Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Successful SCD and STILL an Ileostomy?

Yes folks, you read correctly. I am approaching my 4th year on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet which has allowed me to live med-free and in 100% remission from Crohn's Disease.

Regardless of my digestive successes, the universe decided to make things interesting by lining up two major resection surgeries including a temporary ileostomy.

What?!? Resections and an ileostomy while claiming success with the SCD? That's right. I am still in shock myself. You see, these unfortunate events had nothing to do with Crohn's disease and everything to do with past abdominal surgeries - the primary culprit being last year's Cesarean.

It all started last fall when I was on my phone at work one minute and on my office floor the next. I was rushed to the ER and when the doctors learned of my past history with CD they assumed that this was another lapse. However, after extensive tests it was determined that I showed no signs of CD whatsoever (the silver lining in case you missed it).

After 5 LONG days in the hospital I underwent exploratory surgery (4 hours) during which time they identified a "very serious and strategically placed adhesion" which impacted several feet of my small intestines. I was also informed that I was now the owner of a temporary ileostomy.

After 2 weeks in the hospital with an NG tube and three months sporting a PICC line and an ileostomy and then a second "reversal" operation in February, I am now slowly making my way back to "normal."

Let me tell you all that these operations, PICC lines, and ileostomies are no joke but sadly they are all too common occurrences for folks with Crohn's. If you follow the SCD and it is working for you. Don't stop. If you are thinking of trying the diet but are on the fence sign up NOW!

There are so many beautiful and creative SCD sites cropping up these days, not to mention the great email groups. You will have more support than you can imagine.

The bright side of the last few months:
  • Doctors couldn't believe that the CD was undetectable
  • Doctors who were once skeptical now encourage me to stay on the diet
  • The C Section may be to blame but I have happy healthy babies to show for it!
  • I have a new found faith in the SCD
  • I don't have to worry about fitting into my bathing suit this summer