Rock the Dress

It's definitely the season where looking good in "Christmas photos" is at the forefront of our minds, and what better way to talk about it in relation to dressing your temporary figure? Now I'm aware that not everyone is on corticosteroids that temporarily blow you up - and yes it is temporary, you will slim down again - but everyone goes through a phase where your body is being unruly and weight loss isn't happening quick enough. Don't stress out over it, you'll reach your goals in due time.

Everyone has an item (or 3) in their wardrobe that is their go-to outfit - mine were my Skinny Jeans. However, I got so bloated that I had to give them up for a while because they made me look bigger than I actually was. This can happen to anyone, but here's the cure...buy dresses that flatter your figure. "Why dresses?"...I'm glad you asked lovelies. Well, mainly because dresses don't have the tendency to cut you off like jeans do. There's no muffin top, or giving yourself third-degree burns because you have to tie the belt so tight. I'm telling you, dresses will rock your world! If you're worried that dresses won't suit you, they will, you just need to step out and own it. You're probably used to wearing Jeans or Trousers, but a dress is most definitely the answer to take you from feeling frumpy and lumpy to sassy and gorgeous!

To kickstart the party season, try these 3 key styles that'll keep you looking fabulous darling!

The Simple Shift

Shift Dresses suit most body shapes and sizes because their loose fitting design means it won't accentuate problem areas. Because of this, you won't have to shy away from prints or bold colours, be confident and try something different. I tend to find that some Shift Dresses fit better than others, in these instances, I tend to size up so that I feel comfortable. Pair with a Biker Jacket and boots for the day, and a blazer and heels for the evening. If you don't want to wear heels, wear some show-stopping flat shoes or boots - with tights, of course.

Navy Tapestry Shift Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £42

Black and White Shift Collar Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £18

Crepe Tee Shift Dress
Topshop - £45

The Sensational Skater

Skater Dresses are a personal favourite of mine because they pull you in at the waist and flare out to a full skirt. To emphasise a narrow waist, place a skinny belt at the narrowest point, but don't tie it too tight...remember, we're avoiding third-degree burns. You can't go wrong with a Skater dress, you'll feel and look feminine and classy whenever you put this on. Wear with an oversized cardigan, Chelsea or distressed boots for a casual relaxed day look, and glam it up with a cropped blazer (so that the hem of the jacket sits perfectly over the flared skirt) and courts or shoeboots for a night out.

Black Metallic Paisley Jacquard Skater Dress
New Look - £29.99

Ivory Lace top 2in1 Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £22

Grey Boucle Panel Skater Dress
River Island - £32

The Marvellous Midi

The Midi Dress is the perfect solution when you want to throw on something that is simple but elegant. Midi refers to the length of the dress, but I'll be showing bodycon dresses as I can't get enough of them this season - it's a style that looks great on everyone. They come in petite too, so no one should feel excluded when purchasing. For a casual day look, wear with any comfortable flats - I love wearing them with my vans and a biker jacket. By night, team with high heels, a blazer and a statement necklace.

AX Paris Burgundy Snakeskin Midi Dress
New Look - £25

Paisley Textured Midi Dress
Miss Selfridge - £35

Dark Red Necklace Trim Midi Dress
New Look - £22

A word of advice, and no I'm not crazy...Try the dresses on in the shop and glam yourself up beforehand. I'm guilty of going into shops when I feel and sometimes look a mess. Believe me, it can cloud your judgement regarding a particular outfit. By doing this, the outfit will instantly look better on you because you've made an effort. It's not always easy to visualise how well you'll look if your appearance says something different. (I can't be the only one out there that's guilty of this, can I?)

There are plenty of dresses out there that will help transform your mood as well as your image. Sometimes the right outfit is all you need to give your confidence a boost and take your mind off of weight problems and health issues. But keep this in mind, just because you may have piled on a few pounds doesn't mean your any less charming than when you were a little slimmer. Avoid wearing greys and blacks all the time and apologising for your larger frame to people who make comments about it. Work what you have and be the sassy, charming and beautiful person you always have been. Go on, swap your comfort pants for a beautiful dress and dazzle this season! 

