Living with Crohn's Disease Living with Crohn's Disease Lean about Crohn's Disease from the perspective of a 32 year old Florida father, husband, athlete, Articles
Saw Dr. Shafran Today
2007-11-21 04:05:00 I am staying the course and sticking with Humira, but we may up it to once a week instead of bi-weekly. I had blood drawn and got a B12 shot. While I am doing better than I was at this time last year, I am not out of the woods yet. It was so nice to see Dr. Shafran, Anita and the rest of the staff. He is such an awesome doctor. While I was there the Orlando Sentinel was there doing a story on Dr. Shafran and the photographer snapped pictures throughout my visit. Stay tuned for a link to the story on a new treatment Dr. Ira Shafran is presenting at a medical conference in Miami next week. I am excited for him. I got in a nice 3.4 mile run after my Doctor's appointment.I read an obituary in the Orlando Sentinel for a man named Michael Cleary that died after a battle with Crohn's Disease. It definitely puts things in perspective and makes me want to get a handle on the stress and my Chrons. Anyways, Happy Thangsgiving to you all.Don't sweat the small stuff.- Scott Roy More About: Today
Scott Roy is Going to See Dr. Shafran
2007-11-19 23:10:00 Going to the good doctor Shafran in Winter Park on Wednesday afternoon. Maybe he can give me a miracle cure so I can chow down on Thanksgiving. This is the time of year that I had a big Crohn's Flare up that landed me in the hospital in 2006. Hopefully the Humira keeps me away from there but stress at the new job is begging to differ. I am doing OK...standard Crohn's cramps. I haven't been to Dr. Shafran and am curious to see what is new with my treatment as well as catch up with his wonderful staff! More About: Scott , Going , Goin
Is Humira Really working for me? Worst Night Sweats Ever
2007-11-12 14:48:00 After lining my side of the bed with towels and having pretty much the worst night sweats I have ever had...my wife challenged me this AM with a statement that went something like this "I know the Dr. is holding out alot of faith on this Humira working but I don't know if it really is." I paused to reflect and have to wonder myself. The pain has been getting worse and the night sweats are back. I am fresh off a shot Friday night too...so usually I am doing OK at this point.About this time last year (before I started this Crohn's Blog), I had to go on a liquid diet and ended up not being able to eat at Thanksgiving or Christmas). I lost about 12 pounds...that might be the only good part.....and spent about 5 days in the hospital.Anyways, crazy week at work. Just took on responsibility for all of our marketing (was just doing online portion) and am working on 2008 business plans and budgeting. Fun times!!Enough bitching, lets all have a positive week. -Scott More About: Night , Working , Workin
Humira Shot for Crohn's Disease at 12:45 AM - Party Hard
2007-11-10 06:44:00 Well i didn't get my Humira shot this week so after about 6 beers I got home just in time for Amy to poke a needle in my arm full of Humira. I felt like I was super relaxed but it really hurt for some reason. Oh well....2 more weeks until I get more Humira. We'll see how it goes. Keep your heads up gang...Things are going a bit better for me, but work stress and stress at home are still getting me good. Lets hope I avoid a flare-up More About: Party , Hard , Shot , Disease
Tips for Dealing with a Crohn's Disease Flare Up - Crohn's Disease Blog
2007-11-08 15:28:00 Below are some good tips for dealing with Crohn's Disease Flare ups...mine is last. Please feel free to add your own tips or talk about how YOU deal with a Crohn's disease flare-up.From Aaron: The greatest advice I have for those with Crohn's or Colitis is to keep your chin up and stay positive. Believe it or not, attitude can play a major role in coping with IBD. Although I was formally diagnosed with Crone's disease this morning (after a colonoscopy), I have experienced many symptoms for nearly two years. While fighting through the physical pain has been extremely difficult at times, I constantly remind myself that I won't let the disease hold me back. Like many other sufferers, I am only 18 years old. And I have no intention of simply giving in and sulking in self-pity. So next time IBD gets you down, try to keep a positive frame of mind. Remember that you have your whole life ahead, and you won't let IBD stop you from making the most of it!!! Any questions, reactions, etc?... More About: Tips , Blog
Crohn's Disease in NYC
2007-11-07 03:47:00 Ahh, So I returned to the scene of my now infamous pants pooping site today. Unfortunately my favorite boxers weren't there (Click here if you have no idea what I am talking about). I was in New York City for ad:tech. My stomach was OK, but I am a bit worried about a blockage. I get my Humira shot in a few minutes. Thanks for all of your comments. I am teetering on the edge and somehow avoiding a flare up. I am determined to run a marathon in 2008 and am about to start training again. My goal is 8 miles by Jan 1 (at a 7:50/mile pace). More About: Disease
Stress has a Tremendous Impact on Crohn's
2007-10-30 05:06:00 Stressin out over work, home life and money. I am a mess right now. Subsequently my Crohn's Disease is starting to Flare. It was a real bad day. Hopefully things turn around for me. Sorry for the short and lame post. The latest Humira shot hurt a bit. I am generallya VERY happy person...but latley I find my seslf slipping into what can only be described as depression. More About: Stress
