Calling Newbie JoAnn!

jodibelle352 · Post by **jodibelle352** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 5:25 pm

Hi JoAnn!

Welcome to PP!

Thank You for saying such nice things about my post.

I still look at myself as a Newbie as I've so much to learn from everyone who's on these boards.

When I first found this site I was in really bad shape, medically, emotionally and physically. As you are probably already experiencing "depression" runs rampant with those of us battling any of the IB deseases. Just when we think there's no hope and we just can't handle anymore D, medication reactions and people who just plain "DON'T GET IT!" We get on the board post our feelings and you will be absolutely AMAZED how many angels are right beside you helping you back on your feet.

PP are truly ALL family. Everyone of us have gone through and are still going through acceptance and at times denial of our illnesses. You see Sweety, we all want to be WELL. Accepting a different way of LIVING with our illnesses is KEY to our emotional, physical and medical wellbeing. There is nothing you can say here that will shock any of us because we've got stories to share with you that are equally as shocking. LOL

Each and everyone of us is different in our own unique way but we are all hear for the long haul. Don't be afraid to share any and all your feeling because that's when all of us come out in full force to help. We let our tears fall on these boards when we can't take the cramping and pain anymore just to find out that someone is going to answer and tell you "WOW! GIRL! YES YOU CAN!"

Hope to hear more from you and "thank you" once again for such a nice comment about my post.

Love and God Bless:
Jodi

JoAnn · Post by **JoAnn** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 12:20 pm

Hi Jodi, You are truly an angel to me right now and seem to have said just what I needed to hear today. You are so right about the depression that comes with this and the worry about carrying on with life. I'm a teacher and have been off for the last 3 months, but will return to work this Monday. I really want to get back to work, but I also worry about being able to handle it all. Since finding this site, I have gone gf and have sent off for the Enterolab tests. One thing you learn from MC whether you want to or not is patience and perseverance. (I'm still working on both!) I also have a thyroid problem that we're still working on. Sometimes I get the strangest symptoms and feelings I could scream. I don't know what's causing what. My PCP thinks the thyroid problem caused the MC. I also went through several doctors and medications last year that just made me sicker and found myself in the emergency room last August. I finally found my current doctor (actually a nurse practitioner who works with a doctor that is more holistically minded) last Sept. and she's helped me a lot. I have a GI who did my colonoscopy and I see him occasionally. You have been so brave and have dealt with so much! I feel your strength and you have helped me today feel like I can go on and do this. You're right, whenever I start feeling down and defeated, I log on to this site and it's like getting a shot of hope and optimism. I hope to be sharing more in the coming weeks as I return to work, get my test results from enterolab, and just find help coping. Thank you so much again for sharing your story. Just know it has helped me more than I can express. I wish you a wonderful new year. Love JoAnn

jodibelle352 · Post by **jodibelle352** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:13 pm

Hi JoAnn:

On these boards don't be afraid to share your concerns and fears because someone is always on board to watchover and read your post. Within a short time a hand will reach out and help lead you where you need to go.

If you haven't already noticed, personally I believe in "angels".

Tex is my Archangel who has all the knowledge to help you understand medical terms and the newest research on IBD's. Sometimes all his knowledge becomes overwhelming but you can trust that he's researched before he speaks.

As for myself, I'm still learning and growing more secure in myself each and everyday. When my body decided it was going to turn on me all the symptoms I was showing daily I tossed aside and chucked them off because of some personal issues that were causing "stress" in my life. My husband needed me to care for him when he had a hernia rupture so I did my best to hide my pain, my tears and the fact that I was constantly having the Big D.

My oldest daughter; Renee was the first child to speak out and say "Mom, what the hecks going on? You're sick and don't tell me your not!" I tried to reasure it was just stress and that once Daddy was better then I would be alright. David improved but I DID NOT, I continued to go down hill. I went so far "down hill" that I know longer recognized the person who I saw in the mirror daily. God help me, when I would be forced to bathe or shower and have to look in the mirror because I became nothing but skin and bones which was unacceptable but I didn't know how to stop it and truly didn't know what to do.

My biggest problem once the D and the pain became so severe was the mindset I took upon myself. As long as I didn't put any solid food in my mouth then I would have NO PAIN and NO D! This was several months before I was even DX's and way before I found the Potty People. LOL

JoAnn, my whole life I have been "someone's" caregiver. I raised to watchover my baby brother and keep him safe. Help care for my Grand-father who suffered from a stroke who lived with us. My son; William spent more time in C.S.Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan than he spent at home. My mother lived with us when she was DX with cancer before she passed. I truly don't remeber a time I wasn't expected to care for someone. So I never learned to take care of myself and be kind to me. Putting myself first in my opinion was being selfish so I never considered making that a choice or an option.

After finding this site and meeting the family here I found I could say anything and NOBODY turned away from me. Many of my family and friends choose to no longer be around me because to couldn't accept how I looked nor did the understand why I was unable to JUST EAT!!! then I would look better. So believe me I KNOW and I truly understand how you feel emotionally. If I can help you in anyway by just listening just give me a shout, I'll find you and I'll do what ever I can to help you.

Have a Happy New Year JoAnn and many blessings to you in 2009!
Love and God Bless:
Jodi

JoAnn · Post by **JoAnn** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 11:16 pm

Hi Jodi, I have'nt been able to get to the computer the last few days. We've had several family events going on. My oldest son goes to school in Washington D.C. and he is here visiting. I again thank you so much for sharing your personal story with me. You are an amazing woman and I stand in awe of all you have done in your life and all you have endured and are enduring. You have given so much to others in your life and now you are giving to me, someone you've never met. You deserve all the blessings heaven can offer. I also believe in angels, seen and unseen. Your openness, strength, and support are a great blessing to me. Thank you for making me feel comfortable in sharing the challenges I face at this time and knowing that I'm not alone. I look forward to hearing from you in the future and wish you a healthy, happy 2009. Love JoAnn