On a local level we want to honor all of those who are dealing with the constant daily struggle that exists with Crohn’s and colitis. Our local honored heroes serve as representatives of all patients who are waging their courageous battles with these chronic diseases, working to increase public awareness and understanding.
TAKE STEPS LOS ANGELES
HONORED HERO
WENDI VAUGHN
I’m just taking it one day at a time, placing one foot after the other.
It all began my last year of college at UCSD. I was an avid runner, up each day bright and early to jog in the ocean kissed dew of La Jolla, CA. It was the best part of my day. I was invincible. As I neared my graduation, I began to sense changes with my body. It was nothing crazy, just little inconsistencies that would come and go. However, digestive issues became more and more of a nuisance. I was often bloated during class, causing my stomach to talk at the most inappropriate times. My close friends were sweet enough to lovingly joke and make the embarrassment less fatal. As time went on, going to the bathroom was a nightmare; I never felt empty. Sometimes the urge to go would be so great after eating the smallest meal or snack, that I’d push until I bled. I couldn’t control the convulsions. What was happening to me?
From 2002 to 2005, I had diagnosed myself with IBS. It was the only condition that remotely explained what I felt and the commercials and billboard ads were everywhere. I almost signed up for a research project for IBS until it mentioned, “if you have blood in your stool you are not a candidate”. Once again, I was left without knowing what was wrong and I sunk deeper into my isolation. During this time, I also began to drop weight. I didn’t notice it at first, but everyone around me did. My appetite had shrunk. I was stressed, balancing social and professional activities, but happy. I’ve always enjoyed being busy. Running grew extremely difficult in 2004 when I experienced my first abscess due to fistulas. I had no idea what this meant. All I knew is that it was extremely painful and it hurt to sit and walk. My exercise regiment had no choice but to change. I had just begun teaching at this time and my students were constantly inquiring about how I was. I didn’t know what to tell them. I had no clue what was going on.
My primary doctor recommended a couple gastroenterologists. I had to undergo three colonoscopies before the doctor finally diagnosed me with Crohn's disease. "What?" I'd heard of it, but had no clue what it was or how I managed to have it. The terrible thing was the doctors couldn't offer much help either. The whole matter seemed to lurk in a blurry gray area of “well this may work” or “maybe that...”
The antibiotics and prednisone worked initially. Suppressing inflammation to the point where I’d think, "I'm cured!" But then a few months later I'd start with the pains, bloating, and fever all over again.
This year, however, God answered my prayers. With a combination of diet change and Remicade treatments, I've regained my life. Now my mission is to help other people with digestive issues get the proper medical attention they need. I never would have thought to help the world in this way had I not been faced with Crohn’s. God always uses things for good, even those things that are meant for our demise. I know I will be completely healed one day and I want to instill this hope in others. I want to be heard and make a difference. This change starts with me, but it is not about me. Thinking of my greatest challenge as a blessing makes this burden easier to bear. I will help others live healthy lives.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO MADE BY WENDI AND HER FRIENDS AT LAST YEAR'S TAKE STEPS WALK!
