Upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and I sure do have lots to be thankful for.

What I'm thankful for this year

Injections

My biological injections keep working. I don’t want to jinx myself, but they have been working for a very long time. I know other IBD patients who developed antibodies to this drug, and it makes them get a flare. I reach out to my friends who have Crohn’s all the time to keep up with what they are taking. I hope I don’t have to go through that, but I am quite aware that there is always a chance.

My location

I remember when I went to college in rural Pennsylvania. I lived a very far distance from my doctors. When I got a bad flare-up, I remember I had to take time away from school to travel back home. I really feel bad for the people who have to travel a long distance to get treatment. I wish there were more facilities near them for these people to get their treatments. When I go down to the University of Pennsylvania hospital to see my doctor, I notice that there are a lot of people there who come from a very long distance. It was the same thing when I flew out to the Cleveland Clinic to see their top doctors. I remember saying to myself, “Wow, this is such a far distance to see the doctors.” Travel is very hard on your pocket. I remember spending close to one thousand dollars to fly to Cleveland. Was I going to pay this amount every month? I am so thankful I was able to stay local with my doctors.

My family

My family has been behind me one hundred percent. It starts with my parents, who always had my back. They didn’t work for one whole year when I was sick in the hospital. They drove me to endless doctor appointments and even flew with me to Cleveland to see the doctors there. My wife has done an amazing job changing the diet in our house. She cooks IBD tolerable food; a healthier diet that I seem to do much better with. I am so thankful.

My work

Thank you to the district I work in, and the staff I work with. My staff knows I have Crohn’s. I always have teachers stopping by my room to ask If I am alright. They will cover me if I have to make a mad dash to the bathrooms. I would not be able to teach my twenty-eight kids each day if it wasn’t for my staff and administration. I am thankful.

The Crohn’s community

I really do love reading and writing for this community. I know people learn from me and I learn from them. It is very therapeutic to be able to read and learn from others.

I am thankful to have Crohn’s

Yes, you read that right! I know that I would not be the person I am now if it wasn’t for this depilating disease. I am more cautious about what I eat. I am more grateful for the small things in life, and I don’t get stressed out about things that are out of my control. This Thanksgiving, make sure you thank those who are close to your heart. Have a great holiday!