christmas fund: at 44, jamie received a diagnosis that changed his life
jamie's medical team still doesn't know whether he'll need surgery. for now, they are testing medications and injections to see what works.
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donations to the montreal gazette christmas fund this year can be made exclusively online at www.christmasfund.com.
pete fisher
/
northumberland today
most people are diagnosed with crohn’s before they turn 30, but jamie just found out this summer, at the age of 44.
“it’s not really common for it to start at this age,” jamie said. “it’s been a real shock having to adjust to this new lifestyle.”
in the summer, jamie was going to the bathroom almost 15 times a day and losing a lot of blood in the process.
this went on for three weeks and during this period, he tried to go to an er in montreal, but he left twice because he waited hours without seeing a doctor. he went back a third time, was finally seen and received a diagnosis.
he had lost almost 30 pounds and was severely dehydrated. he was hospitalized for one month.
“at that point i was just happy to know what was wrong,” jamie said. “but i was also sad. it was a lot of emotions.”
jamie’s medical team still doesn’t know whether he’ll need surgery. for now, they are testing different types of medications and injections to see what works.
“it’s such a very strange disease,” jamie said. “mcgill is actually doing a big study on this illness, and through it, i was able to meet others who have crohn’s. we all discuss how we experience it. it’s been nice having this community to help get me through this.”
before the diagnosis, jamie created artificial rock-climbing wall routes in schools and gyms. but he had to stop working, which is why he’s grateful for the montreal gazette christmas fund, which will help him buy groceries.
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“i want to get better and go back to work, i don’t know how long this will go on for, but i’m starting to see how difficult it’s also been for my mental health,” jamie said. “it wasn’t a good year for me, but i’m hoping to leave this year behind and start the next one a bit stronger with this experience.”
how to help
this article is representative of the people your donations will be helping. because of resource limitations and privacy restrictions, the montreal gazette cannot accept non-monetary contributions. donations to the christmas fund can be made online at www.christmasfund.com. please direct all inquiries to christmasfundinquiries@postmedia.com.
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