The Joy of The Lord is My Strength

As I write this I am on an airplane to travel home for a few days. I look forward to my time at home even if it means that I have four or five different doctors appointments between Friday and Monday morning. I treasure the time I get to spend with my sweet family. I get to see them every seven and a half weeks as I travel home for doctors appointments. I also get to this sweet precious little boy named Ben and his parents. :) They have become family to us and I look forward to seeing them.

Crohn's Disease hasn't stopped me and I don't plan to allow it to. It may slow me down or keep me from doing all I want to do but it certainly hasn't stopped me. One of my challenges this semester has been keeping the energy to student teach in the midst of a flare. When the Lord placed me at Pearl Haskew for student teaching just over a year ago I had no idea the blessing the school, teachers, staff and students would be to me. Even on the days I wake up feeling weak or crummy I look forward to going to the Pearl. I can't believe I will finish student teaching and graduate in under 50 days. One of my previous Gastroenterologist had a goal to get me through school! Reaching this goal is so close and I can't wait to share that with him.

"...do not grieve, for The joy of the the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) This scripture couldn't be any truer for my right now. Without the Lord I would not be able to push through the weakness and pain that Crohn's can cause on my body. The Lord has surely blessed me in so many ways and for that I am forever grateful. I know He has a perfect plan for my life in so many ways, including using my Crohn's.

I've been on steroids since July now and this week I've been a little frustrated as I can not seem to wean to a lower dose without getting significantly worse. There are many days I'll avoid food until a certain point in the day so that I can make it through the day teaching. I'm thankful for modern medicine and the ability for doctors to continue to research new ways to treat Crohn's. I'm on a fairly new infusions medication that is still in the safety trail phase. I have been on it since May and we are still not saying 100% if it is working or not working. We are believing that it will be the medicine that helps me successfully manage my Crohn's. :) Each day I pray for the Lord's will in my life in every aspect, including remission of my Crohn's.

As I am flying home I look forward to being able to have the comfort of home and being with my amazing parents. They have been so amazing through this entire journey. They often give time of their crazy schedules to go with me to the doctor, fight the insurance battles, or comfort me when I'm frustrated. The Lord has blessed me with so many cheerleaders and supporters in my life. I can't wait to see what He has in store for my life.

School is Out for the Summer

Spring Semester has ended and I am soaking up the free time I have this summer. I am looking forward to a fun, relaxing, and restful summer after a crazy semester. Spring semester was rather challenging in many ways for me, but I am praising the Lord for the strength He gave me each and every day.

Receiving my cords for NSCS. I am thankful for an incredible young lady that has taken over as President of the South Alabama chapter.

Over Christmas break I began switching medications for my Crohn's Disease from Remicade to an injection therapy, Humira. I did not respond well to this injection therapy and at the beginning of the semester. It was hard to start the semester flaring and having little to no energy. I was placed on steroids to hopefully kick the flare and allow my Humira time to work. Unfortunately that was not the case and after twelve weeks of being on the medicine I was declared a Humira failure. I was able go off and on steroids throughout the semester but remained on steroids more often than not. I have a love/hate relationship with steroids. Steroids help me to feel better and give me a boost of energy, but unfortunately there are side effects such as a racing heart, insomnia, and fluid retention. Steroids were a life saver for me this semester as I fought to have energy to complete classwork and student teach three days a week.

After being my doctor and I made the decision together to declare Humira a failure therapy for my Crohn's we had to decide on a treatment option that would be best. After a lot of discussion we thought that the next best step for me would be to try the newest medication on the market for Crohn's Disease: Entyvio. We began the approval process for the medicine Mid-March and after 9 weeks we are still trying to over come hiccups pertaining to getting the medicine approved. My nurse has been wonderful and done all she can to make sure I can get this medicine. After hitting many roadblocks in getting the medicine approved we have also hit bumps in finding an infusion center or treatment center that is willing and able to administer the medication. Because of the roadblocks I have encountered in the process of getting Entyvio approved I have gone several months without an infusion or injectable medications for Crohn's. I continue to stay on my daily medicines, but have not had the energy level I should and had to be very careful in watching what I eat. As I continue to move forward in this process I am trusting the Lord's plan because I believe He will work out all of the details.

