Hey all, I know I haven't been the most active lately, I figured it was time for me to write a little update here for you so you guys know what's going on! I've posted briefly about what's been going on on other platforms so some of you may already know this but I was diagnosed with IBD in January, I have Crohn's Disease. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that effects the digestive tract. You can read more about specifics here https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com/crohns.

I started experiencing symptoms in early December of last year, I thought I had the flu, but it never got better. I lost a decent amount of weight while the doctors were trying to figure out what might be the cause of my symptoms, eventually I was able to get in with a GI specialist and she took action right away to get me in to have a colonoscopy done. Diagnosis followed shortly after that. I am currently on steroid medication to suppress my overly zealous immune system so that it isn't attacking itself, it has helped a lot but I'm not a big fan on the side effects. I only have four weeks of that medication left and before it runs out my doctor is hoping to put me on an injection medication that I may only have to administer myself bi-weekly that will manage the inflammation and maintain the progress that the steroids made in these last weeks. Hopefully all goes well!

This disease has definitely given me a different perspective on life. I've had to change the way I eat dramatically in order to combat the flare that's going on right now, I've been cooking a lot more (Now with my hubby too which has been so fun!) and listening to my body better. It has also motivated me to get back to the things that are important to me, and that includes art! Currently I've trying to raise some stuff out of the ashes including my Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/ms.cherielou/ Lots of little updates there and some personal diddies too. I've been sketching a lot more lately and have lots of ideas I hope to share with all of you! I am also purchasing my first Cintiq!! Really looking forward to getting that organic feeling of drawing on a screen, should feel much more natural and closer to drawing on paper. It is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday so I'm so stoked!! <3 I'm looking forward to the future and getting my disease into remission and managed. I think overall this experience will make me a stronger and better person. There are good days and bad but I'm making progress, and art will help me stay focused. If any of you are also dealing with similar issues feel free to reach out, I will support you however I can! Take care!