Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
Someone brought Linda and another woman over from a local homeless shelter. She looked familiar, and it turns out that we both worked part-time (but in different offices) for the same mortgage company back before the real estate bubble burst. She went to church and spent most of the day with us, so I had the opportunity to hear her story. She has a bachelor's degree, had owned three companies, been a mid-level manager for others, and had worked for a local school district for 14 years before she was laid off 18 months ago. Because she is an older woman (age 51) she was not able to find steady employment in this economy, even with her qualifications. She is her mother's caretaker, and has been able to keep her housed but not always somewhere she can stay. Yes, I am slightly skeptical about some of what she told me, but you never know with family relationships.
In the last couple of years, Linda has had two colonoscopies and has been diagnosed with Crohn's and mastocytic enterocolitis. She was in the hospital for a month in the spring with the Crohn's. She has a good understanding of her food intolerances, but as a homeless woman, she has little choice as to what to eat. In the homeless shelters, they are not going to fix the food differently for those who should not be eating gluten, casein, soy, etc.
Linda talked about spending the night in the bathroom after eating chili made with cheese, and paying the price for other things she has eaten because there is little else. I told her that the most important concern was the continued damage, and she agreed with me. But she has few choices.
Talking with her really made me count my blessings. There but for the grace of God... I am truly grateful.
Linda had a very good interview with Macy's yesterday, and has another one tomorrow, so hopefully her homeless saga will soon be over.
