05/19/2017
I try not to bore you all too much with the woes of our defective guts, but in honor of World IBD Day, I think it is important to share our story once again. They call this a silent disease because it's not always noticeable by looking at someone who suffers. But, trust me, there is nothing silent about us 😉
Wonder why we are FIGHTING CROHNS? Here's our story ...
We never imagined that this would be our FIGHT, but here we are!
Our family's battle with these diseases began when Jenn was originally diagnosed with Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis in 2008. After a long and painful 18 months, multiple hospital stays, and two surgeries, she has come to a tenative peace with the diagnosis after having a full colectomy in 2010, and is technically 'cured' of the Ulcerative Colitis. (Note the sarcasm when the word 'cured' is used ... ) Her 'new normal' sees mostly good days, and some bad - but a focus on the future rather than the past. Maybe seeing the writing in the stars, as soon as Jenn was diagnosed, Scott became involved with the Central Ohio Chapter of Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America and declared this our family mission, but we had no idea that our battle with Crohns and Colitis was really just getting started!
In July 2012, when he was just 10 years old, our son, Tyler, was diagnosed with Crohns Disease. He has shown a strength and courage that far surpasses his years. Knowing that something was wrong following endless blood draws and scopes -- they put a camera WHERE?!? -- when asked what he thought was going on, he simply replied "I have what Mom has." And so we FIGHT ...
Our quiet first-born son who used to nearly faint at the sight of his own blood now takes great pride in the fact that blood draws (at one time, done on a weekly basis) and IVs are 'no big deal'. Five years into his FIGHT with this disease, he undergoes an infusion of Remicade every 6 weeks, as well as his weekly meds and daily supplements. We are thankful that the medicine keeps his symptoms under control, but worry about the long term effects of these same drugs. There is no easy path when it comes to these diseases. Regardless, Tyler never lets his diagnosis or the treatment stand in his way of living his life to the fullest and he continues to be passionate about soccer. He does not complain about the hand that he has been dealt ... And so we FIGHT ...
Tyler's younger brother and sister, Aidan and Liv, have watched their mom go through two major surgeries and still occassionally ask "does your belly still hurt?" Or "are you sure you should eat that?" They now watch their big brother take medicines and joke about the ever-hilarious camera up the butt; they know that as a family we are trying to FIGHT these diseases for Mom and Tyler. What they don't fully understand is that they also have a significantly higher risk of having Crohns because this insidious disease likes to pick on siblings. And so we FIGHT ...
This is why WE FIGHT.
Will you FIGHT with us?? Drings Fight Crohns
