Halloween 2011

So Halloween this year went a little different than I wanted. On Friday night, Oct. 28th I had some really bad stomach pains. They had started earlier in the afternoon and were bad enough that I called Billy and asked him to come home early from work. I thought I just needed a nap…I took 2 ibuprofen and took a nap with Dani. I woke up at about 5 feeling better. That night was our ward trunk-or-treat so I got the girls ready and headed over. We had a lot of fun, but I started to feel sick again as I was walking Ryan from car to car getting candy. I joke with Billy that people probably thought I was in a bad mood because I wasn’t saying anything and wasn’t too enthusiastic. At this point I was feeling nauseous and my stomach was cramping a lot. I ended up in the bathroom a short time later. I still thought I just needed to relax and went home and immediately got in the tub. The stomach pains were even more intense and at this point unbearable. I couldn’t stand up straight and could barely walk. Billy and I knew something was wrong and thought appendicitis, post-pregnancy thing, etc. My good friend Brooke came and got Ryan and Billy and I (with Dani) headed to the ER to figure out what was going on. By the time I got checked in I was in a lot of pain and I had a fever of 104. They did a CT Scan and found inflammation that was creating a blockage in my small intestine….we soon put it all together and realized I was having a Chron's flare-up. I was diagnosed with Chron’s disease 4 years ago, but haven’t had any symptoms since my diagnose and haven’t been on medication for over 3 years. To suddenly have a flare-up was so frustrating to me and brought about lots of emotions. They admitted me to the hospital and my body responded well to antibiotics and steroids. I was in the hospital until Tuesday, November 1. It was very difficult being away from Billy, Ryan, and Dani…I have only been away from Ryan 1 night until this so it was really hard, but I kept telling myself how I needed to be healthy. I’m feeling a lot better now…pretty much 100%. While no one knows 100% we are kinda concluding that having a baby, going from 1-2 kids, and having hormones going crazy kinda all tipped it off and caused a flare-up (it’s crazy what stress and hormones can do to your body). BUT I’m feeling great now!

Throughout this whole thing Billy and I have seen the Lord’s hand and many blessings. Obviously I’m not happy I had a flare-up, but the CT Scan showed the inflammation in the same spot it was 4 years ago….it hadn’t moved to other parts which is a wonderful blessing. I didn’t have a problem during either pregnancy. My body has responded well to medication and I’m feeling great for it being only 2 weeks later. The continuing medication is safe for breastfeeding and I found out it’s only going to cost $5 copay (this is amazing). We have seen miracles. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been praying for me, fasted for me, etc. Billy also gave me a Priesthood Blessing. I know the church is true and I know the Lord hears and answers our prayers. I’ve seen it and am so incredibly grateful for a loving Heavenly Father.

I also want to give a shout out to Billy and Donna. Billy stepped right up and took care of our family. It’s a lot of work with a 2 year old and a newborn, but it didn’t even phase Billy. Definitely super dad! My dad’s wife Donna flew out Sat. night to help. She was amazing! She stayed until Friday night and helped clean, cook, play with grandkids, etc. I’m so grateful for these people in my life. Thank you! I love you!

So…that’s how Halloween went for me. I was sad not to see Ryan trick or treat, but know there are all the years ahead to be with her. She had a lot of fun getting candy!