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 
I’m 60 years old and a late bloomer as I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at age 58. I was on Mercaptopurine (old cancer drug) for two years. While it seemed to help it lowered my platelets down to a dangerous level. I chose Stelara over Humera simply due to injection schedule, every 8 weeks compared to 2 weeks. I’ve had the infusion and three Stelara injections. I’m doing OK but do have pain occasionally and have had two perineal wounds. Combine this with failed back surgery syndrome, diabetes,and chronic fatigue syndrome, but as a strong woman says – it could be worse.
Mary, I always thought I stay positive in difficult times however I have never met such a wonderful positive person going through such much in their life as YOU. I started reading your blog some months ago. You inspire so many people, not only ones with Crohn’s and UC but with the spouses, friends, and relatives of us with the disease.
Thank you Mary for your dedication to your blog.
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Mark, I have to say that your comment made my day. I am so sorry to read that you have had a lot to deal with in your life, too, but yes, it could always be worse. I do appreciate you reading and keeping up with me, and I do appreciate you taking the time to write me. It is people like you who I share this blog for, for the real people who are suffering just like me, who need real insight or just to see that someone else is going through something similar. I hope the Stelara has been working for you? I will get my infusion next week. Fingers crossed! Thank you thank you a million times over! I’ll keep sharing as long as I know it is helpful for someone 🙂 thank you!
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I came across your many blogs on IBD and I am glad to know that you are actively writing about this challenging disease. You offer up some good practical advice that I am certain will be helpful to many patients. I have lived with Crohn’s disease for 50 years and I too write about the topic, although not professionally. Instead I share my experiences and write mostly about managing the mental and emotional issues that influence my health and therefore impact my experience of IBD. Wishing you the very best in the years ahead…please keep up the good work and know that it is appreciated by many! James Patterson
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Thank you so much for reading and replying. I appreciate it so much. I am so sorry you suffer from Crohn’s disease, I will have to keep up with your writing more! I definitely can relate with the mental and emotional aspects that this disease causes, I hope that you have found relief somehow. Hugs!
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Hello Mary,
My name is Fareed Mazhar and I currently work for the nonprofit organization Ben’s Friends. The organization currently deals with people who suffer from chronic illnesses like Crohn’s and connect them to a community of people just like them. I love how you talk about your own experience and would appreciate if you shared our website with your readers as many of them could connect to a larger community. If you have any questions please let me know. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Ben’s Friends Website: https://www.bensfriends.org/
Crohns community: http://www.lifewithcrohnscolitis.org/
Thanks,
Fareed Mazhar
Ben’s Friends
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