Always remember to keep smiling and stay fabulous,
Sam xx

The Basics of Crohn's Disease

Seeing as it's National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week I decided to write a post that explains the basics of Crohn's Disease. It used to amaze me that people know so little about the illness, but in reality, I knew nothing of it until I was diagnosed and Googled like there was no tomorrow. Now I consider myself an expert in terms of being a patient. If you've never heard of it before, brace yourself!

For some reason I'm usually always asked, "What is Crohn's Disease?" over dinner or at a gathering, and in both settings the same effect takes place. *Cue silence* *all eyes on me* *sweaty palms and upper lip* Fortunately I've never been asked this over dessert, it would bring a whole new meaning to Chocolate Dessert wouldn't it? (The Chocolate/Poo Pie scene in "The Help" (2011) comes to mind). I'm probably still one of the most squeamish people I know, but educating you in this forum is so much easier than trying to explain it face-to-face. So to stop the awkward dinner questions, here goes...

Crohn's Disease - What is it anyway?

Quite simply CD is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling to the lining of the digestive system - that's anywhere from the mouth to the back passage. It can affect people of all ages, including children, but research suggests that most cases develop between the ages of 16-30. (I started experiencing symptoms at 16 years old). 

A large percentage of cases find that swelling mainly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon). If you're wondering where it affects...so am I. Only joking, mine's in the colon.

When the intestine becomes inflamed, the most common symptoms that can occur are:

• Diarrhoea 
• Blood and mucus in your stools (poo)
• Abdominal cramps - not the same as Period Pains at all
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

How did you get it?

In most patients, the exact cause of CD is unknown, so I can never really answer this question. However researchers believe it is a combination of a few factors, but again, their suggestions can be problematic. See here for some of the causes.

Treatment

At present there is no cure for CD, but symptoms can be improved through treatment. This is usually in the form of Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. (Yes these are the Steroids that fuelled my weight gain *straight face*) They also prescribe medication to suppress the immune system so that the intestines stop attacking itself. Because of this, the Flu Jab is usually recommended during this time as you're prone to getting "ill" quicker. That's right, the treatment causes more illnesses - welcome to my reality. Also, regular blood tests must be done to monitor the white blood cell count.

It can take a long time before we're completely symptom free, but when we are, this is known as being in remission. However, that doesn't mean the symptoms won't flare up and become difficult to manage again. For a full list possible treatments, see the NHS Website.

In severe cases, some CD patients undergo surgery to remove the inflamed part of the diseased intestine and stitching the healthy sections back together. This is called a resection. Others undergo a procedure called an ileostomy, which redirects the digestive waste from the inflamed colon allowing it to heal. For more information on this procedure, read the NHS' introduction to the Ileostomy.

What's next then?

The Gastroenterologist - man I feel so smart typing that without error - or the gut specialist as I like to call them, will advise on the numerous options available. For every CD survivor, our main goal is maintaining remission. That means we want to live each day without being forced to take what feels like 101 tablets that leave an awful after taste. However, this doesn't mean we come off medication entirely. Some patients may choose to use natural products to help them, but as I've stressed before, no two cases are the same so that might not work for everyone. Either way, whatever path chosen, the patient will need to attend regular follow-up appointments. (Note to self, get blood test form and actually get the test done).

Another way to maintain remission is through diet as some foods can aggravate the intestines. For me, too much Fruit, Veg and Whole Grains have me stuck to the loo. I actually like fruit and veg so it's a bit annoying, but I figured out a way to eat them without upsetting my stomach. I kept a food diary and worked out which items were fine and the ones to avoid like the plague (Cabbage and Pineapples are the worst).

Finally, it is important not to get stressed as symptoms tend to worsen when a patient is under stress. You know what that means? Everyone *clears throat* back off...please because "I'm too blessed to be stressed." (I asked nicely!) Stress takes us back to the flare up stage and the treatment cycle begins again, just help us out by being nice. I understand everyone will face stress in life, but you have to find ways to eliminate stress so that it doesn't take it's toll on your body. Low intensity workouts like swimming or walking definitely helps, as does *cough* retail therapy - you're still walking aren't you? 

So for everyone who wasn't familiar with the weird and wonderful disease - cannot believe I just said that - I hope this gives more of an insight into what us Crohnies go through. Now when someone mentions they have it, or know someone with it, you won't need to ask them what it entails, you already know. It was much easier sharing it on here than I thought actually. Maybe I'm becoming less squeamish *checks mirror* Nope, I'm still blushing...never mind.

