The Journey of a Crohn’s Disease Warrior
By Krista Johnson
Discovering the Invisible Struggle
At the age of 34, Krista Johnson’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Initially dismissed as stress-related stomach problems, Krista’s journey with this invisible illness began with uncertainty and misdiagnosis.
With perseverance and determination, Krista navigated the complexities of treatment and management, ultimately finding solace in alternative therapies and holistic approaches.
The Power of Holistic Healing
Through a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and an elimination diet, Krista experienced profound improvements in her condition. Embracing gluten-free options, vitamin supplements, and essential oils, she found a personalized approach to combat inflammation and discomfort.
Her resilience led her to explore yoga and meditation, uncovering a path to physical and emotional well-being amidst the challenges of Crohn’s disease.
Embracing Community and Support
By connecting with fellow warriors through online communities like Girls with Guts, Krista found a network of support and shared experiences. These interactions not only empowered her but also highlighted the importance of open conversations about living with Crohn’s disease.
With a strong support system in place and a proactive approach to holistic healing, Krista continues to defy the limitations of her diagnosis and inspire others along the way.
Summary
Krista Johnson’s journey with Crohn’s disease serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals facing invisible illnesses. By embracing alternative therapies, holistic approaches, and building a supportive community, she has discovered a path to healing and empowerment.
Through her story, Krista sheds light on the importance of personalized care, open dialogue, and the relentless pursuit of well-being in the face of chronic illness.
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By Krista Johnsonas he told Kate Sullivan
My husband calls them my “foo-foo remedies.” He says, “You’re always trying weird things.”
To which I reply, “But it can’t kill you, so why not try?”
I was 34 when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s (I’m 49 now) and it took them about a year to come to that conclusion. I live outside of Orlando and in 2007 I was working at Discovery Cove, which is part of SeaWorld, where I swam with the dolphins. But my daughter had just turned 3 and I decided to take a job in the school system to better fit her schedule. That’s when my stomach problems started.
My doctors attributed it to, “Well, you’re an athlete, you always work out, and now you’re sitting in an office; your brain doesn’t know how to handle it. You are not releasing your stress.”
At the time I thought it made sense, but 8 months later I started bleeding, had a colonoscopy, and received the diagnosis. I didn’t know anything about Crohn’s disease. He was taking the pills I was told to take, but he was getting worse and I didn’t realize this wasn’t normal because he was still a newbie at the time – a big mess. Finally, I vomited bile. And my husband said, “I think it’s time to go to the hospital.”
After this experience I found my current doctor, who is phenomenal. He immediately prescribed me Remicade infusions and for the next 7 years I also took about 12 pills a day. It kept me going. But in 2014 I was already passing them; I wasn’t absorbing anything. It got to the point where I couldn’t even swallow them, so I quit completely. This is what brought out the seeker in me.
Luckily, my insurance would cover 24 acupuncture sessions. I thought: It can’t hurt, right? I started going to acupuncture twice a week. (My acupuncturist also worked at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa). At the same time, I started an elimination diet and Chinese herbs, also recommended by my acupuncturist.
The gluten-free diet helped me a lot with the inflammation, so I didn’t eat fried foods or anything with lactose. I took additional vitamin C, some zinc, and vitamin D. I now take 10,000 milligrams of vitamin D a day; many Crohn’s patients have deficiency. Chinese herbs helped me with mouth sores because my Crohn’s disease produced too much stomach acid. I tried cupping [an alternative therapy that involves the application of glass or silicone cups to the back] for a while, but I wasn’t a big fan because I found it uncomfortable.
The other time I was in the hospital was in 2016. I had a stoma, followed by an ileostomy, and was given steroids. I gained 65 pounds and ended up having drug-induced Cushing’s disease, [a disorder that can cause weight gain and weakness].
While recovering, I began doing chair yoga with seniors at the National Training Center in Clermont, FL. I felt like I had the fitness of an 82-year-old, so why not take classes with real 82-year-olds? More recently, I’ve been doing Peloton yoga and, since I still have a belly after my surgeries, prenatal yoga. I tried meditating, but my brain only goes 6,000 miles per hour. I have also used different essential oils on my neck when I have an upset stomach.
Many people don’t eat when they have an outbreak. Sure, don’t eat a chicken dinner with green beans and salsa, but not eating is the worst thing you can do. So I went the organic baby food route and now I swear by it! When I suggest that to people they laugh at me, but porridge is for sensitive stomachs and is nutritious. If I have an attack, I eat it and at least I know I’m getting a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables. I started buying those squeezable bags. I love a strange combination: sweet potato with banana and blueberries. They are a staple in my bag. I put them in the refrigerator at work and it has become a running joke that we all know whose lunch it is.
My holistic remedies haven’t replaced medications, but I think they have helped me recover and kept my immune system stronger, which is pretty much a petri dish. I have been taking Entyvio since 2016 and am taking other medications for my Cushing’s. I feel lucky to have good insurance and a doctor who listens to me and shares information. Many people don’t have that.
I also have a great support system: my family, coworkers, and a new online community. I found Girls with Guts through their Facebook support group; is for women with IBD and/or ostomies. Members are from all over the world and hold a retreat each year. This will be the first time I go.
These ladies are amazing. Some of them have feeding tubes or ports. We share what’s happening, what’s worked for us, reimbursement plans for medications, and other things like that. It’s very important to talk about Crohn’s disease like it’s not a dirty little secret.
It took me a year to make my first comment on the Facebook page; Today I am the secretary of the group. Getting involved has been empowering. I have no problem talking about poop!
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