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Instead, I have tried to share with you a base of knowledge about current medication and treatment theories so that you can take this information and apply it to the next article you read on a breakthrough medication or treatment that pops up in the media or makes its way to a journal. As your disease evolves over the rest of your life, I hope you will build on the foundation of information you will receive in the pages that follow.
I am assuming that you know little about this disease. Upon diagnosis with IBD, many people are given one-page pamphlets that offer only the basic information. And if you know nothing about the disease to begin with, you may not be in the best place to ask the doctors the right questions about it. In making this assumption, I realize that the book may move more slowly for those who are already somewhat knowledgeable. If you are in this category, feel free to use these portions of chapters as reference material and move ahead to the next Living section. Realize also that my experiences and the experiences of others in the book should in no way reflect a plan of treatment for you. Again, I am not prescribing a treatment. Instead, these stories serve two purposes: to help you to understand that you are not alone in this and to serve as vignettes of actual experiences of the situation mentioned. To make a decision for yourself, I strongly suggest that you gather as much information as you can about the symptoms and the medical treatments or surgical options and then take that information to your team of medical professionals to formulate a plan of action. I also encourage you to use as many resources as you can. Continued learning is essential if you intend to always be on top of the latest advances. Seek out books and professionals, web sites and medical studies. Talk about the disease in support groups and listen to what others have to say. Develop a ravenous hunger for more knowledge about IBD. And educate others whenever a chance arises; you never know what it will mean to them. It may help them in the future when they or someone they care about may experience the signs and symptoms of IBD. Be positive about the future Life did not end with your diagnosis. I promise you that it will continue. Since I was diagnosed with Crohn's on that cold February day, I finished college, graduating with honors and a degree in journalism and English literature; I married the man who was my boyfriend at the time of diagnosis; I gave birth to my beautiful son; I adopted three dogs, three goldfish and a frog; I bought a house; I have experienced a very satisfying career as a writer as well as an active volunteer. Sure, the disease has had a profound impact in my life. But the impact has not been entirely bad. As a result of being ill, I developed a greater level of patience with others. I have had the opportunity to meet fantastically compassionate people, in person and on the Internet, I never would have met without this disease. I have learned more than I think I ever wanted to know about the human digestive system. I am more sensitive to personal pain of those who are ill, no matter what their diagnosis. And I realize now what is really, really important in my life, something that usually doesn't happen until late in life, if at all. For these things, I am extremely grateful. While I wouldn't wish this on my meanest sister, I welcome you to a wonderful community of people who understand you and support your journey. You are NOT alone. Click here to continue reading First Year: Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis. All information is copyrighted by Jill Sklar, 2002. All rights reserved. |