Please share to help raise awareness of Crohn's disease and always remember to stay fabulous and keep smiling.

Sam. xx

Be Positive

Yesterday was one of those days that had the potential to take me back to an extremely low place physically and psychologically. I had to leave work almost as soon as we opened so that I could get an emergency Doctor's appointment. I was experiencing the worst kind of stomach cramps; cramps so painful that stopped my speech mid-sentence. I’m used to just getting on with things, but this I couldn’t ignore, especially as I began to walk like a Penguin to try and ease the pain.

I couldn't quite pull off his moves

Surprisingly, I left my work place feeling calm while trying to be more Cara Delevingne, less Mumble (Happy Feet - penguin waddle). Normally I would've started to panic and run through every worst-case scenario it could possibly be. A flare up? Bowel Cancer? Will I need surgery to remove the diseased intestines? But I didn't this time; I simply decided to find out what was wrong. It's so easy to exacerbate every twinge we feel in our bodies because we're so used to bad news with Crohn's. Well let me tell you now, stop doing this, it's not healthy! We don't allow ourselves the chance to be told how it can be managed, we jump straight into "life is over" mode. If this is you right now, shake yourself - literally - and get a grip! *Shakes self*

Couldn't have said it better myself.

My Doctor confirmed that I'm not experiencing a flare up, it's simply a case of - forgive me for being so graphic - Piles (Haemorrhoids). (To find out more about them, if you dare, click here). I was still in the "are you sure that's all it is?" mode, and looking into my Doctor's eyes to see if she was trying to hide bad news from me. But it turns out, that's what it was. Although it wasn't amazing news, to me, it was good news despite the pain. At that point I realised that my relaxed attitude helped me get through it - well that and the fact that I didn't need an internal examination! (Not a nice experience but has to be done now and again).

So true!

Today is a better day, and although I'm still in pain, my mindset doesn't tell me it's the end of the world. Don't get me wrong, pain is awful and right now, Buscopan (IBS relief) is my best friend, but I won't allow myself to stay down, and I won't allow you to either. If you need to cry, go ahead, I do and did when it was necessary - and sometimes when it wasn't necessary - but if it helps, let it out. There's nothing wrong with crying, you usually feel better afterwards too. Just don't let it consume you and become the only thing you do.

LOL - Crohn's humour that keeps me smiling!

Why am I telling you about this? Because how you deal with bad news about your health - or anything else for that matter - today, tomorrow, or in the future determines how well you'll get through it all.  And no, crying doesn't mean you're weak and won't get through it, it just means you need to release some built up emotions. Perhaps Freud would call it the Weeping Cure? (I studied his work in Literature and Psychoanalysis, there's a name for everything). Freud might say that crying relieves the patient of "emotional sufferings". (Ok, I'll stop now - I clearly miss studying). But you see where I'm coming from, a certain amount of crying helps. The main thing is how you move forward.

See the funny side of things.

It's important not to over think a situation, let things happen without obsessing over what it may or may not turn out to be. I used to do that, and the only thing that came out of it was a guaranteed headache. I was feeling really rotten yesterday but told myself that I had to get out of bed and stop feeling sorry for myself, and it helped. I also put on Finding Nemo just so that I could hear Dory sing, "Just keep swimming". Call me childish, but I thought it was a great movie.

Just keep swimming!

I guess when all is said and done the only person that has the power to change your thoughts is you. Don't stay stuck in a rut, get up, get out and do something different. If you want or need help there are plenty of people waiting to help you, all you need to do is ask. I'm one of them too, I talk a lot, but my name actually means "listener" so I'm here whenever you need me. If not, there are lots of places you can get support, the IBD Community is massive. Things will get better one day, just be patient and learn to smile through the hard times and talk to someone about how you're feeling. You matter, your feelings matter and you are important.

I love you all so please remember to stay fabulous and keep smiling.

Sam xx

Streamlined Silhouettes

During the course of Steroids, clothes can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Why you ask? I thought it was obvious...you bloat...everywhere! I found that dressing my new frame was one of the hardest things to do, I seemed to be getting bigger by the hour. It's deeply depressing because you know the medication is working for the greater good, but the side effects seriously suck! Getting better is one thing, but looking and feeling puffed up doesn't exactly make you feel great.

