And I'm Back Home - but Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all!

I’ve been down the coast and back already. It went way too fast!

I remember a couple of years ago I was having Christmas down the coast with my family. During Christmas lunch my stomach began to hurt and I was in a lot of pain. I had to leave the table and lie down, missing out on the legendary pudding. After a lie down I felt better and went on with the rest of the day.

At the time I didn’t know it, but it was a Crohn’s attack. Nothing more than stomach pains but it was the start of what was yet to come in a couple of years. I’ve had many since then but I do remember that Christmas lunch.

So needless to say I was a tad worried about this year’s and after officially being diagnosed with Crohn’s I can now put a name to the face...and pain. Pain I was worried would stop me from enjoying Christmas lunch again this year.

I had a small serving when it arrived and I took my time eating. We (my family and I) cracked open the bonbons and the champers (not that I had any of course! That’s just being stupid).   

         

I managed to eat everything on my plate. And the pudding that came after.

No pain, no bathroom needed, no worries! 

In fact the whole trip did me a world of good.

I haven’t been on a holiday in years (literally) and it was nice to leave the house for a few days and breathe a different air.

Of course I wish it was longer and I can’t wait till I get to go back down again, but it was lovely while I was there.

I also have great news! I managed to go to the beach without protection! One of my greatest worries since Crohn’s became official was that I would have an attack while I was out and I would be unprepared. So ever since I’ve been wearing ‘protection’ in case I get caught. I haven’t ever been caught out but it puts my mind at ease.

Obviously swimming wouldn’t allow me to wear anything underneath, so I only wore my swimmers and shorts. And it didn’t bother me at all!

It was great to not worry about it, and to just go and have fun!

I went to the beach with my brother a few times; having a swim, walking down the beach and just being relaxed.

I’ve been struggling with being ‘normal’ with Crohn’s and it’s been effecting how and what I do. But down the coast it didn’t.

There was one time where I didn’t go to the shops worried I was going to be sick and while I wish mentally Crohn’s hadn’t taken hold, it was a small thing that I won’t let get me down.

It felt so good to just not even think about it. I still am taking prednisone and watching what I’m eating but being down the coast was lovely. And I can’t wait to go down again – hopefully soon, but knowing me it won’t be for a while.

It’s amazing how going away can help and the change of air does so much good.

I wanted to wish everyone a lovely holidays; wherever you are from. Stay safe and be happy and enjoy this time.