Kali'sMom

I have several Health problems. I have had 3 spinal fusions, 2 cervical fusions over the past 8 years . Numerous laperoscopies leading up to a partial Hysterectomy and then a oopharectomy when I was 28. I had joint replacement surgeries on both thumbs and carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. Plus Thoracic outlet surgery on my right side, Approximatey 11-13 years ago. I have had surgery on my feet for neuromas and ingrown toe nails and a cyst on my rt heel, that they had to move my achillis tendon and replace with screws that I have to this day. I have a stomach condition called gastroparisis along with a hiatal hernia, acid reflux and had a bad case of Ischemic Colitis this past September. I am in the process of trying to get a Spinal Stimulator, I have already done the trial and it went really well it helped with the pain and I was able to take less pain meds the 5 days I had the trial. But know my stomach is acting up again. On my recent visit to the Dr. my Digestive Disease Dr. said that a blood test from September came back positive for Crohn's Disease. Now I have to have my routine 4 year Colonoscopy moved up by 2 years so they can determine if I have colitis or Crohn's Disease. The problem with this is that it has eaten up 10-13 years of my life and quite a bit of money and I am only 49 years old. I have a wonderful, loving, supportive Husband that has stood beside me through all of this and still loves me and thinks that I am beautiful. I have two wonderful, healthy children age 23 and 25 and they struggle everyday with me being sick. They never know if it is going to be a good day or a bad day for Mom. Personally I wish I knew too. I have never unburdoned myself of all this before and it is empowering. I feel better putting it out there, just typing it out. I know that none of my conditions except Crohn's are life threatening and I can just be glad that I do not have cancer or something else that other women are dealing with everyday. When I do see the women dealing with cancer or Heart Disease or any other life threatening disease with strength and dignity it gives me hope and strength that with God and my family and friends I can be 1/2 the woman they are!