 

I was inducted into Who's Who Among America's Colleges and Universities in April

It was a very busy semester with 15 hours of coursework and student teaching three days a week. I continue to enjoy student teaching at Pearl Haskew Elementary. I was in third grade this semester and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been blessed with incredible cooperating teachers and classes both semesters I have been at Haskew. Through my coursework this semester I was challenged and learned more about effectively teaching students. My Crohn's created some challenges, especially with a lower energy level, throughout the semester, but I relied on the Lord for my strength each day to complete assignments, go to class, and student teach. At the end of this semester I was incredibly thankful to have completed the semester through the ups and downs and challenges Crohn's presented throughout the semester.

 

My last day of student teaching for the semester. I will miss those sweet third graders. 

One of the most exciting parts of this semester was filling out and turning in my graduation application. December 12, 2015 will be a very special day. I am super excited to complete my last semester of student teaching and I will fulfill the last of my requirements for my bachelors degree. Freshman year of college I was extremely sick and was diagnosed with Crohn's. Although it has created challenges along the way The Lord has given me the perseverance to push through. All the Glory goes to Him!

  

Graduation Application: Check!!! So excited for December 12, 2015

What Does it Feel Like to Have Crohn's Disease

What Does it Feel Like to Have Crohn's Disease? I have been asked this question a number of times before and I have never really had a good answer or explanation. This morning I ran across the article, But You Don't Look Sick? The Spoon Theory, written by a Christine Miserandino who has Lupus. She wrote this article when she was in college while discussing with a friend what it felt like to have Lupus. This Spoon Theory can be used to describe what it feels like to have a chronic illness. There have been a number of Crohn's Disease Patients that have used this Spoon Theory to describe what it is like to have Crohn's.

This article is a rather long one, but it is well worth the read. There are some days that I have more energy than others, but I am beyond thankful that I don't have to rely solely on my own strength. The Lord has been so good to me in providing me the strength to push through those days when I feel my weakest. One of the hardest things since I have been diagnosed for me to do has been to recognize my limits. There are days that recognizing these limits is hard but it has gotten a little bit easier.

The idea behind the Spoon Theory is that someone with a chronic illness starts with a certain number of spoons each day. Everytime that one does something that requires a decent amount of energy you have to give up a spoon. Each day I have to consciously think about the choices I make in regards to what I do and the activities that I participate in. If I want to go out to eat with friends one night I might have to give up running errands that day. Having to choose to stay home or not get things done that I want to get done is something I am still getting used to and isn't always the most fun. Just like the author of the article points out, I have learned to keep an extra spoon in reserve in case I need it because I started off with fewer than a typical day, I woke up feeling bad, or  I need to get more accomplished that day.

I am so thankful for the family and friends that make up my support system. They have been understanding and supportive when I just don't feel up to going out to eat or going to an event. I hate to miss out on things, but I have learned that I can't help this. I have to be mindful of what my body can handle. Christine Miserandino does a wonderful job of describing what it feels like to live with a chronic illness.

Christine Miserandino

Christine Miserandino

So Long Remicade!

It has been way too long since I have blogged. I have thought about it many times but really my schedule this semester hasn't allowed for much of anything besides school work and student organization activities. I am finally taking a really short break from homework. Although this semester has been absolutely hectic it has been a wonderful semester. 

This semester is my first semester of candidacy which means that I am student teaching three days a week and in classes the other two days. The class load is a lot and can be overwhelming at times, but in the end it will be well worth it. I am thoroughly enjoying my student teaching experience in second grade. I look forward to the days I get to go to the school. 

It was the first day of classes and I got to have lunch with this cutie!

Some pretty amazing classmates and friends. 

