Sunday 17 April 2011

The Crohn Wars


An old friend is leaving for Spain in a few weeks time so last night I was out for a few drinks to see her off. This was the first 'proper' night out i've had in over a year! I had a lovely time, however, having a drink again reminded me of two things. 1. Alcohol makes me pose for rubbish photos (see glaringly obvious evidence above) and 2. My Crohn's does not like the strong stuff. 
Although I didn't have much to drink (and me being Scottish draw your own conclusions here), I have woken up feeling well under par. 
There is evidence that alcohol can have...lets say...an 'irritating' effect on people with Crohn's disease as it effects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Since I already have major issues with that part of my insides, alcohol can often exacerbate the symptoms of my disease. These pleasant symptoms include nausea, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, lack of appetite, feeling of fullness in the gut, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever and, in severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding. Six out of nine of these I had last night, into this morning. I wont go into gory details on which six. All of which equates to what I'm calling a Super-Hangover :( 
Symptoms of Crohn's can sometimes (and in my case) be made worse by drinking milk as well as alcohol. Both of which are disappointing facts as I am partial to a very occasional drink. I also like a glass of milk in the morning. And with my cereal. Oh and obviously with my tea, and I do love a milkshake, and another wee chilled glass before bed, and in hot chocolate.. but I don't have a problem.. I can quit at any time.. I can take it or leave it.. why are you looking at me like that? I dont have to justify myself to you! Why is Jeremy Kyle here?.. oh who am I trying to kid? My name is Kathleen and I am a Milk-aholic.

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