I Can Relate

And it keeps getting better

I’ve now gone two straight months without any consistent symptoms of my disease.  Remicade has finally worked, and it feels great.  Moving into my new home tomorrow where I will finally be able to cook myself healthy food and keep up with my workout routine. 

One major tip for Crohn’s patients:

Eating healthy really does make a huge difference in how you feel.  I bet plenty of doctors have already told you this, but they aren’t just saying it.  Its true.  It really can affect your day.  And Life’s too short to not try and feel your best everyday.

In love and Good Health,

CM

Something Was Brought To My Attention

And it really got to me.  One thing I have learned since being diagnosed, is that we as patients are largely dependent on the ones who surround us, especially the ones we love.  Crohn’s can be emotionally straining, and you tend to lean on the ones you care for the most, and those who care for you the most. 

I never really revealed the best medicine of all for any disease.  Love and Family.  Everything is 1000x harder without them.  And I never really revealed who was there for me, and I should have a long time ago.  Of course my parents were always there, and always will be. They made everything as easy as possible, and I can never thank them enough for that.   My fraternity brothers showed support the entire way.  I would do anything for that brotherhood.  But one person in particular was also always there.  My past girlfriend.  Even though she is now my ex, and things aren’t exactly great between us, I wanted to just say how much I appreciate all of her help and all of the time she spent helping to heal me.  She deserves the recognition.  She stuck through all of it, and it couldn’t have been easy.   

Amanda, thank you.  I appreciate everything you did, and will always be grateful.

To everyone who has a disease, make sure you have people who support you.  Family is forever.  And family is what gets you through the hard times.

In Love and Good Health

CM

Rejection

I didn’t get into the early assurance Maine Track program for Tufts University, but that is just a small speedbump on my way to becoming a doctor.  I am so passionate about helping people who are going through what I have gone through.  I cannot wait to know that I have influenced peoples lives in a positive way. 

Time to keep doing well in school and start getting ready for the MCATS.  Everything happens for a reason.   Maybe I am not supposed to go to Tufts?  Jefferson in Phildaelphia sound really nice.  And I would be finally surrounded by fellow hardcore Flyers Fans.  That sounds like a good deal to me.

We grow as people when we achieve.  But we grow much more when we lose.   We learn humility.  Alongside empathy, humility is something they don’t teach in medical school.  Yet, it makes for one hell of a doctor.

In love and good health,

CM

Feeling Great

On my way to a much healthier me.  My Crohn’s is staying under control, and I believe that this workout plan I have developed will help keep it there.  Hopefully I will become a personal trainer this semester and help people do the same. 

I am so glad that Remicade has finally worked.  And for anyone out there who is not in remission, there is always hope.  With time, patience, and faith, anything is possible. 

In Love And Good Health

CM

Empathy

Yesterday I interviewed for Tufts School of Medicine Maine Track Early Assurance Program.  If I am accepted, I will be guaranteed a spot in the class of 2018.  I will be well on my way to becoming a pediatric gastroenterologist, and helping kids get through what I have been through.  Its something that I am very passionate about.  I cant wait to take what I have learned from this past year and use it to ease others suffering.  I will be able to go home every night and know that I have made a difference.

Let’s just hope I get in so that first step can be behind me.

Remission

It’s finally here.  Yesterday I was told by my doctor that I am indeed in remission.  After 9 months of fighting, it feels great.  I am finally myself again.  No prednisone.  No cramps.  No setbacks.  Just me. 

Countdown to remission has begun!

One and a half weeks down, two and a half to go until my next remicade treatment.  No problems yet and I feel great!  Going for a 3 mile run in the morning with one of my fraternity brothers.  Can’t wait to get back into shape. 

Go out and do something!

One of the best lessons I have learned while having this disease is that exercise makes me feel so much better.  Sometimes we are prevented from doing what we want so badly to do.  We are stuck in the hospital, or we feel too bad to even try and walk down the street.  My suggestion:

Do whatever it is that you like to do when you can.  Make it something physical.  Now that I am looking towards remission, I am going to get into the best shape fo my life…

Run 4 miles a day.  Shoulders, back, and biceps Monday and Thursday (1 hour).  Legs, chest, and triceps Tuesday and Friday (1 hour).  Swimming Laps for 20 to 30 minutes Tuesday and Thursday morning. 

Its hard to get going again after being kept at bay for so long.  But if anyone is interested in what I am planning to do to get back into shape and gain my self confidence back, message me.  I would love to talk to anyone sharing the same goal.  I am also trying to eat healthier, which can be challenging for someone with Crohn’s.  I would love some advice. 

In Good Health and Love,

CM

I Can Finally See the Light at the End of the Tunnel

I haven’t written a post in a while.  I’ve been pretty busy juggling a lot of different things in my life.  So I thought it was about time to update everyone on my disease.  I feel amazing. 

I guess amazing is a relative term that people with Crohn’s and colitis will understand.  But I am recieving the highest dose of remicade every four weeks, and it is finally working.  Not much wiggle room with that course of treatment, but I am finally off prednisone.  I am so happy.  No more steroids means I will be returning to normal fairly soon.  I am going to get into the best shape of my life.  No more mood swings.  Just me.  And it feels great.

Three weeks from now, if I have lasted four weeks without any extra help, I will most likely be declared in remission.  I should probably throw some sort of party.  It’s been a rough past six months, but it looks like the end is finally here.  Everyone who has been a part of my life this past year has been more than helpful.  And I love all of them for it.  Thank you. 

And to all of those still actively fighting this disease, my prayers are with you.  We never stop fighting, but we get breaks.  And I hope your break comes soon.

In good health and love,

CM