Penultimate Week

And everything is slowly winding down/building up (depending on how you look at it) to the day our baby arrives.

Week 37's #bumpingalong was an odd one as I realised it was the penultimate photo in the little series I started out of curiosity way back at Week 14. This week's outfit was a monochromatic affair in maternity leggings from ASOS with non-maternity jumper from New Look in a size 12 and the required winter accessories for these dark evenings.

Jazzy hat in London town

Also had my final night out out as a preg for a 30th birthday; wore a non-maternity dress from Topshop in a size 10 but it's ever so stretchy and kind. Although when getting ready had the whole meltdown of NOTHING FITS ME ANYMORE. WHEN IS THIS BABY GOING TO BE OUT OF ME. I CAN'T SEE MY FEET. HOLD ME. CAN YOU DO UP MY SHOE. But I had a lovely time and it was ever so bizarre being asked about how far gone I was only to reply with "oh, we'll have our baby in two weeks". So surreal - especially now we're a handful of days away. Where is the time going?!

Multiple me to hide the kitchen

I think I'm going to compile all the #bumpingalong photos together to see how my body has changed during this pregnancy; the nearer we get to meeting the small human, the more I've realised how much I'm going to miss my bump when it's gone. Like I've said before, I feel considerably lucky to have enjoyed my pregnancy as much as I have, as it is honestly one of the best experiences of my life. To essentially put my Crohn's into remission alone is something I never thought would happen - but to have gone on and been able to make the most of all that pregnancy brings has just been magical (heartburn aside). Makes me all sorts of emotional thinking about it (NB: pregnancy, not heartburn).

Talking of being totes emosh, I have given up with how wild my hormones have become in this last week. I will be the first to say I've been a nightmare. Not because I've been hard work and mean - but because I have been doing the type of crying when you get saggy shoulders and you just sit there like a sad sack, sobbing on the edge of the bed. But no, don't worry, I don't need anything. Just having a good cry *cue a concerned other half whilst the mascara drips down my face and onto the top of my bump leaving a dramatic watery black line*

And talking about my bump...

This is my bump at 37+4 and I look like a dinosaur egg. I'm still not very wide which is why I have moments when I think how have I got a 50cm and 3kg person in here?! But when I see myself at this angle I can definitely see where my baby is. Weighed myself this morning and I've put on a total of 18kg on since the end of February and it amazes me that just under a third of that will most likely be lost in a day. It must be the weirdest feeling walking around afterwards - the weight gain is so slow to then suddenly oh so much lighter. Floating almost.

Nesting is all but complete - with a variety of meals batch cooked and in the freezer for when we lose the ability to function and feed ourselves. If you want to know cooking things, I have listed these with the recipe inspirations on another post which you can get to here.

The last thing I want to do re nesting before the miniature one comes is another whizz around the house with the duster and the hoover in hand. And buy an outside bin. Otherwise I am more than content with my maternal preparations - with regards to the house anyway. Will post during the week about my emotional maternal prep for the impending events, as that's a whole other ball game.

And now to enjoy what is left of our last weekend as a two before we're a family of three...

Absolutely fine with having a child this coming week

X

Batch Cooking

I have had a fair few people tell me that batch cooking is an absolute life saver once baby is here as it seems that you essentially forget how to function - whether that be due to the lack of sleep, working out how to be with a brand new person and routine, or just to make life a little bit easier. Either way, get cooking and freezing, pal.

So that's what I've done!

Have only made three meals this week, might squeeze in one more before bab comes. But below are the recipes I used as inspiration in case you want to make any of them. I like to go off on a tangent every now and then, but also because I don't like anchovies, so just no. They are not included in anything. Tailor the below to your own tastebuds and I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.

Pea & Mint Soup
This recipe is from BBC Good Food and was so surprisingly easy I think I'll make a couple more soups. But yes, not much more to say as, well...it's a soup.

Chilli Con Carne
Enjoy cooking recipes from Jamie Oliver as he's so slap dash and when I first started cooking his approach was the best for me. This is super tasty though and a good one for those meals when you need to use up what's in your cupboard. Thrifty.

Shepherd's Pie
Got to have a Winter Warmer in there, haven't you? This one is from BBC Food and I most definitely did not include the optional anchovy - I'm not a fool. Freezer tip for this one being to freeze the mash and the mince filling separately. Then when it comes to eating, once defrosted just build the pie as you would if cooking fresh and then whack in the oven.