The perfect way to describe Steroids is that it makes everyday life bittersweet. Although it reduces internal swelling, stops frequent bowel movements, and makes each day more manageable, it does so at the expense of blowing you up like a balloon. (I'm not even exaggerating here, you genuinely blow up - see below)

I'm pretty sure this was me at my biggest -
Moon face alert!

The major giveaway to my weight gain is my face, arms, and the dreaded swollen foot. (Seriously annoying.) What worked for me here - you may disagree - is that I wore a loose Sleeveless Blouse and mirrored this with a Dip-Hemmed Maxi Skirt. I'm almost certain this was one of the hottest days of the year, so I didn't want anything to cling to me, I probably would have sweat patches everywhere - another annoying side effect, hot flushes.

After speaking with a few people on long-term Steroids, we all agreed that bloating and looking almost 6 months pregnant was by far the most embarrassing side effect. I've been questioned, or rather confronted as to whether I'm pregnant, why I'm "getting so fat" - in those exact words I might add - and why I've been "stuffing my face with unhealthy food". *Sigh* Yes people were that ignorant and rude. Their words cut like a knife and most days I wanted to crawl under a rock until I was off the meds. Was that a way to live? Certainly not.

I've delayed writing this post because I was a tad embarrassed, but you know what, feeling ashamed about something I couldn't control made me feel worse about myself. I used to let Crohn's rule me and when it would flare, I became the person that never left my room and always declined invitations because I felt and looked awful (or so I thought). Because of this, I decided to bare all and share my secret to looking great whilst living with a temporarily bigger frame.

So how do you streamline your silhouette I hear you ask? Simple, with Shapewear! You may not see this as a reason to be embarrassed, but for a 23 year old to admit that I've had to wear undergarments that suck me in is not an easy thing to do. I mean let's face it, I couldn't exactly wear my Loose Blouse and Maxi Skirt every day of the week could I?

While some people can go to the gym to lose the extra pounds, that's not exactly easy to do when you're on Steroids, and don't let anyone tell you it is either...it's not! I've compiled a small list of where you can buy these beauties so that your silhouette will look as great as it did before the Steroids kicked in.

#1 - Debenhams

Body Shaper - £38

I absolutely love this all-in-one Shaper. It does wonders to your figure and keeps your tummy well and truly tucked away. This means you don't have to walk around with your hands casually placed in front of you to hide the bulge. I know I'm not the only one who does this - or am I?

#2 - Marks and Spencer

Shaping Slip - £27.50

Even as I write about this, I'm laughing. I used to hate wearing slips when I was younger, and now I swear by them - I think I'm turning into my mum. Although this isn't the exact slip my mum was talking about, the Shaping Slip doesn't fail to deliver, resulting in a perfect fitting dress that "hangs perfectly" as said by mum.

#3 - Asos

High Waist Thigh Slimmer - £30

A High Waist Thigh Slimmer is the perfect accompaniment to a High Waisted Skirt and will accentuate all curves that appear hidden or less defined. You'll be able to put on clothes that suit your body shape again without feeling like you have to play it safe.

#4 - Primark

 

Seam-free Waist Shaper
Briefs - £5

These briefs work wonders when you don't necessarily want to be nipped and tucked everywhere. The control isn't as fierce as the others, but it certainly beats the changing room scene in White Chicks (2004). Believe me, you won't have to "suck it in sister", you just need to make sure it's the right size so it does the job.

I have to confess, the one I bought is not on here, because once again, it's not available online. (I know, I should seriously stop visiting shops if I'm not able to find the link for you all.) Anyway, my Shape wear was from T K Maxx, and it has seen me through my bigger days and even though I don't rely on it as much, it still keeps me at times. Yes, I am talking about my undergarment like it's a friend. It helped me step out the door in outfits I didn't think I could pull off anymore, and it'll do the same for you.

Don't let weight gain, regardless of medication or other, stop you from taking pride in your appearance. If you invest in one of these, I promise you'll be able to rock Bodycon Dresses and High Waist Skirts again. What's more, you'll look and feel amazing at the same time. 

I hope this helps, but always remember to stay fabulous and keep smiling.

