A Life of Crohn's
A Crohnie since age 12, now 76. Six bowel resections, eighteen other surgeries and so many procedures and hospitalizations that I can't remember them all, thank God. Bowel obstructions, abscesses, kidney stones and other assorted agonies related to Crohn's have conspired to destroy huge chunks of my life, but I'm still hangin' in there. Over all those decades, I've actually been quite fortunate. Been married 55 years, helped raise two sons and two grandsons and had a 44 year career in advertising and marketing. Written half a dozen books, including the ironically titled Crohn's Is a Funny Disease. In my spare time I've earned a 7th degree black belt in Kenpo karate, taught it for 25 years and still stay as active as possible every single day. In fact, I'm getting ready to release an app called Plus1, a word game like no other. It's been tough, but if I've gotten anywhere in life, I have to attribute it to a stubborn willfulness to get on with living no matter what. All things considered, life is scary good.
Hi
. Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is very useful for people to hear just what is possible. I'm sure you have seen your share of changes in treatments or lack of them over the years. My wife, Kelly, was diagnosed with a severe form of a different autoimmune condition (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) at age two, almost 45 years - before modern treatments with the damage to show for it. Kelly has used a wheelchair since her teens and has other autoimmune related issues. Much like you, however, she also lives life to the fullest. She has gotten degrees, has a great career, loves to travel and spend time with friends and family, and gets me to do things I probably wouldn't otherwise. That "stubborn willfulness" can take take a person far. Best, Richard (Team Member) All the best to your wife, you and your family. As I'm sure you've discovered, there is great power in patient persistence. By taking one day at a time, one step at a time, we can all prosper in our own way, difficult as that may be.
Well said. -Elizabeth (team member)
