Hello to all!
My name is Mary and I have Crohn’s disease and Slipping Rib Syndrome.
I am a US Navy veteran, communication and journalism graduate, licensed cosmetologist and licensed phlebotomist, and a columnist for a few websites mentioned below. I am a fur mom and I write about my life.
I discuss my Crohn’s disease, Fibromyalgia, migraines, slipping rib syndrome, and, the other issues I have – like degenerative discs in my neck, skin issues, and mental health.
It took me two years to diagnosis for my Crohn’s disease. I have had three perianal surgeries with my IBD – two perianal abscesses removed and fistulotomies. I am currently on Stelara and we (my GI and I) think it is working!
My hands have had issues, with recurring ganglion cysts and pain with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. I have been in and out of hand braces since 2016. I have had steroid injections, physical therapy, and, three cyst removal surgeries on my left hand. I have also had tendon sheath release surgery on both of my hands. They still hurt.
My wonky ribs, I have slipping rib syndrome which causes one rib to slip up and under the rib above it. I have had a neurectomy of my 8-11th nerves on my left side. When that didn’t help, we put in a titanium plate for the costochondral dislocation for my second chest wall surgery. I got sick after, and coughing caused the plate to shift and I literally had a screw loose. The plate came out in my third surgery and a rib resection was done to remove the cartilage tip that was slipping. These ribs are a continuous battle. I’m currently under the care of Dr Adam Hansen – the leading specialist for Slipping Rib Syndrome – and I have had three procedures with him. 7th times the charm, right?
I mention using the Va hospital for all of my care and what I deal with when it comes to appointments. I also talk about PTSD, anxiety and depression and mental health. I even go into dermatology issues, problems with ovarian cysts, infertility, and any other health issue I have come across. I talk surgeries, scopes, blood tests, x-rays and more.
I enjoy sharing my journey and I thank you for reading.
It may not be easy, but for me, It Could Be Worse.
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Also See:
My Crohn’s Disease Journey to Diagnosis
Contributor To:
IBD News Today – ‘It Could Be Worse’ Column
itcouldbeworseblog.com 
Hi Mary,
I saw your post on the Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group Facebook page. You mentioned that Crohn’s has no cure. True, but I’ve had fantastic results with my Ulcerative Colitis from drastically changing my diet. I’d be interested in connecting to share my story. My wife and I live in Louisville. She has a food blog where I am just starting to provide background info on what has worked for me. Please reach out when you have a chance.
You can read about me at https://abrb.us/SAM-About-David and my first blog post at https://abrb.us/SAM-Baked-Sweet-Potatoes.
Best Regards,
David
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David, thank you for reaching out! I am always open to connecting with new people! I am happy to read that you have found relief, something very hard to find for me! I’d be happy to chat, although my Crohn’s seems to not have any rhyme or reason to it with foods thus far. I look forward to learning more! I am on Remicade, too. – Mary
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Hi Mary, thanks for getting back to me. I read through your four Remicade posts today. They are great background information for anyone that will have to get the infusions. I was sorry to not read about any symptomatic relief from the Remicade in your 2, 3, and 4 posts. I have been on Remicade every 6-8 weeks since 2005. Remicade never helped my colitis, but it helped my ankylosing spondylitis almost immediately. Although I would like to stop taking it, I am terrified that my arthritis will come back if I do. How long are you going to try the Remicade? Like my doctors, it sounds like yours are more than willing to try different drugs. But have they ever asked you about your food intake? I would really like to work with you on a food based solution to your Crohn’s. We would start by having you make a diary of everything you eat and drink for several days. We can then talk about what might be good and what might be bad. Then we can talk about designing a meal plan for an entire month. Unfortunately, you would have to temporarily give up coffee which seems like one of your mostest favoritest things, but it could be worse.
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Thank you, too! And for reading my blog posts. I do love my coffee. And I already keep a good journal, I’d be happy to share my diet with you. I’m glad the Remicade could help you a little, I am still hopeful. I’d be happy to talk in whatever platform is easiest for you. 🙂
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It’s great that you keep a food journal!! Would you mind sharing the last week? You can email me at david@amyburnstherecipebook.com. I’m not a doctor, or nutritionist, or any type of medical professional, but my wife opened my eyes to new theories and it has changed my life for the better. I’m hoping that the same theory will help others. Food is the place to start.
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David, I apologize for the late response. I have kept a food journal for years, since it took years to diagnose, I try to document everything. I usually eat one decent meal a day, which is dinner. But I have been having such trouble with puking (since August) that I can’t eat anything beyond that. Coffee is my life saver LOL! I just recently bought some protein drinks for replacing meals. I’m not looking forward to it, but I have thought about a liquid diet to ease my guts. I am looking forward to your family theories! Really! I will email you ASAP. 🙂
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No worries on the delay. I’ve got a blog post and meal prep that I’m working on today and a Remicade infusion tomorrow afternoon. Let’s plan on chatting mid-week if you have time. My schedule is pretty flexible Wednesday and Thursday morning. Please reply here after you email me just in case I don’t get the email.
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David, Sorry for the late reply, again. I will be emailing you asap with my latest week. I look forward to chatting, I am sorry I may have missed your available time. I hope your infusion went well! – Mary
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Thank you so much for dropping by my blog. Sorry you battle this illness. Not easy at all.
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