Sam xx

The Wide Fit Footwear Edition

Anyone suffering with swollen feet knows how irritating and painful it can be. Although I'm no longer taking Prednisolone, I still have water retention. Yes, I do drink plenty of water, and yes, I do keep my feet elevated above my heart (if I had a pound for every time I heard that...) No matter what I do, I cannot shift water retention. It usually disappears after a while, but until then I have to make sure I'm wearing the right Shoes on my feet.

But do you know what's worse that swollen feet? A swollen foot. Yes, that's right, one normal sized foot, and one that's abnormally large. If you don't believe me, take a look at my Kankle!

Exhibit A: Not the best looking shot of my feet I agree, but
look at the difference between the left and the right foot.

Regardless of whether I'm in heels, or flats, my foot tends to swell up a lot. I know the importance of staying hydrated, especially in the heat we've been having recently, but again, nothing seems to change. It's particularly annoying when I'm planning on wearing a great outfit and have to change everything because my shoe won't accommodate the size of my foot.

Medication or no medication, Crohn's or no Crohn's, swollen feet can affect anybody at anytime so don't aggravate them by wearing ill-fitting shoes. If you can relate to my Jekyll and Hyde feet, find out the Top 5 places to buy Footwear that won't leave you bed bound and in agony towards the end of the night and the next day. The best thing about these shops are they cater for wide feet, so you won't have to size up and face the risk of not being able to wear them when your feet return to normal. 

#1 - Clarks

If you're after footwear that last, Clarks will not let you down. They know the importance of Foot health and combine this with the latest trends to keep your feet neat and stylish without compromise. It's worth visiting a store to get your feet measured and following their quick and simple buying tips. (Available in half sizes.)

#2 - Marks and Spencers

When I think of M&S, the first thing that comes to mind is quality - M&S definitely deliver on that. Their range of Wide Fit Footwear will allow you to look your best and forget water retention was ever a problem. To sum up: It's not just any Shoe, it's M&S Shoes - I know it's for food, but if the slogan fits... (Available in half sizes.)

#3 - Evans

It's no secret that Evans style curvy women, so it made perfect sense to check out their range of footwear. They're collection of Shoes and Boots will blow you away, and the icing on the cake would be the Wide and Extra Wide Fit selection of footwear available. The hardest decision would be, what do I buy first?

                                                     

#4 - New Look

New Look have over 100 pairs of Wide Fit Shoes and Boots that'll guarantee your feet look amazing at all times. Better still, they'll feel good at the same time so you won't have to make your feet suffer just so that the entire outfit looks perfect. Not that I've done anything like that before...

#5 - Debenhams

Debenhams certainly know how to impress when it comes to buying the perfect pair of Wide Fit Court Shoes. Unfortunately the categories wouldn't allow me to be so specific and provide you with the perfect link - you know how online shopping can be sometimes. Either way, you'll be able to find something to suit most occasions.




I hope this helps you in your quest to find the perfect pair of Shoes/Boots - it most certainly will keep me busy for the next few days. But the most important thing to remember is that your feet will return to their normal size eventually. As to how long it'll be, I couldn't tell you. So to make sure your Shoes/Boots still fit when the swelling reduces, buy some Insoles. This will ensure you don't have to wear 2 pairs of socks in your Shoes. Trust me, they do the job and it's comfortable.


Happy shopping, stay fabulous and keep smiling,

Love Sam xxx

Graduation Day!

As you may or may not know, I graduated from The University of Westminster in July with an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in English Literature - what a mouthful. In short, I got a 2:1 hehe.

Yes that collar thing was choking me.
Word of advice: take PLENTY of Safety Pins

It's probably one of my greatest achievements, not simply because I survived reading English Lit (3 novels a week minimum) but I did it against all odds. You might think I'm exaggerating, but there were times I didn't think I'd even be alive, let alone reach the end of the course. And it's not because of the mammoth workload. Crohn's literally made studying impossible at times!

I look back now, Crohn's in remission, and think, how the heck did I manage to live with pain for so long?!

In 2011, I ended the year on Prednisolone (Steroids to reduce the inflamed intestines) among other tablets, and went into the new year and my final year of Uni ready to graduate with a bang. Unfortunately, the minute I came off the medication, I went back on again. It was a nightmare.

