Of my various health challenges, Crohn’s disease has been the most surprising.  As my mom has said, the commercials for various Crohn’s medications suggest it causes frequent restroom trips that are miraculously stopped by the advertised medication.  Well, after 10 months, we have learned that is an extreme oversimplification of a serious illness that affects each person in unique ways and that is not easy to treat.  Along the way, though, I have been blessed by several “get well” (or, on some days, “don’t get worse”) charms.

I have to start with my husband, who has literally kept me from falling on the ground and, the few times he did not make it in time to stop my fall, gently picked me up.  One effect of Crohn’s is weakness, which can come from loss of appetite and not eating, as well as from malnutrition even when you are eating.  The malnutrition occurs because the body fails to absorb nutrients since the digestive system is not working properly.  I have had a few rounds of extreme weakness, and Curtis has held me up me during those times—physically and emotionally, literally and figuratively.  I did not expect to test the “in sickness and health” part of our marriage vows so early in life, but he has more than met the test.  Knowing that he is supporting me has enabled me to get through this difficult time.  Every day has been better because of him, and I do not want to imagine how much worse each day would be without him.

Next, I turn to Gracie, who is our 10-year-old tuxedo tabby.  (For those of you who are not into pets, feel free to skip this paragraph.)  We adopted Gracie when we moved into our house in 2011, when she was a frightened little kitty with a history that must have had some struggles (though we can only guess on the details).  In the past 2 years, Gracie has become my constant companion, and in my down moments will practically throw herself at me in an effort to cheer me up.  Of course, a little 9-pound cat cannot do much to help me physically.  But she is a great source of entertainment, running and playing like she is still a kitten.  She is also a great emotional support.  Those who have met her know she is a beautiful, gentle soul that instantly brings a smile to your face, and she raises my spirits daily.

That has been vital, as my spirits have been challenged through this ordeal.  In February, I was admitted to 3 hospitals in a week’s time, with my stays totaling 9 days.  When I was first admitted, it was because of the malnutrition and weakness from the Crohn’s.  The doctors decided to run more tests and perform another colonoscopy.  At that point, I had all but stopped eating for a few weeks.  When the colonoscopy did not find anything, I came home for a few hours before my primary care physician re-admitted me to another hospital.  From there, I was transferred to the third hospital because of concerns I might need surgery.

Then along came my next get well charm—a dear friend who drove from Ohio to Morgantown, WV, relieved Curtis at the hospital, let him use her hotel room to shower and rest while she and I visited, and then came home to help here when I was released.  Within 24 hours of her arrival at the hospital, I started to feel better.  And when she stocked our refrigerator after we got home, I found my appetite slowly returning and started eating again.  After that, I gradually improved through March, April, and May.  But then in June, I had another complication.  Among other things, I lost my appetite again and could not sit at all.  I had a procedure at the beginning of August to help address the issue and relieve some of the pain, but the first day I was able to really sit for an extended time was the last Saturday in August—when our friend visited from Ohio again.  As with February, I also started eating better again.  She also helped lift my spirits and keep my mind off the fact that Curtis and I were supposed to leave for vacation the day before but had to cancel because of my health, for the fourth time in two years.  She asked me how much I thought a person’s mental outlook affected her health.  I shrugged it off.  But looking back, I see a definite pattern between the arrival of my awesome, loving friend and improvement in my healing.

Curtis, Gracie, and this friend are just 3 examples of the get well charms in my life.  I have another friend who texts or calls frequently, and another who sends me cards regularly (one a day when she senses I am getting worse).  In addition, I have supportive coworkers, including many who are donating leave since I have not been able to work full time.  Every one one of them (including those of you are reading this blog) has been helping me during the biggest challenge of my life.  Never underestimate the amazing impact of the love and support you offer to those around you.  You may be making the difference between sickness and health.

Before I end this post, I also want to encourage everyone to trust yourself when it comes to your health.  If you feel something is wrong, do not let anyone tell you otherwise.  Ask the doctor to look again or try a different test if s/he does not find anything at first.  Or try another doctor.  When my latest complication arose, two doctors examined me and did not find the problem.  My body was telling me otherwise, and it took a third doctor to diagnose the problem and refer me to a specialist.  Trust yourself, and find doctors who trust you, too, and will keep looking when you tell them something is wrong.