Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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!

12 comments:

  1. Interesting about the curcumin and turmeric! I'd never heard of the former. Will look it up. Best of luck to you!

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    1. Hi Tammy,

      Thank you so much for visiting my blog and yours looks fantastic! I'm looking forward to reading it and stop by anytime.
      rebeca.

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  2. Hi Rebeca,
    Next time I see you I'll be careful not to tell you don't look sick. I sure don't want my *** kicked. ;-)
    Your hubby sounds like a great guy!
    Donna

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    1. Hi Donna,
      When in doubt you are more than welcome to tell me that I look fabulous! I'm just teasing. :)
      rebeca.

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  3. What a wonderful idea to bring awareness of Crohns through your own personal experience. It's always better to hear from one who really knows...

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    1. Hi Pat,
      Thank you for visiting! I hope that my experiences will help those out there that need more than just the advice from a doctor.

      Take care, rebeca.

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  4. My daughter feels she might have IBS - I shall let her know about this blog and about the curcumin and turmeric. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Lynn,
      I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is going through the symptoms of IBS. Please feel free to have her visit my blog and ask any and all questions. If she isn't ready to start taking curcumin supplements she can always sprinkle turmeric on her food and that little bit does help. A little sprinkle will not change the flavor of the food.

      Thank you for visiting and am happy to answer any questions you may have. Good health to you both, rebeca.

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  5. I found you on Donna's blog and I am following you from Italy. All my best wishes to you! I understand what you mean, I suffer from fibromyalgiabut people don't even understand what it is here in Italy.

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    1. Hi Francesca,
      I am so grateful to Donna for putting my information on her blog. She is a wonderful lady. I'm sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia. I'm always curious how the medical system differs between the United States and Europe. Are the doctors helpful and willing to listen? I've come across some doctors that all they do is prescribe medicine without listening to the patient.

      I'm so glad to have my first overseas follower. Thank you! I wish you good health, rebeca.

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  6. Hi Rebecca,
    My Mom posted above that I have a feeling that I might have it.. Indeed I do. I think she would have remembered the lovely colonoscopy experience she had with me. Such a goof :) I guess in a way I was glad that there was some rhyme or reason as to why I had all this trouble (yet IBS really has no rhyme or reason). Its been painful, annoying, anxious, irritating, obnoxious, embarrassing to say just a bit. Along with my IBS I have terrible heartburn like an overweight middle aged man and they threw in an anxiety disorder for good measure. Diet has been the number one thing to help me, not all the medication and supplements they tried to feed me (that made it worse). I like to call my things episodes. If I don't wake up an hour early and drink several cups of coffee and go to the bathroom then I will have an episode. I think the worst is my problem with going to the bathroom in public, or in my own house when company is over. Other than that.. Life is great. Nice to meet you and I enjoy your posts! And I love the title.
    -rita

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    1. Hi Rita,
      It's so nice to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear about your Crohn's. Diet is a huge component to this disease and unfortunately I don't think many people get it. There is too much dependence on drugs and curing the symptons and not enough research into actually treating the disease and the person. You can cure the symptoms all you want, the disease is still there. I did an overhaul on my eating habits about two years ago and it has done wonders for me. I'm glad that it's working for you.

      Ahh yes, the episodes. It's weird how one little thing like a cracker can send me to the bathroom for hours or sometimes it's the best thing I've ever eaten. And yes, having to go to the bathroom numerous times while you have company over is embarassing!! Well, it is for me.

      Thank you for visiting and please feel free to ask any and all questions. Good health to you! rebeca.

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