What some people don't realise is that even though the Steroids work wonders at reducing inflammation, it causes awful side effects such as insomnia, and lack of concentration . Now for someone who has to read books like they're going out of print, that's pretty inconvenient.

I'll give you an insight as to how it affected me. I could read a book in 1-2 days (yes I'm bragging), but when on Prednisolone, I would read the same page for about 2 hours and forget what was said. Needless to say, my time of studying disintegrated.

Venue: The Royal Festival Hall
My Mood: Elation!

If it wasn't for my wonderful Dissertation supervisor who could see I was at a low point in life, I would've finished Uni with a grade that didn't reflect my true potential. After endless nights crying and feeling sorry for myself and hating everyone who was healthy (shocking I know), I took the time to relax at home - even though each day felt like a year - and focus on returning to my former health and self.

Crohn's can affect you at any stage of life, but if you're in Higher Education, don't give up on your dreams. You'll receive lots of support from your Uni as well as Student Finance, so you won't have to drop out. Neither should you fret about not being able to go to Uni because of your condition. I thought that when I was studying for my A-Levels, but us Crohnies aren't excluded.

Something I would definitely recommend looking into is Disabled Student Allowance. At first I didn't even realise I was entitled to receive this, but after I had to defer, the Disability advisor at my uni gave me the form and told me to fill it out so that when I returned, I would get more assistance. Don't be afraid to declare you have Crohn's either. It won't be the topic of discussions in classes, unless you choose to bring it up. (I can't imagine it would make a good discussion though, especially not in any of my classes anyway.)

At first I didn't want to get the help, for fear that I was taking advantage even though I was really ill - you know, pride gets in the way. Eventually when the equipment came, such as my dictaphone and laptop, I felt at ease. It meant that when I went to lessons, I could record everything and not have to worry about missing the last word of a great sentence. After the Prednisolone, this was a Godsend.

I say all of that to say this, Crohn's will not defeat you unless you let it. Don't try and be the hero and plough on through the pain. Believe me, you're only making things worse for yourself. I learned the hard way and I certainly paid for it. But I got there in the end and I couldn't be happier

You can have a great experience at uni with an autoimmune disease and reach the end of your course a better person. I did and now I'm unashamed of Crohn's and want to help anyone and everyone reach that place where you no longer despise your body, but rather embrace the new you, hopefully stress-free.


If I can do it, so can you!

Stay strong and keep smiling,
Sam xx



Here's a few pics from my Graduate Celebration Meal. My lovely parents took me to The Jumeirah Carlton Tower. If you can, go there, it's amazing!

 

A great starter, I just can't remember what fish it was -
it was beautifully cooked though.

Yorkshire Pud and Steak - I wasn't on Steroids here so I struggled
to eat the lot!

My sister's dessert - Strawberry Soufflé. 

The best dessert I've ever had, inspired by Wimbledon Tennis.
Their take on Strawberries and Cream.

Things You Can Do

Those of you living with Crohn’s or IBD are aware of the humdrum that comes with the said illness; the monotonous visits to the hospital, absurd amount of blood tests, and let’s not forget the ever-increasing prescription requests. It can all get a little boring, especially when you have other things to do.

After a while, I felt like missing my appointments with the specialist because more times than not, I left feeling more deflated than when I went in. Why you ask? Well, in a nutshell, my Gastroenterologist would say, “Sam, you can’t eat…you can’t do…your body won’t” as opposed to, “you can eat, you can do and your body will”.

Honestly, I know doctors do a lot – seriously, stop laughing – but sometimes they should consider their choice of words, especially when talking to someone who takes things literal. 

If you didn't already know, diet is a tricky topic as no two Crohn’s patients are alike. What one person might be able to eat, another must avoid like the plague. The main things I’ve been told to stay away from are dairy products and spicy foods. Now, for someone of Jamaican heritage, that was almost like taking away my oxygen. Food without spices, literally impossible!

At first I chose to ignore his advice, I spent several weeks in agony – would not like to relive that pain again – just so I could enjoy flavoursome food. However, at a later date my doctor told me it wasn’t so much the flavour he was talking about, it was the red hot peppers that were the problem. Had I asked him to expand on his definition of “spicy” I would’ve been ok. I also think I didn’t ask because I didn’t want to implement change at that precise moment of my life.