Severe Night Sweats and Waiting for Humira
2007-10-26 14:57:00 My Humira shots ran out and there was some confusion reordering. Thankfully my wife Amy and Anita at Dr. Shafran's office have taken care of it for me and my Humira is set to arrive at the house this morning. Since it comes in a cooler (and I live in Florida), my neighbor is coming to grab it off of my front porch this morning. I can barely believe I am saying this, but I can't wait to get home and get that big juicy shot of Humira. I am three days late and sweating so much at night it is unbelievable. Last night night sweats woke me up three times. I ran out of space on my California King sized bed, and ended up going through towels, sweatshirts, etc. I was freezing! Anyways I usually sweat pretty bad again the night I get the shot but it improves after that. I go see Dr. Shafran Monday for a checkup. I am looking forward to it and consider myself lucky to have such a good and caring doctor. Anyone needs a good Crohn's doctor in Central Florida....check out Dr. Ira Shafran in Wi... More About: Night , Waiting
David Garrard Story I found Detailing His Crohn's, Surgery and Remicade
2007-10-26 14:51:00 (From December 2005)A vertical scar begins just below David Garrard's navel. He can see it when he lifts up his shirt, when he gets in and out of his Jaguars uniform, when he prepares for bed."It's not that bad," Garrard, Jacksonville's new starting quarterback, said Tuesday at Alltel Stadium. "I've seen people with scars all over their stomach. Mine is just about three inches."Garrard's blemish is a reminder of the Crohn's disease he has fought for two years and of how he is approaching the biggest start of his pro career on Sunday, when the Jaguars (9-3) are host to the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (12-0)."Even keel," said Garrard, 27, who will make his second consecutive start since Byron Leftwich broke his left ankle Nov. 27. "We're out here playing a game that can be taken away at any time. With me, that almost happened."If the Colts' Peyton Manning is the best-known quarterback in the N.F.L., Garrard may be its least known, although he faced Manning in his only start ... More About: Story , Surgery , David Garrard , Remi
Humira Pen Versus Shot
2007-10-23 20:52:00 As most of you know I take Humira for Crohn's Disease. This blog has had allot of discussion and comments on the Humira Shot versus the Humira Pen. My wife talked to Dr. Shafran's wife today (the office manager and a nurse) because I am out of Humira and due for a shot tomorrow. Anyways she asked about the Humira pen and they told her to stick with the shot because they have had quite a few problems with the pen "misfiring" and the humira not actually making into the patients. Since Amy has been giving me the injections at a faster pace they haven't hurt as much so I am going to stick with the shots. I am still curious about the Humira pen though. Anyways thought I would update you all. Going to Dr. Shafran (Winter Park, Florida) for a checkup and B12 shot monday. Also, the night sweats are coming back pretty strong. It has been a while since I have had bad night sweats, but the past few nights I have been soaking the sheets. Not sure what the deal is there. I think there is a co... More About: Versus
Red Sox, Stress and Crohn's Disease
2007-10-22 04:14:00 Between work stress and watching the Red Sox in a Game 7 ALCS I am hoping to avoid a flare up. I made a successful comeback on the soccer field today. The neck is feeling much better. For those of you in active flare ups...keep your heads up and have a great weekend. I really, really appreciate the positive comments and feedback. Have a great week. More About: Disease , Stress
Lupus and Crohn's Disease
2007-10-19 07:05:00 Lupus and Crohn's Don't Need to Ruin Your LifeBy Candida Bohnne-EittreimIt's been a long journey of discovery in how to live with both lupus and Crohn's Disease . Both of these are autoimmune disorders that wreak havoc with the body's connective tissues, and in some cases cause death. Because these are incurable and little understood disorders, it has taken major proactiveness on my part in learning how best to cope with the almost constant pain and fatigue they carry with them.I was first diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in the early '70's. I had been losing weight steadily, and was wracked with severe abdominal pains. My doctor had told me most likely I was suffering from "housewives" syndrome, which he blithely claimed was common among high strung women such as myself. That changed dramatically, when one night bent double with pain, I found I was hemorrhaging badly from my rectum. Admitted to the hospital from the emergency room, I was told I had cancer of the colon, and sch... More About: Lupus
Staying Positive when you have Crohn's Disease
2007-10-14 23:22:00 Hey guys...nothing too much to report here. My stomach is feeling pretty good. Had a Humira shot on Thursday and seem to be doing OK. Pain and cramping have been pretty minimal. Anyways, for those of you that are in active Crohn's flare ups or worse...keep your head up. It will get better. When it hurts it hurts, but keep a positive outlook and you will make things easier on yourself...you can even trick your body into starting to heal. We all know stress is a big factor in leading to Crohn's flare ups. So step back, breathe, and focus on getting better and the positives. Hope you all had a great weekend. More About: Disease , Positive