When all meals were cooked I split them into indiviudual portions in freezer bags; dated and labelled, of course. As if you won't know what 'mashed potato' is without the label (what type of nester have I become?!)

But hopefully my crazy nesting has made it all that little bit easier as we adjust to life with our tiny new person to look after...

X

BabyMooning

Well that was everything I wanted it to be and more. And the thing is, we didn't even really do anything. But it was perfect.

I don't want to sound like a big ol' sap but I honestly feel like this little break away for our BabyMoon has made me fall in love, all over again. Just with a new element to our relationship, in that we're going to be parents. 

I think not being distracted by life for a few days allowed us to just really enjoy one another's company - and I guess that's the whole point of a BabyMoon? Making the most of your time as a couple. It's definitely something I want to maintain even when baby's here; making sure our relationship doesn't fall by the wayside just because there's a human running around who we made.

It was strange going through the motions travelling though, such as security at the airport, or boarding the plane. You have moments when you think: Jesus wept, next time we do this we will have our small person with us. How things are going to change?! It was brilliant watching all the other Summer Holiday parents slightly losing their shit whilst travelling with their children, trying to stay composed as their foot gets trodden on for the tenth time. Such fun lies ahead it seems *googles prices of Trunkies in preparation*

Here are a few snapshots basically of me and my bump, from said BabyMoon and then I promise I will stop saying that word.

Whilst away I stayed committed to my weekly #bumpingalong in a size 12 non-maternity bikini from Boohoo.  Actually found the whole bare bump thing quite liberating! It was like being nude in public, but not in any way at all. (Thank you other half for being my photographer as and when required).

Sunshine Bumping

I am particularly enjoying seeing how much my belly moves now. Gone are the odd punches and kicks from the bambino - we're now in the swirls and ripples stage. And it is SO COOL to watch..."Come and look at my stomach! Feel the baby! Look at the baby!" I'm just in complete and utter amazement at the body and what it is capable of. We have such an active baby, yet whenever I try to capture it on film it just stops. Like it knows, playing games with its mum. However there's still plenty of time for me to film the wiggles!

Talking of the wiggles, we had our 24 weeks midwife appointment yesterday. So although it was a shame to only have a few days break away, it wasn't all bad as we got to listen to our baby again and know that everything is as it should be for this stage in pregnancy. Measuring fine, heart beating strong, movement patterns good.

I really like that they remind you how important it is to keep an eye on your baby's movements. And remember, it's not a case of a certain number of kicks per day. It's knowing what pattern is right for your baby - there's no magic number of movements. If your regular pattern changes, then to the midwife you go!

So despite our baby kicking the midwife away like last time, we got to hear the reassuring beats and that meant we could leave the hospital with the piece of mind that all is wonderful right now. Only 4 more appointments (week 28, 31, 34 and 36) and then BABY ARRIVES AT WEEK 38. Oh gosh. And we're now under 100 days to go as well which means it's action stations this Summer to get everything prepped and ready.

Also got given the info for antenatal classes; imagine there will be many an update once these begin, as we go on a journey to meet fellow parents-to-be. Ooooh. Parent friends.

And breathe.

X

PS: I've realised the title of this post sounds a bit like a baby showing its bare bottom. Ah well.

Half Time

So although Monday was my 19 weeks, it was officially my halfway point as I'm booked in for my c-section at 38 weeks. Where has the time gone?!

Also had the hospital on Monday to see the Crohn's midwife team - I explained to them that I'd been feeling a tad under the weather the previous week but wasn't able to tell them if it was Crohn's, pregnancy, or a combination of the two. Got my bloods done to check all my levels for general pregnancy but also IBD and they said they would be in touch if something came back off kilter.

Then there I am yesterday at my work Summer Festival with a missed call from the hospital. WAH. Luckily they called back; I was dreading it a bit as they said they'd only call if the results weren't fine...Turns out it wasn't my Crohn's flaring which was a massive relief - my inflammatory markers were hardly noteworthy. It's my iron.

I've always been borderline anaemic for as long as I can remember, but on the right side of normal, still. It seems that now my iron levels have dropped quite a lot since being preggers and my hemoglobin levels are rather abnormal. Still no giving blood for me then! Oopsy daisy. I'm putting this decrease in iron down to essentially being a vegetarian because meat is still making me feel poorly. Looks like I'll have to go on prescription iron for a while to make sure that I'm not a temporary narcoleptic whilst growing the bab and to also make sure I eat more spinach like Popeye for an extra boost. Just not looking forward to the side effects of the iron tablets (oh my Crohnie bowels).

