Life with Crohn’s Disease
Hi, welcome to Gma’sPhoto! Today I would like to share my life with Crohn’s Disease. First and foremost**-
Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice. Always consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet, medical plan, or exercise routine. Please refer to the disclaimer.
Let me first begin with, ‘What is Crohn’s disease?‘ To get a complete explanation, click the link. In my words, it’s the sshitz….. literally.
I was diagnosed at age 17. It took many years to understand what foods I could eat without triggering the horrible side affects of the disease. Stress interrupted my food intake, what my gut could and could not tolerate at that moment in my life. The weeks leading up to me qualifying for my CDL and learning a new route was a stressful time for me. Keep this in mind as you are reading….
Past employers have been wonderful working with me and my need to have restroom access as needed. However, my newest job is a tricky one. My supervisor has been wonderful. There was an incident that I could have lost my job because of the actions I took at the time of one of those restroom needs.
At this moment and time of my life, I have had to make another adjustment to my lifestyle. This will include carrying a bag of necessities on the bus. This bag will include an extra pair of pants, panties, baby wipes and a potty pad. You heard correct, a potty pad. I am now a CDL Bus driver. Thank goodness, my longest route is 2 to 2.5 hours. There is no bathroom on a bus. So guess what? I will need to pooh my britches if a bathroom urge strikes. Not looking forward to this. One of my requests was no cloth seat 🙂 I will be sitting on a potty pad!
The incident I referenced above, I could have lost my job because I did not pooh my britches. It was necessary for the administration correction taken. There is a plan now in place. Luckily the superintendent of the district is aware of Crohn’s and understood the meaning of, ‘I need to go now’! Of course, I had to provide a doctor’s note stating my diagnosis and what was needed medically for me to be successful. All is good for now. I am sure this will provide opportunities of some humorous post follow ups 😂
In all seriousness, Crohn’s is not a fun diagnosis to live with. On the other hand, I would much prefer to talk about it instead of talking about it when an ‘accident’ occurs and I am very embarrassed. Granted talking about pooh for most is embarrassing butt (pun intended), could you image how embarrassing it would be if you had to pooh your britches?
Should you have experience with Crohn’s or Ulcerative colitis, let me know. We can share tips and tricks to avoid those embarrassing moments.
Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
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As an RN (retired) I am aware of all the ramifications and symptoms of Chron’s. I commend your determination to do all you can to handle this chronic disease the best you can and I congratulate you on your new position! Very exciting– Best wishes!
Hi, Pat. Thank you for your kind words. I’ve had Cohron’s the majority of my life. When I need to go, I have no issues with going anywhere I need to 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend.
Take care and best wishes.
Oh my, Debra! That’s a lot to live with! A dear friend from church has also lived with Crohn’s Disease for many years – ever since our own kids were in elementary school. She managed it well but, on occasion, she’d have a flare up and those were always trying times for her and her family! Thanks for taking the time to educate us all!
Hi, Laura. I’m seeing more and more RX ads on TV about Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis. I’ve had it for so long that my normal now is governed by ‘where is the restroom’!. 🙂
Take care and best wishes.
Hi Debra, I hear you! And I’m so sorry you have to put up with this awful condition. My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s last year and what a rollercoaster ride it has been! He has been so poorly it’s untrue.
Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness. Also lovely to see you at #MMBC, take care. 🙂
Hi, Jayne. How old is your son? He can certainly reach out to me to ask me any questions about me and my experiences. Just have him use my contact form. Stress and diet are two main keys to keep my symptoms at bay.
Thank you for visiting.
Take care and best wishes.
Stopping by from #MMBC, you are a trooper! Both in living with this and being brave enough to talk about it.
Hi, Melynda. Thank you for your encouraging words. I am not sure if ‘others’ even know what Crohn’s is. There are several commercials of RX for the disease. It would be wonderful if someone else who is lucky to also have Crohn’s to chime in.
Take care and best wishes.