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[JoAnn]

Hi Tex and family, I'm checking in to report the results of the colonoscopy I had 2 weeks ago. Six years ago I was in the nightmare of undiagnosed MC and my life seemed over. The colonoscopy I had then showed MC and I was treated with Asacol which only worsened it. I am a teacher and had to take a 12 week medical leave. As you know, I eventually found you and this board which got me on the path to true healing. It took about 2 years to really achieve what I would call true remission. I needed Entocort in the beginning and was tested with Enterolab as you recommended. I made the necessary diet changes and had to learn great patience as it seemed I went 2 steps forward and 1 step back for many months. Eventually, I got there and have been able to add eggs and some dairy like yogurt and cheese back into my diet without problems. My doctor asked me about the MC before the colonoscopy and I told him that I had managed to get it under control with diet and the advice of this board. He said he would take biopsies to see where things were. After the colonoscopy, he came in and told me that things looked great and that I had done a great job managing things with diet. He said he would see me in 10 years. Six years ago he didn't seem to think diet mattered, but I think he has a different attitude now. I got the results of the biopsies and according to the report there are no signs of MC. If I didn't know better, I might think I was cured and eat my old "normal" way. I don't have to be near as strict as I had to be in the beginning, but I have a new "normal" that keeps me healthy. I know Polly and some others had the same results on their colonoscopies. I started my new school year this week (we have year round schools here) and am planning on it being my last. My plans are to retire this spring and do some things I want to do in life. One of those is to spend more time on the board and keep up with things. I hope my experience will help others who might be in the heat of the battle. I never thought I would be someone who could win the MC battle. I never take it for granted and am grateful everyday for this wonderful board and owe everyone here so much. Thank you all again with all my heart, Love JoAnn

[Gabes-Apg]

Wonderful news JoAnn!!

Congratulations - All your hard work was worth the effort


Enjoy your school year, being your last, and planning for your retirement.

great news that you were able to add eggs back in...

[JFR]

How wonderful JoAnn. It is so encouraging to hear about your success.

Jean

[tex]

Hi JoAnn,

That's super news! You've definitely earned your spot in the MC Hall of Fame with those negative biopsy results. And isn't it a great feeling to be able to impress your doctor that way.

I hope your last school year goes so smoothly that you will wonder why you decided to retire (but please don't let that affect your decision to retire. )

Thanks for posting those inspiring results, and remember that the porch light is always on, in case you should have time to visit now and then, before the school year is over.

Love,
Tex

P. S. I still think you have one of the greatest taglines in the world. It boosts my spirits every time I read it.

[Joefnh]

JoAnn what great news. I have found as well that some of the foods I had been reacting to early on no longer cause me issues, I am still GF, DF and SF.

Thats great news about your upcoming retirement, thats one thing I am pondering more and more, especially after recent events. It sounds great that you will have time to pursue the things really want to do in life.

Best of wishes.

[humbird753]

Congratulations JoAnn! It is great to hear your success story, especially when it is backed up with your colonoscopy results. I started my journey here not quite 3 years ago. I also attribute getting my life back to everyone here. I wish you an enjoyable year of teaching.

Paula

[ldubois7]

Fantastic news!

You are truely an inspiration to us all! Thanks for sharing your news. It is encouraging and helps us continue to fight this battle!

I hope your last year of teaching is a great one!

[JLH]

So happy your hard work paid off for you!

[maestraz]

Wow, JoAnn! Great news from your tests! Congrats!

I am a retired (since 2010) middle school teacher. Enjoy your last year! It is a wonderful thing to be able to look back at one's teaching career and reflect on having done a good job that benefited so many children. I think there are few professions in which one can say that their legacy is spread all over, and that their work carries on well beyond the direct contact of the student's year.

[Sheila]

Congratulations!! It's so encouraging to read good news which validates sticking to the strict diet. In 3 years, 6 years into CC, I think I'll ask to have a colonoscopy with biopsies and hope the MC is gone. Celiac is forever, what a relief it would be to free of CC.

Thanks for sharing.

Sheila W

PS. I love being retired!! Go for it...

[MBombardier]

JoAnn!! I was just thinking about you a few days ago!! CONGRATULATIONS!! What a great success story!!

[alcyone]

Congratulations, that is such great news! I hope you have a wonderful year of teaching.

Erin

[Polly]

Three cheers for you, JoAnn!



So happy to read your inspiring update!!!

Love,

Polly

[UkuleleLady]

What a wonderful, encouraging story JoAnn!! Congrats on your last year as a teacher. I hope it is a good year.

Nancy

[Marcia K]

Hi, JoAnn. I'm a newbie here so thank you so much for your encouraging results! Having just received my lab results from Enterolab I've been a little bummed, but you give me hope!

Marcia