Humira Shot Tonight
2007-10-12 02:55:00 Woot, Woot, time for a Humira Shot . Lots of stress in my life (stress effects my Crohn's Disease in a big way) and I need this shot. A few idiots at my old company are stressin me out...check out my personal (non-crohn's blog) for that. Anyhow, hopefully this Humira shot does the trick. Say your prayers (also for Brandi in Seattle). Big weekend...Red Sox, several church events, maybe the beach..who knows. But if you are struggling guys...have faith.....you can live a normal life with Crohn's Disease. I do it most of the time. I know what it feels like when you aren't. So if you are having issues with Crohn's, having a Crohn's flare up...or know someone that is...let me know. Whether I can help with research, prayers, advice, or just give you a laugh....I am here...you know where to find me. -Scott More About: Tonight
Grown Men Don't Poop their Pants (and blog about it)
2007-10-08 06:36:00 Ok, so I hinted about a month ago about telling the story of how I pooped my pants. A few people have requested it. So here it is. This is the story of how I shit my pants on a date and successfully cut my underwear off while walking down Broadway in New York City. Away we go.Let me transport you too a chilly winter night in the early winter. Must have been about 1998. I am living in Connecticut and decide to take a girl I was dating into the city for a night on the town. We enjoy a nice dinner at Gramercy Tavern (strange how many details I remember from this night). We are walking to a play (Rent..UGH) and I innocently try to slip a fart past a turd. Well, I failed miserably and propelled a liquidy stream down my right leg.Thank the good lord for my 3/4 length suede jacket, which mostly hides the damage. While it isn't too obvious to others, I still have issues to deal with. Great, now what? As panic start to step in, I coolly collect myself and begin to formulate a plan. I will u... More About: Pants , Blog , Poop , Grown
Remicade Allergy - Remicade For Crohn's Disease Stories
2007-10-05 02:49:00 I have gotten some feedback from those that have gotten Remi cade infusions for their Crohn's. It reminds me the second time I got remicade. I guess there is a high chance for an allergic reaction if you start on remicade and then stop before you have had a certain number of treatments. I want to say it is four. Anyways, I went to the infusion center in Winter Park (Florida) and got hooked up. I was fine after the test dose, so they turned up the drip. Ooops, I had a pretty severe allergic reaction, breaking out in hives and experiencing shortness of breath. I got loaded up with bendedryl, steroids and antibiotics through my IV. I was unable to return to work and went home extremely doped up.Here is an interesting article on the success or Humira when Remicade fails:ROCHESTER, Minn., May 2 (UPI) -- Adalimumab -- sold as Humira -- works on Crohn's disease for those adults who fail on infliximab, sold as Remicade, say Mayo Clinic scientists in Minnesota.A study of 325 subjects with t... More About: Stories , Disease
Top 12 Joys During a Colonoscopy Exam - Let's Get Naked!!! Wooo!
2007-10-02 19:36:00 I found this on about.com (written by Mike Durrett): The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says: "Colonoscopy lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the (you know), all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine." A long, long, lloonnnnnnnggg, flexible roving tube is inserted with a teensy light, camera, and blower.12. The pre-show cleansing -- known at my house as "The Bottomless Spit." 11. There's nothing to hit the fan. 10. Anal probe makes you eligible for guest appearance on "South Park." 9. Crack navigation provides little chance of colliding with iceberg. 8. Zany rectal air hose makes you feel you can fly over Macy's parade. 7. Any loose change found is yours! 6. Sedatives hallucination transforms doctor into Jim Henson and you're a Muppet. 5. Don't need to wear dress-up clothes to get pictures taken. Eight-by-10s and wallets ... More About: Exam
Fart and Colonscopy Jokes are Always Funny
2007-10-02 19:24:00 I am not sure why, but the old saying "Fart Jokes Are Always Funny " is true. Try telling one and I guarantee you someone giggles. Anyways, this goes back to a bookmark I had from a few years ago. These are (supposedly) actual comments patients have made either during or after colonoscopies. I kind of like #6....Let's hear your "votes"! Next colonoscopy I plan to come up with a new one to add to this list. Be warned Dr. Shafran!1. "Take it easy, Doc, you're boldly going where no man has gone before."2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"3. "Can you hear me NOW?"4. "Oh boy, that was sphincterrific!"5. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"6. "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."7. "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"8. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out. You do theHokey Pokey...."9. "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"10. "If your hand doesn't fit, you must acquit!"11. "Hey, Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."12. "You used to b...
