Snap Happy!

I have FINALLY worked out how to create a gallery for my blog!

I've put the majority of the photos that appear in my blog on the page, allowing you a closer look (if you want to anyway, as there are a lot of post-op ones!)

Available through this link or you can click the 'Gallery' tab across the top of the page.

Apologies if you're of a squeamish nature - but hey, ho. 'Tis part and parcel of Crohn's...

X

In the media, darling.

Hello one and all - and essentially, welcome (back?)!

I haven't blogged since before Christmas; which was a post called 'Stranger Danger'. Needless to say, big apologies on being oh so silent...still.

But I have decided to start blogging again due to Crohn's having a rare moment in the spotlight, what with Samantha Faiers' (off of TOWIE) recent diagnosis.

I'm in two minds about the whole thing, as naturally I really feel for the girl as I was 20 when I got diagnosed and you have that moment of OH MY GOD I'M ONLY YOUNG. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?! AND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?! But I'm also torn as to why it takes a celebrity to bring Crohn's Disease to the attention of the masses.

Which is why I am starting a trend on Twitter (unlikely to be successful, but roll with it...)

#PooTaboo

And that my friends is why I think Crohn's is hardly ever discussed publicly.

I believe I said it way back when I started my blog, that because Crohn's is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease...it means there will be talk of the toilet. And poop. And wind. And all things that are usually, well, private.

But also the other symptoms that are part of having an IBD; pain, cramping, extreme fatigue, nausea. These are the ones that contribute to the memes on the internet like "You don't look sick...And you don't look stupid" etc. etc. These are part of the invisible illness side of it all. However this one did make me laugh today...

Sorry back on track.

Maybe we're all a bit too British and we don't like to talk openly about what happens during our time alone in the toilet? Wahh. That sounds a tad too off topic. But you know what I mean!

Even with regards to Crohn's and IBD Charities; they can only do so much with their findings/research, as it can be of such a sensitive and personal nature.

Take for instance last Friday:

I was emailed by the Crohn's and Colitis press office to see if I'd be interested in talking to Star magazine about my Crohn's (due to the spiked interest in Sam Faiers' diagnosis).

Being in a post-holiday, disorganised state I missed the call...and hence missed the opportunity to do so. I then emailed the press office to say that I would be open to future opportunities to talk about Crohn's, to which they replied "We really appreciate your candid support, since you can go where the charity cannot."

Now I'm not daft in thinking that we can all hold hands and sing about poo at the top of our lungs in a park together. And equally, I can't expect everyone to automatically know/understand what Crohn's is.

But generally being a bit more open to the idea of an IBD and what it entails wouldn't go amiss?

And hopefully in the not too distance future, it won't take a reality TV star to highlight just what us Crohnies are going through. People will already understand.

X

Stranger Danger

I know. It's like you've forgotten who I am, as it has been so long since I last posted. SORRY GUYS!

The last few months have been a whirlwind of new job loveliness and quite frankly, time has ran away from me on a daily basis!!

I do however still have a long list of FODMAP recipes to post. Be good to let me know what one you'd like to see first? Your choices are...

• FODMAP Nibbles
• Mexican Meatballs with Red Rice and Salsa
• Moroccan Lamb and Warm Couscous Salad
• Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala
• Winter Vegetable Pasta
• Easy Fish Pie (no sauce required!)
• Butternut Squash and Red Pesto Pasta

Will try and get my technological brain on and create an official poll. Oh aye.

In other news...

Crohn's is relatively settled. Had a few hiccups from the nether regions and I'm waiting to be referred to the Rectal Bleeding Clinic. I'm sure you can fill in the gaps there. No one wants to read about bleeding bums and recipes in the same post!

Got the dietician on December 23rd so will make sure I do an update after that. As it stands, to be honest the FODMAP hasn't done a great deal with the bloat. But I was told it may help, may not help, may take 2 weeks to notice a difference, may take 6 months.

Good ol' trial and error Crohn's at its best!

But for now I shall bid you farewell (not for as long as last time!) as I have the BIG REUNION to look forward to tomorrow *10yr old self screams*

Oh and some Christmas shopping. As I haven't done any yet. Cripes.

See what I mean about time running away from me?!

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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