This weekend will mark the one year anniversary of my diagnosis. I think it’s only fitting to sit back and reflect on how amazing my life is and how great I’m doing.
The past year started out pretty rough, as it probably is for all newly diagnosed Crohn’sies (I keep making up name Crohn’s-related words). I was 20 lbs lighter than I wanted to be and scared. It’s amazing how radically different my life is today. The first month on SCD was hard. So hard that when I went back to my college dorm after my diagnosis and starting the diet, I cried when I gave my dad all of my snacks to take home. I used to have mini panic attacks in restaurants when I couldn’t find something on the menu. But with time and support for my family and friends, things have gotten exceptionally better.
This year I think I’ve learned that I can do anything. The reason I have been so successful with SCD is that I know how terribly I’ll feel if I don’t take care of myself. I love chocolate, for example, but every time I want it, I think of the time when I was sick and chocolate burned my esophagus going down. I never ever want to feel that way again.
I’ve discovered my willpower. I have become very disciplined, mostly for the reason stated above. It’s been tough and I think it’ll always be tough, but that’s okay. Life would be boring if there weren’t any challenges involved.
I am so grateful for the life I lead today. I love that I am strong, healthy and 10 pounds heavier than I was this time last year. I hope, readers, that you too are healthy and well. If you’re struggling right now, I hope you find the strength to carry on and find a treatment that fits you.
Quickstats
Day of diagnosis: March 6, 2009
First day on SCD: March 8, 2009
Meds-free for 11 months!
Average weight before Crohn’s: 120 lbs
Weight at time of diagnosis: 98 lbs
Current weight: 111 lbs
Alyse K
