It’s been another six months since I last blogged, but no news is good news, right? My bowel has been pretty stable for over six months now. I’m currently taking Stelara every three months, and I only need one Immuran pill a day. My previously severe joint problems have improved significantly since I started taking Move Free Ultra Triple Action, and now my joints are basically fine.
Actually, I’ve been pretty busy these past six months. Besides my performance schedule in Taiwan, I went to Malaysia for a 35-day concert from late April to late May. I actually started exercising two months ago before this trip. After the joint pain subsided, I can squat and stand up normally. I’m exercising regularly now. In addition to core training, I also add swimming and brisk walking to my routine, hoping to build strength. I also want to exercise more while my bowel is stable, which will improve circulation in my abdomen. Blood is usually supplied to the brain and heart first, and most cloning patients suffer from anemia. If blood supply isn’t sufficient, intestinal repair will be slow.
My last blood test was pretty good. My hemoglobin level was over 11, the highest it’s ever been! Hahaha! After recovering from a major attack and surgery last year, I decided to take good care of my health. I rarely eat out and cook all three meals myself. Now I can eat vegetables and get a proper amount of fiber. Compared to the days before surgery when I couldn’t eat any fiber at all, I feel so much happier now. I’ve always loved baking, so before going to Malaysia, I started growing my own yeast. It was a surprise success, and now I make sourdough bread every week. This bread doesn’t cause bloating or GERD, and feeding the yeast every week has added a little more joy to my life.
Dr. Chiu was delighted to see that my condition has stabilized during my follow-up visit in August. This is probably the best time I’ve had in my 16 years of Crohn’s disease. Last month, my case manager informed me that my application for the follow-up shots was approved. I was so surprised. I hadn’t had any hope, but the three follow-up shots, plus the one I already had, will give me enough to continue with the shots for another year. I’m so grateful! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to afford such an expensive injection out of pocket… I might be forced to stop the treatment…
I’d like to thank all the patients and friends who signed the petition last time. The petition to extend health insurance coverage for biologics is truly important to us. I hope the government will address this issue and relax coverage requirements to benefit more IBD patients.