Right now, I should be at the airport waiting to get on a flight to Boulder for the Fitness & Health Bloggers Conference. But, sadly, I am sitting at my computer at home writing this blog post. Why, you ask? The short answer is my health.
For the past three weeks, I’ve been battling some not-so-fun gastrointestinal issues. I’ll spare you the gory details, but, basically, I’ve spent a lot of time freaked out, uncomfortable, and in the bathroom. Let me tell ya, it’s been a rockin’ good time. I don’t want to get into too much detail because I really don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I will tell you what I know.
After a bunch of tests last week, I was diagnosis with Colitis, which is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine. The symptoms are belly pain, cramps, fatigue, diarrhea, bleeding, and other nastiness. Sounds just peachy, doesn’t it? I have no clue how it started and whether it is curable or something that I have to live with for the rest of my life. My doctor kind of sucks and won’t return my (many) phone calls, so I still have no clue what is going on with me. All I know is that I feel like crap and my symptoms are getting worse, not better.
In fact, I feel so terrible that traveling across the country on a plane to a fitness conference where the focus is being active does not sound appealing at all to me (unless I want to risk pooping my pants). Even if I toughed it out and skipped the fitness activities, I know I wouldn’t enjoy myself because I’d want to participate in all of the fun. Being there and missing out would be even worse than not going at all. Plus, there might be another test in my future later this week, so I need to stay close to home.
Obviously, I’m not a happy camper right now. I’ve always been healthy, so dealing with this type of stuff is really throwing me for a loop. The fact that my health insurance barely covers any of the medical costs is also really stressful. I’m truly in shock with regard to how much money I have spent in the last three weeks. Clearly, I am upset and frustrated about the whole situation. I just want to be well!
Breakfast
My doctor suggested limiting the high fiber foods in my diet to give my intestines a rest and minimize symptoms, so I’ve switched things up in the past few days. I finally nixed coffee (very sad) and beer from my diet. I’ve been eating fruits and veggies all along (I need the nutrients!), but I’m going to cut back and see what happens. Hopefully, a daily multivitamin will help me fill in the gaps.
This morning, I ate scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese inside a tortilla. I’ve had zero appetite the last few days, but this breakfast actually tasted pretty good.
This whole thing is crazy. I always joked that I had the “stomach of steel” because I could eat whatever I wanted and never have a problem. Now, pretty much everything I eat upsets my intestines.
Please say some prayers for me. I’m really down in the dumps right now and struggling to stay positive, especially today since I had to cancel my trip to Boulder. I also didn’t sleep more than an hour last night. Wah.
Question of the Day
When something not-so-great happens to you, how do you stay positive?
