I Have a "Boo Boo" in my Tummy

I have a "Boo Boo" in My Tummy!

Today is one of the days that it is so fun living with Ulcerative Colitis.  I had been having issues with my gut, it could be a little bit of stress, who would have thought that but I had to call my GI doctor.  I am trying to make sure that my body doesn't go into a full flair, that is not something that I need to put on my family right now or my own mental health.  This morning Jude kept asking me to eat breakfast with him but I had to tell him that I couldn't, something that is impossible to explain fully to a two year old.  The best way to explain it was that I had a "boo boo" in my tummy and that I had to go see a doctor.  He continues to lift up my shirt and check my "boo boo."

Three months after Jude was born I ended up spending seven days in the hospital due to an Ulcerative Colitis flair.  Luckily my doctor knows me super well so when I call her and tell her that I am having problems she gets me in right away.  I called her yesterday and she told me to come in for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.  Yeah if you haven't had one or a colonoscopy they are as much fun as they sound.  

Here I am sitting in the waiting room waiting to go in.  I had not eaten anything since 9pm on Monday so I was hungry by this point, and some lady was eating in the waiting room but oh well what can you do.  So they then took me back and got my IV all hooked up.  While they were talking to me they were asking when my last procedure done was.  I couldn't remember so we pulled up the history.  I had a colonoscopy in February and one in September of 2011.  It was kind of saddening knowing that I had three procedures done within a year.  I couldn't help but think of when my father called me asking me for advice on what to do during a colonoscopy prep, something that I shouldn't have to tell me dad about.  The Dr. completed the flexible sigmoidoscopy and we did get good news.  My colon is still showing mild signs of Colitis but definitely saw signs of healing.  I did get a talking to about my enemas, I am having to get over the mental block of having to do one every night but it is the best for me and my family so I have to get through it.  

Here I am recovering after the procedure.  It is always tiring even though I don't have to do much.  I am so thankful for my doctor for always providing me with support and help when it is needed.  She is aware of my family and she always helps us get through this illness as a unit.  I am thankful that we got the good news that we did so that I do not have to consider the surgical options that there are.  I know that this is a possibility eventually but my mind and my body are not there at this point.  I am thankful for my wife for taking me and always being there by my side and supporting me.  I am also thankful for my son who is always there with a smile and a hug!  We will beat this illness together!  

FAC

F. A. C

      It is called the Infamous Friday Afternoon Club.  This used to have a whole new meaning to me prior to being a parent.  I used to look forward to Friday nights because Censie and I usually had plans to go out with someone. 

Now that I am a parent this is why I look forward to Friday.

    I am a very lucky father because I get to work a half day and then go pick up Jude on Friday afternoons.  He is usually very excited to see me when I get to go pick him up because it is different.  This is a picture of Jude coming home from Grrmama's and Pa's house as he calls them.  He typically does not make it all the way home but that is ok with me.  I LOVE the time that I get to spend with him and I hope that it will be something special to him as he gets older. 

Today as typical we had to listen to "Yellow Submarine" and "Hey Jude" on our way home and he sang the whole way home then fell asleep.  This is an image that I love seeing as a father and it holds a special place in my heart.  I have to say even though I am not going out and "tearing up the town" I am even more excited to spend my Friday Afternoon Club with Jude.  I am one lucky daddy!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Hi my name is Jeremy and I'm a Daddy!

Hi I would like to get started with this blog by introducing myself.  My name is Jeremy I am 31 years old.  I have been married to my wonderful wife Censie for 9 years, she has an awesome blog herself I don’t think mine is going to compare but please check it out www.buildingourstory.com, I am also father to our wonderful son Jude and our daughter who is going to be here in a short time.  I love being a father it is truly an amazing joy day in and day out.  Now granted being a parent to a two year old in and of itself can be challenging having that hug, smile and I Love You at the end of the day makes it all worth it.  I am writing this blog about being a husband, father, brother, dealing with illness, Ulcerative Colitis, and Anxiety.  All of these describe me. 

            I think that there are a lot of blogs out there about mom’s and how to handle being a mother but there are not many about being a father.  I think it takes a special person to be able to talk about the challenges that we as men face with being a father and being an individual.  I know all you guys are thinking ok here comes the Kumbaya crap, well maybe you will consider it that but after being in counseling for my Anxiety for about 6 months at this point, get over it!  It is perfectly fine to talk about your feelings as a “Manly Man.”  I am hoping that this blog will help me connect with other dad’s out there and also help provide my insight to being a dad and dealing with daily challenges.

            I am not going to be serious all of the time but there will be some serious moments from time to time.  I am always open to suggestions about what I should talk about but I will probably always throw my own twist into things.  Some of the things will be hard for me to talk about and may not be socially appropriate.  You know dealing with Ulcerative colitis for three years has made me talk about things that most people would not.  I am hoping that people enjoy this blog and people will connect through it and hopefully it will help someone else.  Thank you and please stay tuned for things to come!