What a sweet surprise to have this sweet friends bring cupcakes for my birthday to my CT's classroom. 

I have also had the honor to serve as president for two student organizations. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as an officer of NSCS. One of our biggest events was held just a few weeks ago and my momma was so gracious to come down and help me for five days around this event. Future Educators is Action is a new student organization in The College of Education and have had the privilege to serve as the founding president. One of the things I have enjoyed most about being involved in student organizations is all of the amazing individuals that I have the opportunity to work with. 

Along with an extremely hectic schedule comes a lot of stress and Crohn's doesn't really like stress. I am working hard to keep a positive attitude no matter how I am feeling. The Lord has given me immunity from the many germs in the schools and I have remarkably been able to stay relatively free of viruses and colds. 

Crohn's has become a little bit of a challenge for me recently, but I am thankful the Lord has given the doctor's the wisdom and discernment to treat my case. Back at the beginning of October I was seen by a gastroenterologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. This visit came at the direction of my doctor in Pensacola to see someone with an even deeper knowledge of Crohn's Disease and could give some recommendations. It was a very long day of several doctor's appointments and tests, but we were able to get a better grasp on a treatment plan for my Crohn's. 

Tomorrow I will get another Remicade treatment and it will hopefully be one of my last treatments, if not the last Remicade treatment for me. I have been on Remicade for two years this month. Remicade has served its purpose but the infusion reactions are becoming worse and its effectiveness is not as strong. Right before Thanksgiving I will have another colonoscopy and upper GI scope. After this step I will hopefully switch to Humira self injectables. If there is a strictures in my intestines I will undergo another bowel resectioning over Christmas break. I am praying that there is no strictures or that they are able to balloon them open in the colonoscopy. I am looking forward to switching medications to the self injectables and the hope is that I won't have as much of the pain I have with my infusions. 

With a new treatment plan comes so many unknowns, anxiousness, and a little bit of fear. As I continue through this journey, my constant prayer is that I would see my Crohn's as a blessing. I don't know exactly how The Lord wants to use this in my life but I do know that He has a plan. The plans I think I have for my life pale in comparison for the things the Lord has for my life. He will continue to be my source of joy and strength. 

My Blessing in Disguise

As a friend and I were talking last night we talked about how the Lord has used Crohn's Disease as a Blessing in Disguise in my life. Yes, Crohn's has its ups and downs, but as I continue on this journey I continue to see how The Lord has used it in many different ways for myself and for others. I am continually amazed as He reveals Himself in my life, even through the tough situations. 

I was diagnosed during my Freshman year in college. I had made new friends the beginning of fall semester and was enjoy college. By the time Spring semester came around, I began to get very sick. I was hard for me to keep up with all the things my friends were doing. I did my best to hang out with them, but wasn't able to do nearly all they were able to do. The night before my colonoscopy, and ultimately the night before I was diagnosed with Crohn's, my very sweet friends and sisters in Christ brought me a card, journal, and prayed with me. Little did all three of us realize that life was about to drastically change for me. The thing I reminded myself of is that none of this took God by surprise! Although I had just met these sweet friends a few months before, they have stuck by me through every step of Crohn's Disease. There were many months where I couldn't do much, but they continued to pray for me and encourage me. Can I please say that I have some of the world's greatest friends? From the many tears we have shared, calls and texts made, encouraging words exchanged, prayer time, visits to the infusion center, and accompanying me to doctor's appointments, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am. No words could ever express how thankful I am for the friends the Lord has placed in my life. 

Truly blessed by and thankful for my sisters in Christ

Two very sweet friends

I went into flare a few weeks ago due to stress and am starting to wean back off of my steroids. I am not fond of steroids, but I also know that in times of flare, they are the only thing that can help me to bounce back. As I continue to wean off of steroids and prepare for my next infusion treatment, I continue to rely on God for strength. Both infusions and flares are hard for me, but I also know that with Christ I can walk through anything. When we trust in Him, God won't give us more than we can handle with His help. We can't do things on our own, but He is ready to help, if we will place our trust in Him and rely on Him for strength. 