A Typical Crohn's Disease Monday at the Office
2007-10-01 21:59:00 Unbelievable pain this morning. Probably from the crappy food choices and crappy beer choices (maybe I should go back to Corona from Natty light and bud light!). Anyway I had serious stomach pain and was productive my mass printing my emails and reading them in stall number 3. I need to see about an easy way to store reading material in the ceiling panel. I HAVE TO have something to read when i poop. I joke but if there is nothing at a friends house I will read their deodorant and hairspray containers. It's embarassing sprinting down the hall with a newspaper, BrandWeek magazine, or other materials. I want to invent little Crohn's books that fit in your pocket. Imagine the newest John Grisham Book - Playing For Pizza). It is AWESOME and I read in about 3 days (thanks for sending it Mom). Also, if you haven't read Bleachers, it is another John Grisham football book that is awesome.Anyways, would love to hear feedback so feel free to offer up your stories and tips on dealing with c... More About: Office , The Office , Disease , Monday , Pica
I Pooped Today T-Shirt
2007-09-29 22:35:00 I pooped Today ! This I pooped today t-shirt cracks me up. This is not one of my t-shirts but it still makes me laugh. I did poop today. At least 5 times and its only 4:30. By the way, regarding Crohn's and beer. Last night was fun. You could prepay for your beers by 7 and get happy hour prices.$1 16 ounce drafts. So yeah, I stepped up at 6:58 and ordered myself 8 beers. I had some chips and salsa and between that and the beer I pooped last night at least 5 times when we were out partying at Tijuana Flats in Winter Springs (Florida). I kept going to the bathroom..my friends probably thought I was doing blow in there. LOL, and thank god they know me better than that More About: Shirt , T-Shirt
Another Humira Shot and more night sweats!
2007-08-21 21:30:00 Those of you that know me laugh when I talk about getting shots for something related to my Crohn's Disease. You laugh because I have somewhere around 15 tattoos, but wimper at the thought of a quick prick with a needle. Well these Humira shots HURT! The needle itself is no big deal, but the pain as the medicine enters is pretty tough. I usually get through it thinking about tattoos or using the adreline part of it. Either way, I am off of the Asacol, 6MP, etc so I guess I should not complain too much. My next Humira injection is on the horizon. For those of you looking for more information on Humira and Crohn's Treatment, click here for the humira website.And while I am complaining....Anyone else get the night sweats? I have them more often than not, but I sweated through my sheets twice last night. I do not entirely understand the connection between Crohn's disease and night sweats but I often (well my wife Amy does) change the sheets by 1am, then have to cover my side with tow... More About: Night , Shot
Soccer during a Crohn's Flare Up
2007-08-21 15:56:00 One of my biggest source of frustration has been struggling with playing sports and having Crohn's Disease. My stomach was awful yesterday (see previous post), yet I still managed to play a soccer match at 8:30. I basically was dealing cramps, swamp-ass (hey I promise nothing other than to be direct and honest) and general irritation on my hiney (well said if I was an 80 year old gentleman). Anyhow, soccer for me is an outlet and makes me feel NORMAL. My family acts as if my stomach can't really hurt that bad and almost as if I am playing it up. In reality for a few minutes I can get around or get over the pain.So...two takeaways -1. You can play sports even with active Crohn's or a flare up. I do it. Several professional athletes do it (David Garrard and Theo Fleury being two of them.)2. Find your distraction....whether it's water-skiing, bungee jumping, joining the professional Rock, Paper, Scissors circuit (there is one), or meditation....Find something that at least for a fe... More About: Soccer , Flare
I Hate Mondays
2007-08-20 20:52:00 I don't know what it is about Mondays and my Crohn's disease..but I have come to dread them. Maybe I get off my schedule and eat too much. Maybe I drink (ok, not maybe) I drink too much beer. Either way, Mondays consist of severe stomach cramps and as a result I would get more work done by setting up a mobile office in stall number 3.Anyways, maybe I should lay off the beer. I think I also have Choronas Disease! More About: Hate , Onda
PHENOMENAL Crohn's Disease Book
2007-08-15 20:44:00 If you are looking for a Crohn's Disease book for you or a loved one, do not miss Will of Iron by Peter Nielsen (Will of Iron: Principles for Healthy Living). This book talks about living your life to the fullest and basically how you can beat Crohn's Disease. As an athlete with Crohn's Disease this is by far the best Crohn's Book i have read to date! More About: Seas , Phenom
Newly Diagnosed Teen?