But enough about that! Onto the nice things! Here's me #bumpingalong for week 19 in a maternity purchase from asos in a size 10, plus my new 'mum' barnet. Look at my bump...it's getting so big carrying my mango-sized baby. Ahh.

This baby is so active though! I find it all so amazing and surprising as I am only 19 weeks - I feel lucky to be experiencing such movement already.

We were starting the foundations of nesting for after our scan next week and there was one moment this weekend where our baby was going nuts! I didn't even have to get baby daddy's attention as it was so noticeable through my clothes. Our baby is definitely in a routine now, so I'm aware of when to keep an eye out for the dancing and can move my Kicks Count band around another number.

Am hoping to capture the moving on video and if I do I will share on here. It's magical/like something out of 'Alien'.

X

Maid to Bump

What a weekend! I had the privilege of being Maid of Honour for my best friend of 25 years, and what an absolute delight it was. Such a beautiful day.

From a pregnancy perspective, a few key points to note from the wonderful day: being pregnant and hormonal means you have absolutely zero control over your emotions and when people are doing the delicate tear and wipe of the eye, you will be ugly crying in the corner - the odd yelp escaping as you try and keep it together. Secondly, if you wear heels as part of your outfit and for most of the day, it will feel like you've ran 83 marathons the following morning.

Patsy & Eddie Forever

It was my first wedding, or major social event, where I've been with bump openly and well...people just touch it?!

It's so strange! The majority of friends would ask before their hands made contact with my belly. But some people would touch it and use it as a conversation starter; 'first baby?' Yes thanks, although I'm not sure how you touching it has anything to do with whether it's my first or eighth baby?

I honestly don't mind - it's a new thing that I'm experiencing as the baby gets bigger, and naturally so does my bump. It's just better when people ask beforehand. I think it's more that people talk and touch it like it's independent of you. But it isn't. It's my skin, on my body and it's my baby. I can feel you touching me when you're touching the baby bump. Duhhh.

My bump is quite something though! I'm only 16 weeks + and the waddling walk is now a thing. God knows what I'll be like in another 4 or so weeks. Let alone in a few months time!? Again putting this down to being 160cm in height and not having the longest torso in the world...I'm a condensed potato.

Now I'm off to the doctors to check baby is all ok as I've had some odd pain sensations in the ovary area of late. Would rather be told I'm being terribly over-dramatic but baby is safe and well; put my mind at rest and hopefully get a better night's sleep. Rather than assume it's normal and then it may be something a bit more worrying.

And I've got my first official pregnancy pre-natal massage this evening. Can't wait to be rubbed down. WHAT A TREAT.

X

*UPDATE*
Baby is fine! I was the hypochondriac mum-to-be (oh gosh) but as I said before, would rather be safe than sorry. Turns out that as the baby grows, it isn't always going to feel like a long stretching feeling where my ligaments et al are prepping the small human's home. So this concentrated pain that I've had the last few days is my pelvic tendon, where it's attached and where it's being pulled. The doctor explained it to me that if I was holding a cut elastic band, and he pulled it away from me, it's the end I'm holding that is the bit hurting as it stretches away. Learn something new every day - especially with this pregnancy malarkey. I'll be a fountain of knowledge by the time this baby comes out.

Side note re pre-natal massage, it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Although it was an odd beginning and I'll tell you for why; normally when I'm told to lie on my side on a pop up bed it's because it's all things bum end and with my gastro team. Not the most relaxing of activities. But that's not what happened on this Tuesday evening! Oh the massage was divine! I feel like a new woman and my back feels brand new. Something I would highly recommend when preggers and I will be having many more of these over the coming weeks. I'm ready to be a pampered woman.

So to now where I'm in my soft clothes, feet up, washed hair and baby's on the move. Bliss.

Dietician Time

Got the hospital tomorrow morning to see my gastro dietician. It's a scheduled appointment from the end of last year for Crohn's, but has actually come at the perfect time in my pregnancy. This is because I want to put my mind at rest and make sure that I would be able to put on the required weight for baby and me.

I say this based on how my body can drop weight so quickly when flaring and generally how hard it can be to put weight on with Crohn's (unless you're on steroids - hello swollen moon). Over the last few weeks my weight generally hasn't changed. Like to the decimal hasn't changed, at times. But now it's creeping in the right direction which is good!

