The beginning of last year was tough with my own health, but I for the most part have gotten through it. But, it was even more life changing for a sweet and very close person to me. She found out she has Colitis.
It's been a roller coaster for her. Ups & downs. Good days & bad days. But she is so brave.
For those of you who don't know what it is (myself initially included), it is basically an inflammation of the large intestine. The symptoms are uncomfortable, uncontrollable, annoying, and truly life changing. Do you know anyone who has it?
There is no cure, but similar to other diseases, sometimes people can go into a remission period. That is what I am hoping for her. She is a fighter & many people who know her have no idea that she suffers from it.
My sudden appreciation for health triggered from more blood tests I had to get done yesterday. I hate being poked at, I always have. But while I was sitting there with my head buried in TL's arm, I got to thinking about the brave people out there who are suffering from cancer and other health issues that go through with it on a daily basis to survive.
We all know someone or knew someone that has gone through it.
So this is my little reminder to myself and all of those who need it to be thankful for the health we have. Exercise, be happy, don't let the little things get to you and eat well. :)
Thinking about all the people I know who have life altering health situations going on right now.
It sure puts life into perspective!
18 comments:
Its funny how these little reminders happen just when you need them to. i'll be thinking of your friend.
How true! Health is one thing we almost never appreciate until we lose it ourself (or someone close to us does). I hope your friend can find a period of calm in her life and has people to support her when she struggles. Cancer and heart disease have been the big two in my own life and I hope people (myself included) remember to put it all into perspective.
Amen sister! After seeing the health problems my parents have suffered from, I make a valiant effort to exercise often, eat well, and do things to relieve my stress. Thanks for the reminder.
What a wonderful reminder. I'll be thinking of your friend, I hope she does go into "remission".
P.S. Your bunco party looked like so much fun! I always joke that I'm a 31 year old in a 21 year old's body, my friends would laugh at me if I asked them to do a bunco party every month but I secretly can't wait until we start doing things like that.
Just getting over a horrible stomach virus, I have realized that I take my health for granted!
I"m going in two weeks for a spring "physical"...not my idea, but my new doctors seeing how I haven't really had one since HS! I'm the same, I HATE being weighed with all my clothes on, blood drawn. sitting there waiting.........feels like my life is passing me by. But I understand the concern, Health is no messing around matter. Better to be safe than sorry!
Great reminder, girl! We are so lucky to have our health!
My sister in law had colitis really bad and she had the surgery to remove her large intestine. She still has so many problems, it seems like it is never ending. My heart just breaks for her because I know she is in so much pain. For her really adhearing to the food resrictions does a wonder so I hope your friend will have some success with that as well. This past year was the most difficult for me in regards to health. I had six surgeries in six months and my body is just now feeling 90% again. We all need a reminder every now and then to keep our health in check. We only have one body so we might as well take care of it.
You're exactly right. I think I take my health for granted all too often (it's easy to complain about back pain, cramps, etc . . . but I'm so lucky not to have anything life-threatening). I hope that everything goes perfectly with your blood work and that your friend goes into a long period of remission!
It is so true that your health has such a huge impact on everything else in life!! My boyfriend has ulcerative colitis. This is a daily struggle, although as you said it can go into remission periods, but I have seen even those times are simply more of a time with less symptoms than normal. He was recently doing the SCD diet, which can greatly help... Hope you are ok too with your tests :)
we truly are so lucky for our health... it breaks my heart how many people suffer from chronic illnesses
Very true! I have learned to be thankful for each and every day...
To quote "Frayed Laces"; There will come a day that this is no longer possible; today is not that day!!
Run Happy ♥
Love this post. I definitely take my health for granted way too often...
Thinking kind thoughts for the woman suffering from colitis.. I had a coworker at my last job who suffers from ulcerative colitis. She was our age, too. When it would act up, I just wanted to hug her. She got to the point where she knew what would make it rage, but some weeks, taht seemed like it was EVERYTHING. :( Hopefully your friend will go into a remission period. My friend did and has been okay ever since. It took a series of drugs, figuring out what worked and what didnt, etc, to get there...but she got there....and hopefully your friend will too.
I enjoyed reading about this. I just went to our hospital's cancer center this week, and it's very sad to think about all of the people who suffer from these diseases. We are very blessed for our health.
I know very little about colitis - my mom has mentioned it a few times in regards to people she has seen at work suffering from it, and each time she brings it up, I just reflect on how blessed I am.
I will absolutely be thinking and praying for your friend - that this will kick into remission, and that she will be able to live a healthy, wonderful life.
Thanks for this post - it's always so great to have a reminder to be thankful/grateful!
Bless her heart. I hope she "heals" and has more good than bad days. Thanks for the reminder...sometimes we forget just how lucky we are. :)
i couldn't agree more. i went through a health scare myself and it wasn't pleasant. i'm sorry you have to go through getting poked and such, and so sorry about your friend! it does truly put things into perspective - i recently learned of a blogger who i read who passed away from a sudden illness and then a recent blogger who has contacted me is going through cancer as well. we have SO much to be thankful for. hope you are having a great weekend girl! xo! p.s. i showed my mom your wedding dress post just because i love it so much and she loves your dress too!
Make sure to tell your loved one to go to Whole Foods and get a nutritional supplement called dihydrolipoic acid. I know people who have UC and have taken that supplement, and it helps alleviate some of the symptoms. If you have any questions or she does, feel free to e-mail me!
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