As many of you know(or maybe not) I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in April of 2011. This was after years of symptoms and final weeks of testing. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that personally effects my ileum, a small hard to treat section of your bowels. For a while my treatment was going really well, except for a few small bumps and fatigue. Then in December of 2011 my blood tests came back and my liver enzymes were at a 187, normal for me was about a 22. So Seth and I went into the doctor to get some more information. Basically my liver was not processing things as it should and left untreated my liver could (after a while) go into acute liver failure. After that appointment they decreased my medication (6MP) from100mg to 75mg. Two weeks later I had my blood tested again, and while my liver enzymes were going down, they hadn't gone down enough. So they then took my medication down from 75mg to 50mg. And this is where we come into the story now. On New Year’s Eve I had what they call a Crohn's "episode". Basically it is a lot of uncontrollable body shakes, terrible nausea and diarrhea. My nausea pill wasn't working and this episode lasted for almost three hours(my longest to date). I called the doctor today (1/03/2012) and told them everything that had happened. They then called me back to tell me that I should stop taking all of my medication right away and go in tomorrow to get blood work and other tests done. I was also told I have to get another colonoscopy on Monday (1/09/2012), which I am really not too thrilled about. I would really appreciate prayers in all of this. It has been a very long time that I have not been well, and we all thought that this treatment plan was going to be a long term one.
However, God has really taught me a lot through this entire process. He had showed me what incredibly supportive friends and family that He has given me. He has also taught me to trust and to remember that I am not in control, and that I cannot control.
He's already there.
Hi Ashlyn, I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. From the day I first met you ... I knew you were an amazing girl... there is a special light about you and I felt drawn to you instantly - I was so happy Kim had you as a friend! :)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog ... I just have to say, "Wow" you are an amazing and very courageous woman and maybe even wise beyond your years.
I love Casting Crowns...even saw them in concert - I have heard that song... but if you want to know the truth.. I have never really "heard" that song, you literally touched my heart with your explanation of that song, I truly am thankful you wrote that. It has touched my heart and opened my eyes.
Life has been hard lately and sometimes I have felt like giving up... but I just want to thank you for opening up and being so genuine.
Here I sit on and so many others are going through so much more than I am. I am thankful to God that you have Him... and that you see, feel and know that.
It took me so long to find God, and I still slip with keeping the Faith. It makes me so happy deep inside to know that so many young people have Him in their lives... because sometimes its hard to see in the world we live in.
I will pray for you hon! God has and will continue to Bless you. If I can ever do ANYTHING for you --- please please let me know ok?
Best Wishes Always & Hugs
Debbie
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. This has really encouraged me. You are an amazing woman. Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate your prayers, they mean more to me than you can ever know. I too am thankful that I have God, I literally couldn't live without Him. He is so good.
Love,
Ashlyn
Ashlyn- I am so sorry that you're continuing to be affected by this awful disease. I don't know what it is like to go through what you are going through, but I am fairly. certain that if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't be handling it with half of the grace and God-honoring attitude as you. You're a ray of sunshine in my life and it blows my mind that despite your condition you are shining Gods light brighter than ever. Keep shining and have faith that He will handle the rest. As always, I'm praying. I love you lots friend.
ReplyDeleteLiz- God will take all the rest, and that is the only reason that " I can handle" all of this. Thank you sweet friend for all your prayers. Love you.
ReplyDeleteAshlyn, I know what you are going through. I encourage you to let people know how you are doing. I'm sorry that you have been given this path, but God will use you greatly, until you meet hime where he is just waiting for you. I don't know where you are going for treatment, if it is a Gastrologist or a hepatology dr. I can recommend you to the team I saw at Froedtert. They have been around for a long time, are a great clinic with fresh minds as it is a teaching college. The Dr.'s are also all professors or former students picked out by the staff to work with them. If the medications are affecting the liver they are correct in taking you off of them and doing additional tests. Pat and I willl continue to pray for you. We know what it is like and how we as a couple married over 30 years when our journey began, you are just about to embark on this journey. It makes it easier to go through it with those you love, and you definitely are LOVED! Esther Stapleton
ReplyDeleteAshlyn,
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration!! I can tell that God is already using you in so many amazing ways! Thanks for sharing your story, and I am so sorry for all you are going through. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless!! Love Kimberly!
Hello pretty girl!
ReplyDeleteI relate to you so much my friend and love our laughter of crazy lab stories but sometimes every once in a while the pain, fear and maybe a little bit of doubt affect the thoughts and mind so I am giving the laughs a break for a moment and typing out some of my favorite favorite verses. I hope they continue to encourage you. You are one awesome God Girl and I have no doubt you will use this weakness for His Glory! Love ya!
2 Corinthians 4:16~ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward (wo)man is perishing, yet the inward (wo)man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 12:9~ And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am STRONG!! :)
Praying for you Ashlyn!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Hey Ashlyn,
ReplyDeleteI'm with ya. Just went through a year, plus to get a diagnosis for my chronic illness: POTS. It's a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, so stuff like body temp, heart rate, bp, digestion etc is all messed up. I started shaking and going numb on my face and arms and legs about a year ago so I went to Mayo Clinic.
I'm with you. I am so sorry that you have this. It sounds horrible.
But, it's good to see that you are drawing near to the Truth. He will use this for good; not just in your life, but in the people's lives around you.
I will be praying for you.
Love ya!!
Laura
My dear sweet lady, I am so sorry you are struggling. I am excited for you though at the same time...for God is in all of this...He is using you for a greater purpose! He finds you worthy of His work...what an honor that is! The suffering part stinks...but the rest really is a blessing. I pray you keep your focus on Him..on His plans....it will make all you are called to do...that much easier. You are a beautiful woman of great faith...and I can't wait to see your story unfold....I am here for you along this journey...as many others are. When I got burned over the summer...I had some great revelations that today are blessings to me...my scars are constant reminders of his greatness, his faithfulness...and His love. You my dear are one of His chosen ones....never forget His love for you...(or mine :) ) Love & Blessings, Michelle
ReplyDeleteAshlyn,
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetie! I made the mistake of reading this at work and have had to answer the phone with tears in my eyes and my throat all choked up:)
I always knew you were special. You had such a strong faith even when you were young. You have always been an inspiriation to your old Auntie!
I know 'God doesn't waste a hurt' and I agree with these wonderful ones that have commented that God will use you mightily in this situation. I love what "Sista 'Chelle" said He finds you worthy of His work...what an honor that is!. That is so true and God will use you.
I have to say here too, that God has brought the right young man in your life to share this journey with you. Tell Seth how proud I am of him as well.
The two of you will be wonderfully used of God - and what better purpose is there! That is what we are made for.
I love you both and have to go now so I can quit answering the phone with tears in my voice! I love you so much! Aunt Lora
Ashyln,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I'm keeping you in my prayers. It really is amazing to see the path that you are on and to witness what God has done and continues to do in your life!
I'm confident that your faith and the faith of those around you will continue to strengthen you during this challenging time.
Love you sweetie!
Cindy
We are praying for you! Joe & Karen White
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your sweet comments! You are all so supportive and amazing. God has REALLY blessed me in the area of support and in many other areas! Thank-you! Thank-you! Love you!!
ReplyDelete