Now when I order food, buy lunch or eat with family, extra care is taken to ensure that chillies and Scotch Bonnet pepper are removed before consumption. Better still, if there’s an option that doesn’t include the burn, I’ll go for that. The pain is seriously not worth it, even if it is your favourite dish of all time.

I’m also a big chocolate lover so this was deeply depressing news! However, I took the advice head on and started to do my research so that I could enjoy eating things that didn’t taste like rubber.

I came across quite a few options and felt slightly overwhelmed. The best option that tasted remotely similar to milk was Lactofree products. Without getting all scientific on you, it simply removes some of the sugars found in dairy products, and tastes great! The downside to this product is that it isn't widely available in all restaurants, but the restaurant guide will let you know where it is stocked.

I’m also a big fan of Starbucks Coffee, so again, I was mortified to learn that I had to stay away from my Chai Tea Latte, Vanilla Spice Latte and Mocha Frappuccino in the summer months. However, thanks to my pushy friend who forced me to drink Alpro Soya Milk “because people with Crohn’s shouldn’t have dairy”, she told me that Starbucks not only serve Soya milk, but with their Starbucks Reward Card, you get Soya Milk for free, otherwise it’s 35p. Being the amazing friend that she is, she got me a card and loaded it with £30 for my birthday – a great friend I know!

Not only do both options taste great - you might need a bit of convincing with Soya milk if you drink it alone - it will do you the world of good to stick with these options. You’ll soon realise that living with Crohn’s doesn’t have to be the headache you thought it would be.

There are times you want to scream and shout, but once you learn to give up the milkshakes and ice cream and choose a soya option or a sorbet, life gets that little bit sweeter – sorry I couldn’t resist. It also boils down to asking the barista or waiter if they have soya milk, if they don't go elsewhere - you may want to ask this before they prepare your drink though.

Try to cut out the negatives with this illness and see it as a way of getting to know you all over again. Buying specialist products might be more expensive, but there are two perks in doing so, one, you won't have emergency trips to the toilet, and two, you won't feel excluded when everyone else has nice drinks or dessert options. 

What foods or drinks do you enjoy now, that you probably wouldn't have tried before your diagnosis?

Go on, try some of the things you can eat, you won't regret it!

Keep smiling,

Sam xx

Dressing After Weight Gain

Everyone knows that each day requires a great outfit, right? Of course!

And everyone knows that you should look your best to feel your best, right? Yes. 

Well, I get this knot in my stomach when I think about outfits for occasions or outings - could be Crohn's related - because although I love fashion and all things beauty, my post-steroid body is not as it once was. I'm losing the weight now, but I still need clothes that fit.

Steroid weight gain means that you could go from a size 10 to a size 16 in a matter of weeks - this happened to me - and the most noticeable place it goes to is your face and your stomach. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with being big at all, but when your weight gain is drastic, you feel like a fish out of water. Then when the invitations come to go out to simple things such as the cinema, dinner, or to the Zoo - random I know - you immediately want to decline because you have nothing that fits.

I've learned to stop stressing over the clothes that no longer fit, or trying to squeeze into them, and have bought clothes that compliment my current body and make me feel great.

If you're currently undergoing treatment that causes your weight to rocket, firstly I truly empathise. *teddybear hug* 

Secondly, I think it is important that you wear clothes make you feel fabulous and don't cut you off in the wrong places. For instance, I'm a big jeans fan and while low-rise jeans are great, they will make your stomach appear more round when worn. Opt for High Waisted Jeans that will pull in your tummy so that you don't feel conscious that people are staring at you - or is that just me? 

These are two of my favourites.

New Look - £22.99

Topshop - £40

If they feel too tight, or the waistband is uncomfortable on your stomach, try Dorothy Perkins' Jeggings instead (I consider them a wardrobe staple). I have at least 4 pairs that I rotate often. They fit like a glove, and can be dressed up or down. They are available in other colours, but if you aren't daring enough to go bold, these two will look just as great.

Dorothy Perkins - £20 

Dorothy Perkins - £20

Buy Quick as they are on sale! 

Topshop also have some amazing Jeggings that look great with just about anything.

Try not to get hung up over the size that you're buying either, there are more variations in body shape than there are clothes sizes. Fact! Focus more on the fit. This was once easier said than done, but if you refuse point blank to wear a size that you aren't happy with, find an alternative. 

