Take Crohn's One Day at a Time

When I think about my journey with Crohn's Disease, I'm very much reminded of a chorus we used to sing in Primary School - just a few years back. It goes *clears throat*:

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday too
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days
Each day different 
And every day new

If I could describe to you how life with Crohn's Disease is, it would be the last two sentences. For me, those words apply when Crohn's is in remission and when I'm experiencing a flare - especially when I'm on Prednisolone, that bittersweet medicine - because each day brings something different. It's not always a negative though, some days I'm happy because I'll go to the toilet 3 times instead of 5. (That's a pretty big deal!) It could also be something as simple as my stomach deciding not to gurgle every time the room goes dead silent - I can't even remember how many times I've had to try and cough over that noise. It sounds like our current windy situation, but louder and extremely embarrassing!

However, now that Crohn's is in remission, I still have to be as cautious as anything, if not more so, because any little thing could trigger a flare. For instance, I know that eating certain foods have the ability to cause an explosion, so to speak, in the nether regions, so I simply stay away. (I do still have moments where I want to indulge in the "forbidden" foods, but it's not always worth it when you're stuck to the loo the next day). For instance, that delicious Burger you see, the one with the Sesame Seeds on - clearly I need to rethink how I take pictures if I ever want to show you the meat - was absolutely divine, but the Habanero jam (pretty much chillies) caused a bit of a disturbance the very next day.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen's Habanero with Sweet
Potato Fries - it was delicious but deadly

I'll admit I chose the burger at my own risk, I'm usually better at making my food choices, but that night I just wanted it and it was amazing even if it messed me up a tad. But what I suggest, that I'm sure you all know, is to keep a food diary and stick with it. Mine is more of a mental diary than a physical one because I've had Crohn's for a while now, but at least I know what sets me off and what keeps my insides relatively normal. It's a good idea in the long run though, you'll feel like you've got a portion of your life back simply because of the foods you choose to eat and drink.

No song is complete without it's ending, so I've decided to add it in for the fun of it - it pretty much sums up our British weather.

Wet days, dry days, bright days, cloudy days
Hot days, cold days, windy days too
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days
Each day different
And every day new

So every time you feel like you can't take anymore, think of this simple children's song and remember that things will turn around eventually. It's not the immediate remedy we're all hoping for, but your symptoms will calm down over a period of time. It'll seem like forever, as it did for me, but there's light at the end of the tunnel and slowly but surely you'll make it through - one day at a time. Monitor what triggers your symptoms and do your best to avoid it at all times - unlike me with the Habanero Jam. *Epic fail*

Happy Sunday guys, remember to keep smiling and stay fabulous,

Sam xx

Be Bold and Forget Crohn's

I'm sure you're all thinking, how on earth can I forget Crohn's? Is she for real? Yes I am. Obviously I know you can't forget the fact that you've got an inconvenient invisible illness - awesome alliteration Ha! I did it again - that gets in the way of everyday life. It knows exactly how to stop you in your tracks and not in a Knight-in-shining-armour type of way. (I admit, that would be pretty amazing).

So...how do you forget Crohn's? Quite easily, doll yourself up! Put on an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. It doesn't have to be the most expensive item you own, just make it look expensive so that you feel über confident. And if you aren't going anywhere, just put on a touch of makeup, it will bring out the best side of you. Or if the medication you're on gives you spots, it'll mask over them and keep you looking flawless.

I chose my Topshop Denim Shirt with my Heavy-Weight
Leggings & a Statement necklace.

There is a point to all of what I'm saying - stick with me. By playing dress up, you're drawing your attention away from feeling so rotten and sorry for yourself. I remember when I was admitted to hospital, I wore a tracksuit and put a dressing gown over it and walked like I had the world of my shoulders. My mum ordered me to go upstairs and change into something that makes me look like I belong somewhere. At the time I didn't see the big deal, but looking back I realised the way I carried myself was driving me further into depression. I didn't have a care in the world because I was unwell, in pain and felt miserable about everything. Living with an illness can do that to you, but sometimes you just have to force yourself to put on something other than track suit bottoms and a baggy tee - it's just not cute and won't make you feel it no matter how comfortable you are.

So we have Crohn's Disease...Do we have to look like our bodies are falling apart? Certainly not. You might get a few people saying, "you don't look sick at all". Don't get frustrated or upset, simply reply, "Thanks, that was the look I was going for". After all, why should we look the way we feel? Surely looking ill is going to make you feel even more terrible about yourself - especially when someone chooses to highlight it.

So if this illness malarky is stopping you from feeling like a happy person or the former you before the dreaded diagnosis, here's what you need to do. Stop looking at your old clothes and thinking how amazing they were, you'll fit into them again. Buy some Shapewear or Spanx, and then welcome aboard all things Jersey. It's totally forgiving on the hips tum and bum, and you won't feel like a balloon in a potato sack. Purchase some gorgeous makeup that will cover over those annoying stress spots or whatever side effect the medication brings. What you're doing is taking your mind off of Crohn's and being kind to yourself. It doesn't take the pain away, but don't you look good?!

So from me to you, be bold with your outfits and makeup and forget your illness. Dress to make you happy. Don't worry about the Jeans, maybe it's time you started wearing more dresses and skirts anyway. Don't tell me you're stomach or your bum is too big, you'll look great and the clothes will make you look amazing! Trick your body into recovery, and if it doesn't necessarily take the pain away - as I didn't imagine it would - at least you'll look gorgeous full stop!

Put on some makeup and tweet me your best looks (@smdee13)! I can't wait to see it :-)

Here's some of mine with my lovely sister:

This shirt was ironed, it just got creased because
I've been sitting down for the majority of the day - honest!

I'll do a separate post on what I used to create the look, but you MUST know that Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Standout is literally my new staple lipstick. I chose red today simply because it's Valentine's Day and red lips look amazing.

I hope you've enjoyed reading and don't forget to keep smiling and stay fabulous lovelies.

Sam x