As I mentioned in a previous post, my Crohn's is as calm as it's been in years. But being pregnant has played havoc with my eating; I've completely gone off meat, and in the first trimester I was feeling nauseous all the time so eating was tricky. Despite taking the pregnancy supplements, I want to know that I am eating all the right things for a good healthy development of the little human.

Being in the glorious second trimester I have my appetite back now so I'm excited to see what recipes I can come up with that tick all the nutritional boxes for the two of us (!) based on my catch up tomorrow with my gastro dietician.

I'm making a conscious effort to eat well with these new culinary cravings and it's given me an opportunity to explore the vegetarian world a little bit - my favourite being a vegetarian chilli con carne with all the beans that I rustled up. So good!

Will post a few of my favourite recipes for any of you foodies out there as I get more adventurous with the ingredients.

But as it stands, bring me all the food. I'm ready.

X

Name Changer

Now you're all up to date on what's happened since I was last regularly blogging, it gives me an opportunity to tell you why my blog has a new name, new feel and new topics.

I touched on it in the 'About Me' section, but essentially it's that there is more to me than having Crohn's - hence the name change. Hattie, etc. is more encompassing of me and the areas of my life, whereas Harriet's Got Crohn's as a name suggests that my illness was what made me up as a person.

I started my blog as a way for me to talk to everyone and no one about what I was feeling with regards to my Crohn's and the challenges that it threw at me. It also served as a great sounding board when I was having to deal with my biggest operation to date. It was a great tool in coping and it let me connect with a variety of people who were taking the time to read what I typed out.

Now however, I'm in a place where there are many exciting things that lie ahead and I want to write about these areas also. Remember as well that I am yet to be in remission - so it's not like I've got my rose-tinted glasses on! It just makes sense to me to have a blog that reflects where I am in my life now.

The shift in my mindset most likely began from being more than happy with the care I receive at Guys & St Thomas', so everything health-wise is less of a worry than it ever has been before. It could be down to the fact I love my job and I never really feel like I'm at work. Or it could be down to my family and friends and how despite all I've been through, they're still there supporting me and they should know that they fucking rock.

Also being that little bit older and more secure in my own skin has merely confirmed that I know it's ok to struggle when having a flare up, and that I can also make the most of what life throws at me. Good or bad. Christ, I'm almost 28 which as everyone knows is basically 30...and then you're middle aged. I've got things to do!

Don't fret though as there will of course be posts about my Crohn's, as it certainly isn't going anywhere, but now they'll sit alongside other topics too. And that's really bloody exciting for me!

X

Still flaring?

And my level of frustration towards my Crohn's has skyrocketed this week!

I have the first of two hen doos on the weekend, followed by the second next weekend...then my holiday on 11th August...and then the two weddings at the end of the month. Not to mention my full time job.

I certainly do not need to be tired, vomiting, shitting out water and crying. Nope. Nahhh. No. Definitely not.

However, I do have my gastro consultant appointment on Thursday of this week. I'm not expecting anything amazing to come out of it, but just having them prod my stomach and realise how hard it's gone - in a weird way makes me feel better as it would confirm that I'm flaring.

I know it sounds ridiculous as I'm 5 years into my IBD journey - but sometimes I find it hard to determine if I'm officially in a flare up, or just really struggling with the day-to-day symptoms of Crohn's; the fatigue, the loose stools, etc.

I'm also curious as to what people think about Azathioprine? I have a very up and down relationship with it and I'm considering stopping it after I've spoken to my consultant about other options.

Either way, hopefully they'll be able to patch me up for the Summer!

X

Nil by Mouth

Since Saturday I have been struggling to eat anything - FODMAP foods and all. And anything other than water is making me feel poorly too. It's the nausea I can't handle. And the pain. Oh the pain! Like my stomach is so swollen it feels like it could burst.

I put my food problems out there on Facebook and some of the responses I got with regards to what to eat were interesting! From applesauce to rice cakes, to liquid diets, shakes and fasting.

Today is a lot better than previous days though; have managed to eat a banana and not throw up or run to the bathroom. It's the simple things, eh?!

Yesterday I thought it was a good idea to try and go back to work (so bored at home - there's only so much daytime TV you can watch before you're brain dead) But alas, I still looked like I'd been punched right in the face and cried at the drop of a hat. So off back home I went where I then slept alllll day. And then vommed. And woke up countless times in the night to go to la toilette. But there we are.