What works for me are Topshop's Heavyweight Leggings. They are available in lots of colours, and they work wonders for shaping your thighs! They too look great dressed up or down. I'm emphasising this point because your weight gain is temporary, so you don't need to spend a fortune buying everyday Jeans, smart Jeans, casual Leggings and dressy Jeggings. Be practical with what you buy as you don't want to regret losing the weight and having lots of great clothes you can no longer fit into.

Topshop - £18

Topshop - £18

Now to truly feel fabulous in any of the bottoms, you need great tops. For me, I prefer H&M's loose fitting Blouses that skim over the stomach, as opposed to tight fitting tops. 

For the more casual outing try NewLook's Boyfriend T-Shirts, and because they are loose fitting, they will definitely hide the problem areas. They look great hanging loose, but if you want to wear it a different way, tuck about 2 inches into your Jeggings so that it creates a bubble hem. 

You could also wear Primark's sleeveless Shirts, which are finally available online. Confession: I only added this in because I was excited about them joining the digital world; it's only taken forever! However, they are nice options for a daytime look.

If you want to up the ante and create an hourglass figure, or enhance it, wear a Peplum top - they look amazing whatever the occasion. Either plain, or with bright floral patterns, you'll feel great. I particularly love New Looks range because of the print - I'm obsessed with floral - and they make me feel girly.

New Look - £14.99

New Look - £14.99

There are plenty other styles that will hide a multitude of sins and keep you looking on trend regardless of your size or body shape. Make it work for you and don't be defeated!

Let me know what you think, and show me your favourite styles.

Stay beautiful and keep smiling,

Sam.

Coping with Crohn's Disease

Hey everyone!

Recently, a lot of people have said, ‘life is better with great health’. While this may be true, I can’t help feeling a little deflated every time I hear this phrase. Why? Well I have Crohn’s Disease, and sometimes, when I am having a bad day and seem to be stuck on the loo, that phrase excludes me. But I’m determined not to be defeated by the said illness, and battle it head on!

One of the hardest parts of coping with Crohn’s are the copious amounts of medication I had to take on a daily basis, not to mention the side effects that come with it. When I wasn’t having a flare up, I took basic activities such as reading, walking without getting breathless and sleeping for granted. I cannot speak for everyone, but the main side effects to the medication that seemed to dominate my life were lack of concentration, fatigue, insomnia and weight gain. It was awful!

My advice: take the time you need to get better, don’t beat yourself up over what you can’t control, and schedule in some much needed pamper time! I did this and now that my Crohn's is in remission, I am a happier person. I have also finished University with a 2:1, a big difference from the 2:2 I might have been awarded had I not deferred finishing Uni to the next academic year.

As I was signed off work for at least 3.5 months, initially most of my time was spent at home feeling sorry for myself. Try not to do this, it’s unhealthy and you find that you isolate yourself from everyone else so that you don’t have to explain what your illness entails. Instead, book yourself into a spa – I’ve found so many amazing deals on Groupon. Don’t be afraid to go alone if it’s a last minute deal, or take a friend with you. No one would resist a massage!

You could also use this time to bush up on your nail art skills.  The Calcium tablets I was on (Ad-cal) did wonders to my nails; they’ve never been so long and strong – probably one of the only perks to the medication. Nails Inc have some amazing colours and nail effects that will take your mind off your insides, even if it's only for an hour or two. I'll post some of my attempts at nail art in another blogpost.

If pampering isn't your thing, find something else to do that will keep you relaxed and comfortable. I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but I LOVE playing Rollercoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum. I'm not a big games fan, but I can spend hours on this, and it helps me unwind and escape from the humdrum of everyday life. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely an option when daytime TV becomes too repetitive.

The pain that comes with a flare up does not get easier, but learning to listen to your body in the early stages of a flare up can eliminate the pain, as well as the countless hospital visits and tests you will have to undergo. You're not alone with the disease, and one thing I have learned to do is to speak up about my illness. It takes a while to get comfortable talking about it, but I can assure you it will get easier, and you'll find that you start to cope better with the illness. Take the advice from the image below: 

How do you cope with Crohn's or a similar auto-immune disease? Let me know.

Keep smiling and stay strong,
Sam.