You Don't Look Sick

These four words are hands-down some of the worst to ever say to anyone that suffers from Crohn's, Colitis, or some form of IBS.  It's true that we don't display our sickness on the outside.  We're not sweating due to a fever or wrapped up in blankets due to having chills; we don't all look gaunt, emaciated, and pale; we don't cough out a lung or two and down Robitussin and Nyquil.  We carry our sickness on the inside right alongside our suffering.

It's been a long time since these words have been spoken in my presence but I feel the need to address it today.  I've been having stomach pain for the past 5 days and I could sit here and theorize what is causing it but like the disease itself, I just don't know.  It doesn't matter what I eat, don't eat, when I eat, or how much I eat.  It just hurts.  The pain makes me nauseated, lethargic, and literally zaps all of my energy.  My body is so busy trying to fight this entity that all it wants to do is sleep.  But don't worry, I look fantastic on the outside!  Well, maybe a little make-up would help too.  So does that mean I'm not sick?

So the next time you see someone that looks great on the outside but may complain about a stomachache remember this: they might be suffering more than you know and it is taking all of their will power to just get through the day.  And if you dare say these words, I warn you now, it doesn't matter how sick we are, we will kick your ass.

On a health note, I would like to talk about Curcumin.  Curcumin comes from the spice turmeric and has many health benefits.  My holistic healer, Dr. Stephen J. Feldman (http://www.ontohealth.com/), has me on it because of its anti-inflammatory properties.  In my case it helps my small intestine during those times when nothing makes it happy.  An extra dose of curcumin for a few days settles things down and I am then able to eat solid food again.  Curcumin and turmeric has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat upset stomachs.  Ayurvedic medicine holds its origins in India which incidentally, has a very low number of Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBD) amongst its people.  I am by no means a doctor or pretend to play one on TV.  Please do not take anything until you speak with a doctor and have read everything about it. 

On a happy note, I leave you with some of my favorite lyrics.  My new obsession is The Airborne Toxic Event, a band from Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California.  From their song, "The Graveyard Near the House": "Cause it's better to love whether you win or lose or die.  It's better to love whether you win or lose or die.  It's better to love and I will love you till I die."  I dedicate that to my husband who has to deal with a lot when it comes to me.

Good health everyone!