I know I've said it before, but it's the ultimate frustration that comes with flare ups. They just inconvenience everything. It's giving me major FOMO [Fear of Missing Out, FYI ha] I have so many things coming up that I'm looking forward to and all I want is to know that I can have a proper Summer. Ideally with minimal Crohn's issues. Not asking for much!!

Got an appointment with my consultant on 17th so will obviously fill them in on what's been going on and we take it from there...

Enjoy the sunshine!

X

Dr Mitton's Response

Kirsty Bruce - one of the many proactive IBDers - emailed Tom Smith, the Chief Executive of the British Society of Gastroenterology after the initial #junkfood debacle and today received a reply.

Saw it on Facebook and asked if I could share as it is definitely worth a read!

I thought you'd like to see the text from a statement that Dr Mitton has released this morning. See below. 

Tom Smith 

----- 

20th June 2014 

First and foremost I would like to apologise for the distress that I have caused by what was shown on the BBC to all Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis patients. I was unable to respond more quickly to the reactions to this report due to very heavy clinical commitments. I feel that what I said and the subsequent coverage has been misinterpreted and I would like to clarify this now. 

I said that Crohn's Disease occurs in those who are genetically susceptible and that the unexplained recent increase in numbers diagnosed amongst young people in the UK is likely to be related to lifestyle. I did mention pre diagnosis diet and multiple courses of antibiotics as possible factors preceding the development of overt disease in some cases. I did not say that junk good or frequent courses of antibiotics CAUSE Crohn's Disease. I am very aware there are many patients with IBD who eat a very healthy and nutritious diet and have always done so before their diagnosis. 

However, since the initial report on 18th of June there have been subsequent newspaper and television reports that focus on the assumption that Crohn's Disease seems to be "caused" by junk food and multiple antibiotics. This is not my belief and is a distortion. 

I did not mean to imply any element of self-infliction and I am appalled to think this could set back public perception of IBD or that sufferers might be blamed for their own pain and misfortune. 

I would like to sincerely apologise again for the distress that my comments have caused. 

Dr Sally Mitton
Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist

Make of that what you will, but like I said, wanted to share with you all.

X

And so it begins...

Well hasn't today's press been full of hard facts re IBDs?! How about noooooo.

Without going into detail again (as yesterday completely and utterly drained me) here are the links of what I've come across in the online media today:

Daily Mail - "Junk food blamed for soaring rate of Crohn's disease among young"

The Times - "Junk food and antibiotics blamed for rise in Crohn's disease among young"

The Telegraph - "Crohn's disease in teens jumps 300 per cent in 10 years fuelled by junk food"

And what was in this morning's Metro:

Good morning to you, Dr Mitton's lies. It's been so long!

I have a feeling that this will be ongoing; but hopefully in a positive way, and the backlash from IBDers is publicised as quickly as this misinformation spread.

I was having a conversation on Twitter last night and the point was raised in that surely the figures will have risen so dramatically due to more people being aware of symptoms...not being afraid to seek medical advice. But we all know what Dr Sally Mitton thinks.

So onto this evening where I am momentarily stepping away from the #junkfood madness and hoping, willing England to win against Uruguay.

COME ON BOYS!!!!

X

Junk = Rubbish

I genuinely do not even know where to begin:


rambling
adj

1. straggling or sprawling haphazardly; unplanned: a rambling old house
2. (of speech or writing) lacking a coherent plan; diffuse and disconnected
3. (Botany) (of a plant, esp a rose) profusely climbing and straggling

No, I haven't suddenly become a plant or an old house. But I can sense this post will lack a coherent plan, for want of a better phrase. So apologies in advance, dear reader, as this post will contain a disorganised rant about what I saw on BBC Breakfast this morning (18th June). Mainly because I'm still super peeved by some of the content.

For all you IBDers in the UK, I'm sure you would have heard about the segment that appeared on National breakfast television this morning. And if you're still not aware, let me tell you a bit about the ridiculousness that is Dr Sally Mitton...

"If you have a lot of junk food in your diet before your diagnosis, it actually makes you more likely to develop Crohn's disease...a lot of antibiotics - particularly in younger life - seem to be more likely to develop this condition."

