The only way I can make sense of what is happening to me, is to make my pain have a purpose. To fight through all the bad and find a way to make some good come of it. With that, I have decided to join Team Challenge for another training season, to raise money and awareness for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. I will embark on a running journey to race to the finish line in September, at the Oregon Wine Country - Half Marathon & 5K.

After weeks of missed phone calls and unanswered portal messages, I finally connected with my GI doctor at OHSU. Given my recent test results, symptoms, and trajectory of my disease(s), the doctor has recommended that I do a combination of chemotherapy/immunosuppressant drugs. Next week, I will start taking 25mg of Methotrexate – a weekly injection. This drug is a heavy hitter, and I’m terrified of starting it. In order to make sure the medicine isn’t too rough on me, I’ve also been prescribed a daily folic acid tablet.

As if the weekly injections weren’t enough, I’ve also been prescribed Omeprazole for my stomach ulcers and gastritis. In addition to my current medication list.

Autoimmune diseases aren’t for the faint of heart.

If IBD is going to demand that I show up for all the blood tests, stool tests, CT scans, MRI's, scopes, ultrasounds, and other procedures as required, the least I can do, is push through it all with a smile and a Team Challenge Jersey!

Thank you all, for your continued love and support!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CROHN'S & ULCERATIVE COLITIS:

About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect millions of Americans. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.