Second Round of Testing

I was back at the hospital again today to get my second round of tests.  Today was MRI day.  I had to get an MRI of my chest, abdomen and pelvis.  MRI are a little strange b/c you have so many restrictions to follow.  Before you even can get into the machine you have to take off anything on your body that has metal because basically the machine is a big magnet.  When you think about it almost everything you wear has metal on it.  So for people who love accessories this is a huge pain in the ass.  Jewelry, clothes and shoes all have to come off.  You also have to wear a surgical cap to cover your hair.  So I'm thinking crap, I have to go to happy hour after this!  Haha.  Anyways, after stripping myself down to the bare minimum I lay down and get ready to go into this tiny tunnel.  If you are the least bit claustrophobic you are totally f*%ked.  Apparently they will sedate you if you can't handle it but at this point I could care less what I have to do as long as I get these damn stem cells.  The lady who was in charge of the MRI machine imaging told me I was her easiest patient of the day.  This made me feel special b/c I know what a pain the the butt people can be especially when they are feeling bad.  I really try to be as nice to the nurses, doctors and researchers as possible b/c they are the ones trying to help.  Luckily I have recently encountered some amazing people.  My doctor is wonderful. Her name is Dr.  Abraham and she probably isn't much older than I am but she is super smart and knowledgeable.  She is the one responsible for getting me into this study.  She is basically my hero.  So enough for tonight.  I should get a brief break from the hospital until my final round of testing in few weeks.  So hopefully I will get to see my friends, hug on my boyfriend and hang out with my brother this weekend.

Ciao my loves and thanks for the daily support.  I really couldn't do it alone.

1 in 52

Today I found out I am 1 of 52 people who are in an a groundbreaking new treatment using stem cells.  I in 52?  I knew it was a selective group but I had no idea how small it was.  You all know I've been struggling with Crohn's disease throughout my adult life.  I have been on and off new allegedly "groundbreaking" medicines, some before they were even approved by the FDA, with little relief from symptoms.  Yes, I have been able to accomplish different life goals while sick but there are so many more that have just been slightly out of reach.  I'm hoping this treatment will truly be life changing. At the same time that I have so much hope I have to remind myself that this may not work.  Things may not change but they may.  Basically its scary and exciting at the same time.  The testing has been a roller coaster in itself.  Today I had to get 9 vials of blood taken.  It took two visit for them to even get blood from me.  The first visit last week I was poked five times with zero amount of blood.  The sad part is I don't even cry anymore.  I just suck it up and have a break down later in the day.  Ha. This visit I was only stuck twice and everyone cheered after it was over.  Tomorrow I go for an MRI.  Luckily its just a fancy x-ray so it should be pretty painless.  Also, tomorrow I start a lifestyle journal.  I will write down what I eat, how sick I feel, etc.  I have to do that for seven days.  After those seven days I have to take a two day break to prep for a colonoscopy. Then once I have the colonoscopy I can get my first infusion.  Hopefully that will take place at the beginning of September.  I can't wait to get the exact date so I can start a countdown!