Apology and Update

 

As some of you may have noticed, I am no longer a moderator.  Peter was kind enough to encourage me to stay on even when I was not pulling my weight,  and I did so for as long as my conscience would allow (well, longer, actually.)  I did not leave Healingwell, and even when I wasn’t posting at all, I still read what I could and included all of you in my prayers.  It just wasn’t right for me to be listed as a moderator when I wasn’t acting as one.  Besides the Crohn’s, I had a bout with tailbone pain and couldn’t sit for very long.  I have neuropathy, too, which is just a nuisance.  It was a bunch of little things, plus trying to get moved and organized, that set me back.

Now for the update.  It will have to be more of an outline.  I moved in with my brother and his family in September, and I am happy here.  I stopped Remicade because it was no longer working.  The doctor had mentioned Humira, but just before Christmas I had my first ambulance ride and my first ER visit due to Crohn’s.  It was an obstruction, but I kept my record of 25 years since diagnosis and no resections – so far.  The hospital stay is pretty much of a blur, thanks to dilaudid and phenergan, but I wish I had gone somewhere that my doctor has privileges.  If it ever happens again, I’ll swallow my pride and go earlier so I can get to the hospital I know.  My problem is that I’ve had many partial obstructions, but they all worked themselves out before I got desperate enough to call for help.  I thought this would be the same.

Anyway, I saw my regular GI and am on Entocort now (and eating very carefully.)  When I go back in February,  if things haven’t settled down a lot, he’s going to do another CE.  If the inflammation is diffuse, he’ll have to treat it medically; if it is localized, my first resection may be looming. What will be will be.

I pray for you all.  In order to give some meaning to the frustration of having to drop everything and run to the bathroom, I have decided to regard nature’s call as a call to prayer.  My bathroom is re-named my prayer room. So be assured that I am praying for you often!  From now on, I’ll try to post more often and not so much at a time.

What a nice post Lois! I am glad you are doing better. Don't go away completely. I did that recently and I really missed everyone here. I know now this place is like a little bit of therapy for me. I can come here and post about yucky stuff that no one else wants to know... or will listen to. Karen

Hi Lois. Thanks for the update....so sorry that life has been a bumpy road lately. Please keep us updated when you can.

Lois, please don't apologize for stepping down. We all have to put ourselves first at times due to this DD. Take care, rest and feel better.

Prayers...

Dear Lois,
Hi I am Kitt and I guess they through me in as mod to pinch hit.  I hope I can fill your shoes. I know every minute you have devoted to HW has been out of love and caring for the members.  Keep on praying in your new prayer room and know we are thinking of and praying for you. 
Nice to meet you. Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Lois, I am sure that Keah told you the scare your absence caused. After she determined that you were indeeed alive and well, we had a good laugh. Sorry your CD is being a bother. And I am very glad you updated us all!
Ides

Hi Lois,
I am glad to see a post from you. I am sorry you had a bit of a rough road. remember one thing we are always here for you no matter what.

teddybear

lois, glad you have somebody to look after you now. i know how hard it was getting living alone for you. are you sure you dont want to join the resection club? i hear the entrance exam is not that hard!

Thanks, lamb, Kitt, Jon, Ides, Susie, teddybear, Mary and Ivy. You are all so kind and patient. Jon, I would have Emailed you; I am so far behind. Ides, yes, Keah and I had a laugh once she found out I was still alive and typing. I thought I had told her I was moving, but my plans changed several times and when it finally happened it was hurried and hectic. I forgot to give anyone my new phone number and address.

Susie, I am so sorry to hear you've been suffering with cellulitis. It's awful, isn't it? I, too, had the weeping blisters, and the swollen, hot, red, itchy legs. Fortunately the medicines worked both times and I didn't have to be hospitalized. My PCP blamed the remicade for exacerbating it. Anyway, I haven't had it again, knock on wood.

Ides, Ivy, and other mods, I had meant to post a farewell on the moderator's board but was waiting to hear from Peter. He missed my first Email; so when he got the second one he acted quickly, and I didn't have a chance. I thank you all for bearing with my unannounced absences.

I am reading a bit every day but still not posting much. Of course, my prayers continue.

Lois,
I love that you re-named your bathroom and it's now your prayer room...do you mind if I steal that and use it at my house?