My Thoughts - An Update

Hi! I haven't written a blog in a few weeks now. I've been preparing gathering medical records and what not for my appointment with my new GI on Feb 8th. I am optimistic about seeing him, as he comes highly recommended from my counselor/social worker.

My health has been it's ever joyful Crohn's joy - HA. I have to say though, being off Humira has actually helped me in feeling back to "normal" for me. The dehydration issues I was having are gone - as is the insomnia. Dehydration was causing other fun complications - which have all passed. I am always feel run down, but on Humira I felt even more so. I am a firm believer though that just because a medicine doesn't work for ONE person - doesn't mean it's a bad medicine. For all those taking Humira - I don't think it's a bad drug ...just wasn't right for me.

CDSN everyday amazes me! From the members and their stories, the content being shared - the pictures and videos, the support being offered from one member to the next. My hope for CDSN is becoming a reality - to aid people whose lives have been effected by Crohn's and to spread as much awareness possible for Crohn's Disease and IBD in general. I know I've said it many times, but truly I am so humbled by the feedback, comments, and response that CDSN has generated. There are MILLIONS of websites - I never imagined people would find and respond so positively...THANK YOU! People helping people...education...awareness ...that IS CDSN and it wouldn't be what it is w/o all the members.

As 2010 continues I hope to continue with my goals of helping and awareness also to end the question "What is Crohn's Disease?" THE WORLD WILL KNOW! I have some very simple ideas for spreading awareness - the first being a Crohn's Disease "Trending Topic" day on Twitter. I will of course update when more information is laid out.

CDSN has reached 341 members in just over 4 months on January 24th, 2010. Crohn's Disease Support Network - CDSN
The CDSN FaceBook Group has reached almost 225 members!
Lastly, the CDSN Twitter Account @CrohnsDiseaseSN is just about to cross 1000 members!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE CROHN'S DISEASE SUPPORT, AWARENESS, AND TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY BLOG :)

OK - I will stop rambling now - All my best to everyone, Jason

Welcome to 2010

Happy New Year Everyone!!! As I right this post it is currently 1:30am est Jan 1st, 2010. How amazing that another decade as come and gone.

For many years since 1999, when the Crohn's Disease got really bad, I couldn't fathom where I'd be 11 years later. Now here I am 11 years later, and wow what a roller coaster it's been. From being diagnosed, to my first bowel resection, living in Chicago, the death of my mother, more surgery, disability, life in limbo.

When I created the Crohn's Disease Support Network (CDSN) www.CrohnsDiseaseSN.com I knew nothing about web design. I created CDSN on 9.24.09 and I am shocked and humbled that there are currently 241 members. I've always ever wanted to help people - I was going to go to university for social work. I feel like for the first time I've been given the opportunity and it feels amazing...truly cathartic.

I have met a ton of people now with Crohn's Disease, and it has been amazing to talk to people who experience the same issues I go through. It's ironic for years the last thing I wanted was support. Then when I did, I searched and never really found anything that resonated with me. Now I have great support, and able to offer it to others.

I really hope that things continue to head in the direction they are going regarding CDSN - my health that is something that needs to be worked on still. I still am having a hard time. It seems since starting Humira that I've had more issues then before. It is unfortunate, as I had high hopes for it; not the end of the road yet though. I still have some treatments I haven't tried, like Imuran and LDN.

Thank you everyone who takes the time to read this blog, the members of CDSN, and all my friends. I can't wait to see what is in store for 2010. The one resolution I made this New Year is to spread as much awareness as possible - the END of "What is Crohn's Disease?" A disease silent for too long.

Crohn's Disease Support Network - CDSN IS RELAUNCHING WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS!

In Autumn of 2009 I created an online support network for people, along with their loved ones, living with Crohn's Disease or another Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

You can join at CrohnsDiseaseSN.com (CDSN). JOINING IS FREE (we gratefully accept donations) BUT WE HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO NEW MEMBERS FOR SOME TIME! I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS A REVAMPED CDSN WILL BE OPEN TO THE MASSES!!

-Jason