Yep. Ignore everything you've ever been told/read/researched. We all ate bad food as a child, and lo and behold...CROHN'S DISEASE. FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

Lets look at the stats first - as I found this really quite concerning. In the year 2003/04 there were 4937 reported cases of young people being admitted to hospital with Crohn's disease. In the year 2013/14 that number had quadrupled to 19,405. In a decade?!!

Obviously I am all for raising awareness of IBDs in the public domain. If I wasn't, I wouldn't blog, tweet, post on Facebook, Instagram and do every other world wide web option. Let alone be as vocal as I am about with my peers. However, the most important thing to remember is that if you're going to put it on a platform accessible by many, i.e. BBC Breakfast, then perhaps make sure that the information being given is correct? And if it isn't correct (because you don't know), don't suggest or assume things. It only compounds and makes it a hell of a lot harder for us to clear it up.

For a gastroenterologist to make such a sweeping statement as she did? I was genuinely dumbfounded. Granted I had not been awake long and was still sleepy. But when I saw her talk I shouted at my TV and immediately burst into tears. Lord.

I just couldn't believe what I was watching?! I tweeted about it and since then, my Twitter has gone nuts. It really has struck a chord with a lot of people.

And I think (unfortunately) that although Crohn's and Colitis UK went on BBC Breakfast to raise awareness, they're now going to have to help us IBDers in the real world, clarify exactly what we go through. Don't tell me that at the age of 26, something that I ate when I was 7 has given me this disease.

I'm not having that. Not at all. If that was the case, there wouldn't be any bloody junk food available for the fear of people developing Crohn's. Utter shite. All of it *slaps keyboard*

Look at me when I was 18. That is not the body of someone who's eaten all things junk food. That is the body of someone who's intestines have gone mental and started attacking itself. But the beauty of hindsight is that I was ever so blissfully unaware. Although in a weird way it's something to marvel at, for all the wrong reasons...I just look really odd; all mouth with a small head and a skinny little bod.

As David Barker of Crohn's and Colitis UK said;

"We need to do more research into these areas to better the understanding of the disease."

And when the suggestion of junk food and antibiotics was brought up again, he verbally slapped it down with what we all were thinking, in that "the reality is, we don't know."

If you missed the news this morning, or want to get riled up again (like I have most definitely been guilty of this afternoon) you can see the full clip here: Crohn's on the BBC

X

Achy Bones

I have achy bones. Oh so achy.

Left knee, lower back, right shoulder. All slowly, one by one, getting more painful. Even if I'm not doing anything.

I've mentioned my knee and back to my consultant before, but it's never really something they've focused on...? Just getting a bit fed up of sitting with my legs crossed, then suddenly having to rearrange my legs because the pain is unreal. I am not of Nana age yet!

Is there a strong link between the autoimmune diseases? Can you have Crohn's and get arthritis more easily?

I had a little look into the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis on the NHS website (as this type seems to be the most mentioned re IBDs) and it brought up the following:

• Pain
• This is usually a throbbing and aching sort of pain. Often worse in the mornings and after you have been sitting still for a while. Pain is often felt while you are resting, not after activity.
• Stiffness
• Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis can feel stiff, especially in the morning. Morning stiffness associated with a kind of arthritis called osteoarthritis usually wears off within 30 minutes of getting up. However, rheumatoid arthritis morning stiffness usually lasts longer than half an hour.
• Warmth & Redness
• The lining of the affected joint becomes inflamed, causing the joints to swell, and become hot, tender to touch and painful.

I guess I'm just curious, that's all. Don't want to get all hypochondriac on your asses, but the achy bones are becoming increasingly more difficult to ignore!!

Any info from anyone would be greatly appreciated; you can tweet me @Harriet_IM or leave a comment below.

Ta!

X

FODMAP Time

So I have completed my first full week being on the FODMAP diet, and it will be going on for the next 7 weeks (8 weeks in total)

I was determined that when I started it, I would be strict and do as the booklets say, as I really want it to make a difference! And although it's been tricky, I am now getting into a routine of different foods I can and cannot eat.

Because of this, I will be posting recipes of various meals I've had - essentially turn my blog into the occasional food diary, if you will.

Recipes will be posted on my newly added 'Foodies' page, which can either be accessed along the top tabs, or by this link: http://www.harrietsgotcrohns.com/p/foodies.html

Any queries re foods I've used, etc. please get in touch!

X

@Harriet_IM 

Human Jenga

I went to the GP on Monday.

