My life with Crohn’s disease, Part 6
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I could never have made it through everything I did, especially at that age, without having an incredible group of people behind me: my family.
Let me just start off my saying that my parents are amazing. I can’t even imagine being in the position that they were in having a child who was so sick and almost on the verge of death. They were such strong advocates for me. My mom pushed and pushed for me to get to see the right doctors. They always made sure I had everything I needed at the hospital. And they asked lots of questions of my doctors and made sure I was taken care of the entire time I was there.
And they stayed with me every single day and night, sleeping in that awful recliner thing that’s supposed to be considered a bed. My mom, bless her heart, was there pretty much every day with me. And since we didn’t realize that I was going to be hospitalized at my first appointment at Duke (apparently is takes a LOT to make you realize you need to be admitted when you’re not used to it), those first few days became a little chaotic as my parents had to figure out all of the logistics.
My dad went home to take care of my sisters (who were 15 and 9 at the time) and my mom stayed with me, trying to keep up with everything that was going on. She tells me that she didn’t have a chance to eat until they took me to my first colonoscopy – 48 hours after arriving for my appointment! That’s when you realize how blessed you are to have friends who send you fruit and cheese baskets and help you get through those difficult first days.
There are many things that went on behind the scenes that I don’t even know. I can only imagine what it was like for my sisters, not only having a sister in the hospital, but also not really having your parents around for a month as they took care of her. The one night my mom actually stayed home was because it was my little sister’s 10th birthday. They had scheduled a party for her before I went into the hospital and didn’t want to cancel it.
During the weeks that I was there, my sisters stayed with other families during the week to get to school and other activities. My dad would get them on the weekends. They had their worlds turned upside down, too, but through it all, I know that I never heard them complain.
We had a great community surrounding us as well. I had dozens, even hundreds, of cards and flowers and notes all over my room. My family did their best to make it look as little like a hospital room as possible. My sisters decorated posters that hung all around my room. I had more stuffed animals than I could count.
I am so thankful that I had such strong and amazing people right there beside me to help me along and keep me moving forward. My parents and sisters were right there with whatever I needed. My friends came to see me and make sure that I was doing alright. And we had a whole community who was praying for me and also making sure that my family had everything that they needed. There’s no way I could ever thank them all for what they did. And I know I would not be where I am today without their support. I am truly blessed to have had all of them as a part of my life.
4 Comments
I really like reading your story! Although I was 21 when I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s, (I’m 55 now) so much of your story is familiar to me! I, too, would spend a month or more in the hospital at a time. I added it up once and altogether I spent 6 months of every year for the first ten years in the hospital. And I tried having my ostomy reversed because of poor body image issues. I, too, have strong, supportive parents and family. I have been in remission now for well over 20 years
October 17, 2013 at 7:36 pmYou seem very “together” and well-adjusted and I wish the very best for you!!
You are lucky to have such a great family. I know I would not be where I am today if my family didn’t make the sacrifices they have made in the name of my health!!
October 18, 2013 at 5:47 pmWow, What a story! I was nearly in tears. Not only is this inspiring, but I can also take something away from this- I have gained 50 pounds since having a resection in March (which you helped prepare me for via email, thank you!)-and it all happened within 4ish months. Regardless of whether or not my weight was healthy before, gaining 50 pounds that quickly is not great for the self esteem, when I wasn’t even very skinny at my lowest weight in crohns. I’m often feeling like I’m the only ‘fat’ Crohnie, but I definitely realize now that I don’t know how good I have it. Wow. I have a lot to be thankful for. Your story is something that will definitely help me get out of this “I’m fat because I’m 3 sizes bigger than I was a year ago” rut. Thanks a bunch!
October 16, 2014 at 4:38 amYou have an amazing story! It takes a lot of prayers and a supportive family to get through all the ups and downs of Crohn’s disease. I think God led me to the first gastroenterologist that was determined to help me. I was diagnosed at a young age with Crohn’s in 1978. Stress with this disease is my worst enemy. God has healed me so many times and brought me through many surgeries and the flares that comes with IBD. I saw you this morning on Twitter and had to read your story. Thank you for sharing! God bless you!
June 4, 2015 at 11:53 amLindsey Curtis