A sprinkle of fairy dust...

Just a small update..

So as you know I blogged 2 days ago about things taking a turn and having to go back a stage on the herbs...

GOOD NEWS! I have been on the new (old) stuff for 24 hours and I have noticed a significant difference and feel better already! I swear this stuff is magic potion! 

Thought I'd do a small post as I know some people were worried following my last post. 

Off for a bit of retail therapy now with mum, I shall keep you all posted! 

Thanks for reading 

Joelle xoxo 

UPDATE

Hey guys...

I have some news. As you know from my last post, from the beginning of the month I have started my third and (supposed to be) final stage of the Chinese medicine. This is called the Tonification stage, where everything is meant to be settled and put right to its natural balance. 

However, all was good until about 10 days ago..I had only been on the new herbs for a few days when I noticed my body changing. 

I didn't have any pain but I started passing blood when going to the toilet. At first I just assumed this was due to a little stress at school as I had a week with 2 Drama exams...I thought little of it. 

Since then the amount of blood has risen and colour gotten darker, like it was coming from further inside..I was petrified that this may be the ulcers beginning to flare again..

At first I was too scared to tell my parents as everyone was in such good spirits about nearly finishing my whole course, but as it got worse I didn't have a choice as it was getting me down; I was afraid it was all too good to be true and that there was no hope...

I emailed Mazin from the Avicenna clinic at the beginning of last week (15th Feb) and soon after had a phone call from him directly where he let me clearly explain what was happening...he suggested to up my doses back to 2 lots of herbal drinks a day and the other medicines. He said it could be due to the quick transition from one stage to the other...due to the excitement of coming to the end. 

He rang me every day for 3 days where I could update him directly- as I have said before at how positive he makes me feel, he assured me this was a minor hiccup and that it could be easily helped. 

Since last week we have been in contact everyday via email and he has prescribed me back to the previous course of medicine that i was taking over Christmas as that's when I felt my best! 

The new (old) herbs come tomorrow and I am hopeful that this was just a little bump in the road for my impending recovery! 

Fingers crossed for me please! I have so much to look forward to this year and the support from friends/family and you is what is keeping me sane. I know I can beat this, everything has it's push backs right? 

Remember to check out my YouTube channel where I have videos about my recovery and entertaining ones with friends and family! https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxSRKgpd5lGSszxPPIxNTtg

Thanks for reading! 

Joelle xoxo 

aMAZINg!!

Hey guys! 

Had such an amazing day today! Went for a meeting with Dr. Mazin at the clinic in Brighton and received amazing news. I told him how well I've been coping so he assured me I had finally reached the last stage of my herbal medicine treatment and that the end is very nigh! 

I smiled the whole way through and just can't believe how far I have come with my condition- from being in a hospital bed this time last year, scared about what the future would hold, to now where I'm feeling like a normal teenager and like myself again! As I left his room I had to do a little happy dance..was just so over the moon he said I could reduce all my medicine and start to ween off the herbs! 

He told me I was an inspiration to myself and that he is so proud of how strong I have been...which if you had told me that 6 months ago I would've laughed in your face! I must admit I haven't felt strong this whole time, in fact I have had days where I didn't even want to get out of bed to face the world. Just 4 months ago I was about to go on anti-depressants as I was at a very low point, on Azathioprine alongside various other hospital-prescribed medication. I was fed up and so over the thought of having hope with the doctor's prescriptions. 

I don't know where I would be without Dr.Mazin at Avicenna and I am greatful everyday for my parents finding him online and creating my friendship with him, where I don't feel nervous about asking questions or getting upset. He has treated me like a normal human being and that's exactly what I needed to feel good again, to get my self-esteem back. I am not treated like another patient, I am treated like a teenage girl going through a horrible chronic illness where I am not patronised or given any pity.  

I am looking forward to my (hopefully) last stage of Chinese medication and I will keep you all posted!! 

Incase you don't already know, I have also started a YouTube channel where I will also be talking about my journey along with other stuff! Go check it out and let me know what you think! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F9GhMhoqU1A 

Thanks for reading! 

Joelle xoxo