2007-08-15 20:34:00 It can be scary when you first get diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. I vividly remember my first diagnosis and the first couple of weeks. I had some great resources and great people. If you want to talk, or check out some good books on dealing with Crohn's Disease...let me know. I would be glad to help out.
Colonoscopy Jokes and Humor
2007-08-15 17:38:00 I used to have a website bookmarked with different jokes to play on doctors when going to a colonoscopy...you know the standard fare, red sharpie market like a target, exit only signs, things to say, etc. My doctor (Dr. Shafran in Winter Park, Florida) is awesome and loves butterflies. So last month for my colonoscopy I got about 20 butterfly temporary tattoos and put them all over my butt. I was already out when they saw them, but apparently he paraded the whole office in to see! They thought they might me real because I actually have about 15 tattoos. Anyhow, if you have a link to that site..let me know. Crohn's disease jokes are always welcome here! More About: Jokes , Humor
Pain at work!
2007-08-14 21:48:00 Ah, so my stomach is actually killing me. This is one of those days where Crohn's Disease sucks. One of the reps for a company I advertise with came in to take me out to Sam Sneads and after eating a normal lunch I am back at work in pain. I actually locked my office door for a while while I laid down on the floor. Ugh. Anyhow, I had to gripe. Going home to take a percocet then will try to play soccer tonight!Anyone else deal with pain in the workplace? More About: Work , Pain
Tips for Crohn's Disease Flare Ups
2007-08-10 04:23:00 Living with any chronic disease can be a challenge, and Crohn’s is no exception. The extremely painful flare-ups make day-to-day living seem impossible and when the disease is in remission, the stress of worrying about the next one can be almost as bad. So, how do deal with these flare-ups when they happen?A Crohn’s flare-up is usually associated with the onset of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, weight loss, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, a loss of appetite and diarrhea.The first step is being able to recognize the risk factors involved in dealing with flare-ups. Maybe the easiest risk factor to avoid is exposure to tobacco products, weather you’re smoking them yourself or if your family members or friends are. Another major risk factor for Crohn’s flare-ups is stress. While it’s impractical to think that you can remove stress from your life completely, making a concerted effort to try to limit the amount of stress can seriously reduce the amount of and severity... More About: Tips , Disease , Flare , Seas
Newly Diagnosed? You can beat Crohn's
2007-08-08 23:08:00 I must say, 11 years ago as a healthy 21 year old, I was shocked to wake up from a colonoscopy, still heavily medicated, seeing about 5 versions of my doctor..to hear "You have Crohn's Disease" This all came about quickly, and I just heard "Disease" and started planning my own funeral. I look back on the past 11 years....No, nothing is normal, I crap several times a day (more than you do in a week), have constant cranky-ass, and have pain all the time. That being said, I play soccer 5 times a week (at 32 years of age), ran a marathon, and still run competitively. So, if you are newly diagnosed...drop me a line. Life with Crohn's is not a cake walk...but it can be quasi-normal! Stay tuned for the story of how I crapped my pants walking through Manhattan on a date...and stealthy cut my underwear off and dropped them through my pant leg without the lucky lady noticing! More About: Beat
Humira Rocks
More articles from this author:2007-08-08 00:35:00 So after 11 years of battling Crohn's I have finally found something keeping it under control. I have spent years puffed up and moonfaced on prednisone, taking 16 asacols a day, etc. I tried Remicade and had a horrible allergic reaction during the infusion (we are talking major hives and inflammation). That led to getting pumped up with steroids, antibiotics, and benadryl thogh the IV. Fun. I was really bummed because the doctor had high hopes for that one.I was set to join a clinical trial for Humira, but the day before I was to start it got approved by the FDA. After a huge waste of paperwork for the trial, the insurance company denied the drug because it was so new its main use is not for Crohn's disease. Well, after 4 needles during the loading period (subdermal), and then 2 every 2 weeks, I am now on 1 every 2 weeks. The needles are nothing, but the medicine itself STINGS unbelievably bad. I both dread and look forward to those shots of Humira every two weeks (I am an adreni... More About: Rocks 1, 2, 3 |
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