer clear of no matter what:

-Popcorn (and I LOVE popcorn!)

-Rice

-Cucumbers

-Strawberries

-Corn

-Apples

I have also discovered that "dark" sodas tend to upset my stomach. The stress is that I tend to live in fear of alot of foods. I am scared of nuts and anything seedy. It could be that these things don't even bother me, but fear keeps me clear of them. It is very hard for someone who loves food as much as I do to be so afraid of everything I eat. Sometimes my cravings get the best of me. I guess it just depends on what you are willing to go through in order to satisfy a craving.

One thing that amazes me most about Crohn's and other stomach related illnesses is how random things are. Where milk can send some people to the hospital and it doesn't phase others. An apple can be great for some but it will send me to bed for two days. One thing that helped me alot was journaling. I wrote all of my foods, symptoms, meds, sleep, emotions, doctors notes, etc. for about 2 months. It helped me to see patterns as well as it made me stay aware of my body.

Food will always be my greatest weakness and with Crohn's it is also my greatest frustration. Even though I hate the crap (HA! no pun intended), it doesn't stop me from trying to live freely and experience life fully.