One of the things she said to me really hit home, as I'd never thought about depression in that way, as there's not always a particular trigger for the dips...

I was in the middle of playing human Jenga. Hypothetically, with pieces being removed for various reasons I stayed standing - and although things seemed all right, I wasn't as balanced as I thought I was and it toppled.

So I've been referred back to CBT counselling - but this time she's requested individual as opposed to group, as the group one wasn't such a benefit for me. The people in my group were having issues with things they could change. But this was my problem. I was in there because I couldn't cope with things that I had no control over, couldn't change.

Now I wait for the counselling chaps to call me, quiz me on how I feel about everything and anything, and then wait for a letter with my level of depression. Ooh such fun.

Naturally I'm worried about how this is going to effect work and my relationships; all of them. Not just the need to leave to talk about my life to a stranger. But the days when I'm feeling low. The days when I don't even want to get out of bed, let alone leave the house.

All I can do now though is know that I'm doing everything I can to go back to 'normal'. Whatever that is.

X

Summertime Stories

Well hello there!!

How has everybody been? Good summer?!

I hope you've all had a bloody lovely time whilst I've been away :) As I said in my last post, was off for a few festivities so took a mini break from blogging and now I'm back to reality it is time for me to update you all on WHAT'S. GONE. ON.

So...


Colonoscopy Day

This was such fun (erm....?) not really, no. The pre-camera-bum-time was lovely! My new hospital is marvellous. I got a navy robe, some tote bed socks, hospital gown [standard] and even the paper knicks weren't too bad!

During the colonoscopy however - URGH - it was horrible. I briefly remember crying whilst drugged up to my eyeballs. They told me after that they had to give me 25% more drugs than they normally would for someone my age, except I don't remember and the boyf had to fill me in. Guess that explains why things are quite blurry for me.

The doctor said that things were relatively ok though, which is good news. And just that there was an old fistula inside. Come again?????

It's obviously fine now so...shouldn't be worrying?!! *panics in silence for a moment*

But I have the hospital this Thursday for a catch up from all the new scans and tests I've had over the last month. Will be sure to ask what it all means!


In other news...


Surfs Up!

And down to Newquay we go for Boardmasters with my girls. SUCH FUN. Had an amazing time; totally chilling out on the cliff top with ciders, floral headbands and good company.

But my lord! One word. Portaloos. They were summin' else!!

Fortunately I met a very nice man that was not only the bouncer for the disabled toilets within the main arena, but also conveniently understanding about Crohn's #winning

In all seriousness though. Bit of ol' R&R was fabio. Good job too, as I was off to Spain the next day!


Espagnol

After a whirlwind weekend in Cornwall it was straight down to Bristol to fly to Spaaaain. Viva la Espagnol!

Did a road trip with the better half: Almunecar, Granada, Madrid, Toledo, Salobrena, Cerro Gordo.

All I needed was a bumbag [or fanny pack if you're reading this in America. In which case, thanks for reading! We're international baby!!] sorry, I digress. Basically I would have become the ultimate tourist.

Foreign foods are naturally tricky for someone with IBD, but managed to find some tasty treats for the journey!

Saw some amazing places and really enjoyed finding hidden gems in the depths of Spain. Would definitely go again and explore some more!

Hi I'm Harriet, your new employee

And now to today, the first day of my new job. All very exciting!

Just need to try and keep my Crohn's under wraps for a while as there are lots of things to look forward to in starting my new career [although I seem to have a suspect lump on the other side of my bum cheek, but ssssh]

To be honest though, I feel like I need another holiday to catch up on sleep.

I am utterly exhausted, albeit from three bloody wonderful weeks.

X

Uncomfortably Numb

Uhhh. I am fed up of moaning (I'm boring myself), but I need to have a vent. Sorry.

Obviously I posted yesterday saying how my bloat was super uncomfortable and painful. I also had areas of my tum where the feeling had gone away again? Couldn't feel my fingernails going across? Just numb.

Well, today is no different - if anything it's a bit bigger. And most shocking of all is that I didn't poo yesterday. AT ALL.

This is an alien experience as it's been a bloody long time since not pooing has been something to worry about. Today I have been once and it hurt ever so, but it wasn't a proper toilet time - if you know what I mean?

I have even resorted to a McDonalds to get things going since then; no luck thus far. I have had some high fibre Ryvitas; again, no luck.

Why can't I poo properly?! What is happening to my body?!

