A minor setback

I know it's been a while since I've written an update.  Things have been really busy with the holidays.  It was a good time, and I did well with my eating...I didn't stuff myself, but I was still able to enjoy myself.  The kids had a great Christmas and to that I am very, very grateful.

About a week ago, I started noticing some red spots on my legs.  They kinda look like bug bites.  Well, the last time this happened, it was pyroderma gangranosm and results in me having to have artificial skin grafts done on a sore on my leg.  It is a side-effect of having Crohn's disease.  So when this started up again, I thought it was that coming back.  After talking to my primary and my GI, we think it is actually a condition called Erythema Nodosum.

From MedicineNet.com:

What is erythema nodosum?

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Erythema nodosum is a type of skin inflammation that is located in a certain portion of the fatty layer of skin. Erythema nodosum (also called EN) results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees. The tender lumps, or nodules, of erythema nodosum range in size from one to five centimeters. The nodular swelling is caused by a inflammation in the fatty layer of skin.

This is another condition that can go along with having Crohn's disease.  So the bottom line is that I have to go on Prednisone.  The last time I was on this drug, I gained a tremendous amount of weight and was extremely moody among other things.  Of course, the last time I was on it, I was on it off and on...actually more on than off....for bout 18 months.  I expressed my dismay to the GI and how I really did not want to go on this drug.  So he is putting me on a bit of a lower dose and he hopes to be able to taper me off pretty quickly.  I just need to be on it long enough to knock out this condition and then I'll be off.  So it will be only temporary.

I admit as soon as I got off the phone with him, I almost burst into tears.  The only reason I didn't was that I was at work at the time.  My next reaction is that I just wanted to punch something I was so angry.  Of course, I did not do that, but that was how I felt at the time.  I eventually settled down and was off work about 1/2 hour later.  I then talked to hubby about it, and he was very reassuring, and just kept reminding me that it was only going to be temporary.  

The main thing is that I don't go into a full-blown Crohn's flare, which can happen.  We sure as hell don't want that.  So I will do what the doc wants me to do, and it will all be ok.

In the meantime, my legs are sore, I won't deny that.  The spots mainly only hurt when they are touched (by both my hands or sometimes by the fabric of my pants), and there is an overlying ache in both my legs.  Hopefully this will all be resolved soon.

I'm trying to stay positive and continue to take things one day at a time.

Thanks again to everyone for all the love and support.  You will never know what it means to me.

100 pounds picture

Here is me today...100 pounds later.  Oh, and those pants I'm wearing....yeah, they are size 26...down from a size 34!!!!

100 POUNDS!!!!!

YIPPIE!!! HORRAY!!!!!    I DID IT!!!!!!!

That's right!!  As of this morning, I am 100 pounds lighter.  On November 1, 2013 I weighed in at 398 pounds.  Today, I am 298!!!  PRAISE GOD!!!!  I can't begin to describe how happy I am!!!  I feel great!  All the struggle has been worth it!!!  100 pounds gone total (43 since surgery)!!

DID YA'LL HEAR ME SCREAM WITH DELIGHT!!!!!

100 pounds ago I had to use a scooter to get around the store.  I couldn't stand for more than a minute or two at a time without my feet and back killing me.  I couldn't get down on the floor and play with my kids.

Now I can do all that PLUS more!!!  Yesterday we went caroling and visited with 2 of our shut-ins.  I stood the WHOLE time!!!  I can walk over a mile.  I go shopping for hours.  I can walk up and down stairs without being in total agony.  This list goes on and on and on.

I will upload a new photo later today, after I get out of my jammies.

Thank you to all who have supported me and continue to support me.  Thank you GOD for everything you have given me.

Week 12 update

I made it thorough my first major holiday post surgery, and I survived quite well.  I actually managed to lose 2 pounds this week.  I have 5 more pounds to go to reach 100 gone!!!  I have to admit I am pleased with myself. I didn't stuff myself and I was able to eat a little bit of everything and really enjoy myself.  We then ate up the leftovers in breakfast dishes the next 2 days.  I even managed a cocktail without getting drunk....it was salted caramel vodka with hot apple cider.  Yummy.

The weekend was relaxing, that's for sure.

Now we are upon Christmas season, the season to remember Jesus being born.  And there is lots of eating and temptations too, but I'm confident I will be just fine.  I even plan on baking cookies for family and friends.