We KNOW Our Bodies

Isn't it crazy how much living with a chronic condition shapes us? Especially living with conditions like Crohn's and colitis. Since being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, almost ten years ago, I've become hyper aware of my body and how I'm feeling.

I recently had my J-pouch scoped. It was a long process. Especially considering I had to see a new doctor and drive over two hours just to meet him. This does not include the time and effort it took to prep my bowels or the process in which I went through just to find and get referred to this physician. By the time I saw him I was stressed to say the least. I wasn't sure how the scope would look and as odd as it may sound, I honestly was hoping for bad results. I'd rather him see my J-pouch at it's worst so he can have a full understanding of the symptoms and things I've been experiencing.

The appointment went okay. It wasn't everything I'd expected, but then again, I didn't really know what to expect. After the scope and appointment, my family and I took the 2 plus hour ride home. I was feeling okay at this time. Not the best, but also not the worst I'd been feeling lately. I was uncomfortable and ready to get home.

Pain after a procedure

When I arrived home I was in a lot of pain. I never have any side effects or complications from procedures. I usually bounce back pretty fast, but yesterday was so different. My body was in pain, especially my stomach. Because I've been living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease for so long, I usually know exactly what's going on with me. I also knew the possible complications from the procedure, but for some reason, I just couldn't figure this one out.

I could not find the cause of my pain

It's crazy because normally every little thing I feel, I can tie it to a cause. Too much pressure? Probably gas. Pain? I haven't eaten in a while. Bowels moving slow? Need more liquids! For some reason, THIS pain, was much different. I couldn't shake it. I'd done everything I could think of, but honestly, in so much discomfort, I couldn't think of much. I typed up a message to my friends, I just wanted to ask them their opinion on if I needed to go to the ER or not. I hate the emergency room, but I began to get a little worried about this feeling.

I deleted the message.

I suffered in silence

I didn't want to worry my friends or make a big deal out of nothing. I decided to do what many of us do often, suffer in silence. I went to lay in bed thinking maybe it would numb the pain or considered sleeping it off. In the end a friend messaged me. The same friend I originally planned on messaging but was too scared to follow through. She also has IBD. She told me how familiar that pain sounded. She gave me recommendations, one of which being tea. A few cups later I felt like a new woman! I love my IBD friends.