I am becoming the opposite of the main symptoms of Crohn's...fatter and pooing less.

And I have no idea why.

It's not like Crohn's has decided to go away.

At the same time though I am kind of hoping the bloat and pain hangs around until Thursday for the hospital. It's always annoying when you have an appointment and your body is well behaved. It's a false sense of security!

As for today, I have an awards do with work at The Dorchester - a proper snazzy affair. And I'm going to turn up looking preggers and wanting to poo.

Joy.

X

Ouchie

Oh today is not a good day. My stomach has been hurting since I woke up this morning; it's so bloated and painful.

I don't know if any of you are familiar with a choreographer called Martha Graham? But she did a piece called Lamentation and this is exactly how my stomach is feeling...

So stretched, and just...ouch.

I've been trying to stick to mainly liquids after the trial I discussed with my GP - but have found that soups and jellies do not give me the energy I need to function as a normal human being, if I was to do it long-term. So I have signed up for a proper liquid diet that a normal person would use, and hoping to tailor it accordingly to what works best for me!

I am planning on writing a few posts and keep you guys up to date with the weight loss and general goings on when I start it at the end of the week. If anything, just to keep me on track!

In other news, the new hospital called me on Friday. I have an appointment with them this Thursday. OH YEAH. I'm excited for it, as I'm hoping it will give me the opportunity to go through what's been happening thus far. And generally explain how it seems to have ground to a halt, with regards to seeing why I'm still having problems. I guess, it gives me the chance to start from scratch?

I feel it's very similar to when I moved from my diagnosis hospital to my current one; things had started slowing down and I didn't seem to really be getting anywhere. Then after moving I got a good two and a bit years of people wanting to help me.

As annoying and inconvenient as it is having to move hospitals, if it gets me to the point where I am officially in remission, or at least have a year's worth of normality, I will be a happy lady.

And at least I can feel a tad more pro-active with getting things looked into.

X

Hunger Pains

Sorry for moaning, BUT I AM SOO HUNGRY.

I am going to make sure I request that future scans - where lack of food is required - are no later than 2pm.

There's a rumbling in my tummy that is very loud...I feel empty.

And being anti-social at lunchtime at work is no fun. But the food aromas were torture! It's a lot easier to not be hungry in the house on my own on scan day.

#LessonLearned

Woe is me. Let's go get scanned.

X

Ms Motivator

We've bought an exercise bike!

And not just any bike, a Davina Magnetic Exercise Bike...[sounds good?!]

The Davina magnetic exercise bike lets you burn through calories and tone your legs in a comfortable, low impact motion.

 

It has 8 levels of tension control so that you can increase the intensity of your workout as your fitness improves or simply vary the resistance within workouts.

 

It includes a centre console that reports on the various aspects of your workout.

Snazzy.

I have also quit the gym. Well almost.

Now I know you're probably thinking where's the logic in that?! You're trying to lose weight, not gain weight. But alas, my friends, there's a method in my madness;

I don't have energy at the best of times, but am very much aware that I am borderline Chubster again. I also have to deal with the unpredictability of what may or may not happen with the hospital and what that will do to my general health and well-being. Whilst this is happening, I find it very hard to justify paying £40 odd per month when I've been a handful of times due to crappy Crohn's.

Moral of the story? If Crohn's is ever going to be helpful, it's when you're trying to quit the gym ;)

Which leaves me with the predicament of HOW do I lose weight, when I'm not a member of the gym anymore?!

This is my plan...

• A 10 week workout (minus stomach crunches/sit ups until at least May 5th due to post-op rules ha) with the aim to lose around 2 lbs a week
• No carbs in the night time
• Aiming to introduce natural anti-inflammatory foods into my diet
• Trying to stick to a low fibre diet for the bloat
• Start going to salsa and ballet

But another predicament arises as low fibre foods are not very helpful for weight loss. WHY OH WHY IS THIS SO HARD?!

Take puddings: suitable suggested foods include ice cream, jelly, custard, lollies. Foods to avoid...any containing fruit or nuts.

It basically means in order to eat the right foods for my body, I'm going to have to work out super hard to get rid of this extra weight (uhhh) but I'm post-op so there's only so much I can do for the time being?!!

Got my contrast ultrasound tomorrow though, so at least then I shall hopefully have an idea of why I'm super bloated all ze tiimmmeee. And if anything, I may find out how to amend my diet accordingly.

If all else fails....................

X