This summer is flying by for sure! I got a chance to visit my family at Nolin Lake in Kentucky and see my extended family for July 4th at the beach. I can't believe that I only have two more weeks before my summer class is over. After summer class ends I have a few weeks to enjoy before Fall semester begins. I'm sad that summer is flying by, but excited to see what the Fall semester brings. 

 Road trip time!

Love this sweet cousin!

God painted a beautiful picture!

One of my favorite pics from the lake weekend

Another picture of God's masterpiece 

We momentarily got three of us in the hammock. 

Tyler won't be riding with us anymore... He is scared we will sending him flying

At least we didn't roll the Jet Ski this time...

 Stephanie, Emily, and I had a blast on the tube

A little fun on the tube with mom and Leah

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Sweet Summertime

Spring semester has ended and summer semester has begun...

Spring Semester ended and I headed up to surprise my mom early for my visit between semesters. I was so excited to surprise her and am shocked that I was able to pull it off! I pulled it off and came up a week earlier than she expected. We went to the farmer's market, a lacrosse game, and celebrated Mother's Day that weekend. Mother's Day we cooked brunch, went for a family bike ride, and then made an awesome dinner. I enjoyed being able to spend Mother's Day with my mom.

I spent three weeks at home with my family and was sad to leave them. While at home I started my summer class. This is the first summer class I have ever taken so this has been an adjustment. I am really enjoying the class in Child Life. The material is very interesting and practical. I fall more in love with the field of Child Life as I continue in this journey. The Lord has truly given me a heart for the field and a passion for work with children. I am excited to continue to learn as I go throughout the semester and take this step towards earning my certification.

I would be the one to climb on top of the train! :)

Loved exploring downtown with my cousin Anna!

What would I do without my sweet momma? So sad that I will be missing her birthday this week but can't wait to celebrate when I come up!

Being a little creative with my mom while I was up there. 

Before I left home I got to spend the weekend at our lake house in Kentucky. I LOVE it there!!! I can't wait to go back in just a few weeks. 

First of many jet ski rides this summer!

Love her!

The dog found a baby turtle and my mom saved him. :)

After returning to Mobile, things got very busy again. This summer is extremely busy, but busy in a good way. Between babysitting three very sweet kids, working in EDM lab, taking a class, being president of two organizations, and trying to have a social life, my calendar has very little white space. :)

These two gave me some of the biggest hugs when I went to the house to pick them up for Friday morning fun time! It made my heart so happy to get hugs from them. 

Tyler won by 2 points overall!

Abby Kate even got a strike.

This kid is always making me laugh!

Pit stop on the way home to Bass Pro Shop.

Macy's beautiful wedding!

These are the absolute greatest friends around.

Our apartment door needed a little boost too. :)

The Lord has blessed me with so many opportunities and I am thanking Him for them. I am excited to see what this summer holds in so many ways! 

Crohn's Update

Overall, I have been doing well with my Crohn's. I still have good days and bad days, but I enjoy the good days and take the bad ones with strides. A hard part of having Crohn's can be traveling. I have to be really careful of what I eat in the airports so that I can feel decent on my plane rides. Sitting for those extended periods of time can really take a toll on my arthritic hips, but I just make the best of it. 

After returning I got my infusion treatment and had a routine follow up with my gastroenterologist. Frankie and Jessica came to see me on their lunch break at the hospital during my infusion and rode to Pensacola with me for my doctor's appointment. The Lord has given me friends that are always going out of their way to make sure I am feeling ok or seeing how they can help. They keep me in line and are encouraging when I need a boost. I treasure their friendship and am blessed. I cannot imagine this journey without having their friendship. My family and friends been a constant support since Day 1 of this road. 

Crohn's is not always easy by any means, but the Lord gives me the strength to take one day at a time.   I don't take one thing for granted. I have the best support system around; as well as, a great medical team that treats me. 

"Hallelujah! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever." Psalms 106:1