My new project

One thing that I have come to realize in the past couple of days is how important it is to find ways to deal with stress. I try not to but it seems like I internalize so many of the days events sometimes. The days tick by my health is in check and then…WHAM! I can go from zero to emergency in about 2.5 seconds.

I could spend all day writing story after story of incidents involving my colitis. Could’t we all? Instead in this blog I want to share some of my recent experiences of what IS working instead of digressing to tales of crap filled pants or bursting in on my wife while she is to putting on makeup, trying to get ready for work. That’s right. we have only one bathroom in the Klein house.

My friend Shelly, who is studying in Seattle, Washington to be a nutritionist, was kind enough to send me some recipes that are anti-inflammatory and good for digestive health. The balsamic blueberries is the only one I have tried and it is awesome! I think it is going to become a staple as part of my breakfasts from now on. I will have to get back to you on the rest of them.

For the next month I will be going to have acupuncture done twice a week to help my colitis. I had my first session this past Thursday. I can’t wait to go back! Let’s just say that I am cautiously optimistic about the results. I have head of many good reports on it’s usefulness for many different ailments.

Last night me and my wife had some friends over for a cookout. There was a good time had by all. These past few weekends have been so busy that they really just seem to fly by.. With a new baby here in the upcoming weeks I don’t anticipate that changing much.

A little project I have had on the back burner for some time is to make up a photo album involving some of my favorite places in Richmond. I love the city that I live in. It is full of so much diversity and culture. There are quite many scenic, unique spots worthy of a photo or two. That being said…here is one of my favorite spots to grab a cup of coffee. I love the fact that it is just down the street!

Black Hand Coffee

Thinking outside the box...maybe.

One of the things I have discovered since after being diagnosed with UC two years ago is how my view of traditional medical treatment here in America has changed.

While I am very grateful for the doctors whose actions in the past have saved my life, it has also been my experience that, for the most part, doctors put little to no effort into educating their patients in a more holistic approach. I have heard countless accounts of those who have healed their gut, or maintained remission through this approach. I have recently been implementing more natural ways of healing. Later today, I am going in for my first acupuncture session! I feel like I have gotten to the point with this disease where I am willing to do anything to feel better. I am tired of traditional medicines that don't work that well, if at all. Let me clarify again that I am not shutting the door on traditional medicine. I just don't want to put all my eggs in that basket.

In my search for alternative treatments I have heard read many accounts of people who swear by the use of one natural remedy. The only problem for me is that it is illegal in my state to use medically. Alright, let me just put this out there. I support the use of marijuana to treat certain illnesses.

It feels weird to say that publicly because I know that our society has ingrained such a negative image of this plant into people's minds. I feel that I need to be honest and real when I write even if I might be misunderstood.

I understand that this is a complicated issue so I wanted to make as clear as possible what I am saying, as well as what I am not saying in regards to this issue. Well, rather than bore spelling out how I feel, hopefully these next statements sums up my overall point.

It bothers me that I can go get narcotics for my pain legally but for something that is naturally occurring I would be punished for seeking relief with. It also bothers me that my even considering this method of treatment makes me feel like a bad person. I believe this to be due to the misinformation, lies and fear that have been fed to myself along with the general public, about this plant. Did I say plant? What's that you say...naturally occurring? Call me crazy but I think that as an intelligent adult I should not be punished for making a well thought out, well educated decision on how to treat my illness. For me it is more about feeling better than it is about getting high. I won't lie, there have been times that I have indulged in smoking.
I liked being high. That being said, ultimately I just want to feel better.

I found this link and I found it to be very educational and informative. I heard a quote by a doctor say that, if marijuana were to be discovered today it would be hailed as the miracle drug of our time. http://medigardens.blogspot.com/2010/02/november-2009-cannabinoids-protects.html

I was wondering it there is anyone who lives somewhere where MM is legal? I would love to hear from those who have experience with this treatment method. Also I would love to hear what others opinions are on this topic. I really want to be objective, so feel free post something even it you think I won't agree.