You girls are great! I appreciate all of your thoughts, information and offers for PM's which I still may take you up on.

I'm feeling very fortunate, actually. Now that I have read some of the severe cases of Crohn's that are out there, it seems like I listened to my body well, pushed the medical system hard, and managed to get a diagnosis when I'm not in a critical state that requires surgery. At least that's what I'll keep telling myself unless the scopes on Feb 28 tell a different story.

I actually think I only got a diagnosis because of cycling! Well, I used to be very active, a very strong mountain biker, but when this flared up in July it got me off my bike. The nausea and bloating were plenty to deal with, but whenever I did anything strenuous I would be overcome with fatigue. I don't know if I'm just past that flare up, or if my reduced level of activity is the reason, but lately I feel kind of okay. I've still been afraid to kick up the exercise too much because I hate that feeling of fatigue. But I do wonder if I were a person that is only as active as I am right now, with the reasonably good healthy diet that I've always had, that I would not have noticed it just yet and it would have taken years for the symptoms to be serious enough for me to seek a diagnosis. Again, it makes me feel good to think this is true. My activity level is currently not bad - 1/2 hour of yoga in the morning, 2.5km walking commute on work days, 2.5km walk home on most days, light weights a couple of times a week. I'm going to give the drugs I'm on - very lightweight stuff called Pentasa - a chance to work for another few days, then I might try the free cardio kick boxing class that's just down the road from work. I know it's not nearly what I used to do, but I know I should not compare myself to what I once was. (also noted that today while trying on Christmas party dresses at the consignment store. This is definitely not racer body).

Anyway, I've learned long ago that I can't eat game meat, not even deer, although I'd like to try bison; that I can't tolerate onions, or ginger, or crab or lobster. It seems like I can't eat raw vegetables by themselves, but if I nibble on a veggie snack and have a few nuts at the same time it seems to sit better. Odd combinations like that.

Well, I've got to stop downtown today for a suitable food diary. I'm finally going to write it all down and I hope I don't scare myself too much. I'll try to see a nutritionist / dietition within a few weeks if I can, to help define my best eating solutions.

Interesting that I've had more than one person tell me that this is often triggered or caused by emotions that are suppressed (can anyone here say catholic upbringing?), and that meditation and other such paths can be hugely helpful. That and aloe vera juice.

I'll let you know what I find out as I progress. Now it's time to get back to the rest of my day. My poor puppies have lice and we're taking them to the dog wash now. 'gonna wash those critters right outta their hair! (yes, they are on interceptor too).

Hugs and butterflies, ladies!

~T~