Eagles guitarist and founder Glenn Frey is dead at the age of 67, due to a combination of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. I suspect he took immunosuppressants for both the RA and the UC, resulting in an inability to fight what the news is calling “an especially virulent strain of pneumonia.”
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, by themselves, usually do not result in death. However, complications arising from them can, and do. This is especially true when patients are given an arsenal of drugs, which also have serious side effects.
This loss is a sobering reminder of just how terrible chronic inflammatory bowel disease is. Perhaps this will increase awareness. Perhaps deaths like this will quell ignorant and insensitive comments, like ones I have personally heard.
“You don’t look sick.”
“There’s a cure for that!”
“Don’t you just have to shit a lot?”
“It’s just diarrhea.”
And my personal favorite:
“I take Pepto-Bismol.”
If I knew I was going to die at the age of 67, which is only 19 years away, I would do exactly what I am doing right now. More than ever I am thankful and grateful for this new way of living!
RIP, Glenn Frey.
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Tammy, as a school administrator I dealt with so many kids with health issues and had more than one of their teachers say, “he/she just needs to wait for scheduled time” did not matter, what they needed, food, bathroom, shot, pill, the response was they don’t “look” sick….wonder I did not loose it and end up in jail! Hope all is well right now for you!
Well said! I said good bye to one third on my colon and a gallbladder….our digestive systems are taking a toll. You are so wise in your outlook on life. I hope I get to meet you on the road some day. Our plan is to hit the road in 2017. I am wondering if that is too late!
Laura, it is never too late! Stick to your plan and stick to your guns!
Right on, Tammy!
There’s an awful lot of Dr. Kildare’s out there with an easy cure or treatment option for anything possible affliction. Dr. I. Knowitall graduated first in class at Nonexistence Medical School, they like writing prescriptions of ignorance and thoughtless snap judgment. Change of topic: It does seem that an awful bunch of great musicians are dying this January, I can’t even hear their songs right now because it brings to much sadness to me. Be safe.
Seriously! Right?! You’re totally living life fully, Tammy. And F-all to the people who ask dumb questions or make statements based on nothing. I continue to marvel at your journey.
We. lost a great talent who gave us lots of wonderful memories; but, he did not die in vain as far as I’m concerned, because you got a lesson from his death. You know that you are on the right path for you and your body. That is a wonderful gift he has given you. Now you can drive along and sing: “I’ve been runnin’ down the road trying’ to loosen my load, got 7 women on my mind!” Yeah!!!!! Think I’ll ride along with you and your blogger fans, if you don’t mind!
Now I’m more glad than ever that I found your blog!
I also live with a couple of chronic illnesses, and we are in the process of buying a motorhome to head out on the highway.
But first I am finishing the book I’m working on about living with chronic illness.
I hope we bump into each other on the road for a cocktail soon!
XO Donna
Long live Bowie and Frey….
I am so sorry you are suffering. I am so happy that you aren’t letting it stop you.
Tammy, thanks for acknowledging its been a tough week for many beloved entertainment superstars; Bowie, Richman and now Frey. They were all too young and thank you for insight to less obvious health concerns.
BTW, love all your writings, I’ve been an avid reader, this is my first time commenting. Hugs and love. D.
I feel so lucky to not have any health problems. I have one more day in the office before retirement and the last month or so I have been getting all of my preventative doctor visits done and the one that I put off for 8 years – yes the dreaded colonoscopy! I did it this week and go a good bill of health! A mammogram and a bone density test are the last two items to check off of my list. I’m getting treatment for some sun spots that were pre-cancerous – so like I said – I’m feeling very, very lucky to be in good health as I too start my life on the road full time in the next two months or so!
Congratulations on your retirement, Tammy! Enjoy that last day tomorrow. The best is yet to come and won’t it be fine?
I think that it is wonderful that you threw conventional thinking to the wind and decided to save yourself. Never apologize or make excuses for a disease. How many exciting, funny, lovely aunts/mothers/grandmothers have we all known who put off living their dreams? My smart & kind friend, Debbie, had just turned 37 on a Wednesday and died on a Saturday from ALS. I always tell people don’t put off your dreams and desires. None of us know what tomorrow holds.
I was shocked at Glenn Frey’s death. I’m a California Girl and I guess that I still remembered that 20 something guy.
Sandra, I’m so sorry to hear about Debbie.
When are you coming to florida ?
Amanda, I hope to be in Florida November through January. Thanks for asking!
Hello Tammy,
Well, I don’t think that even the Queen of England has a rig quite as fancy as yours! Dolly Parton? I think she does!
Just discovered your blog, it is great! Good for you, making the best of life and enjoying every moment. Going to check out all your favourite spots and and tips. If you come across an eccentric lady in a vintage Toyota Mini Cruiser RV, that’s like a little palace invite yourself for a cup of Earl Grey!
It seems that having a man to leave his boots outside really is optional, Richard Gere plays the piano, so I’ll be sure to travel with my electric piano, just in case 😉 ….course he could be somewhere in Tibet by now. Anyway, a good thing dreams are light weight and easy to pack, we can never have too many.
Safe travels……
Ruth, your comment washed over me like a balmy breeze. I read it to my mom and she sighed joyfully at the part about dreams. So, so true! Thanks for saying hello.
Just discovered your blog and love it. I am a widow, soon to be retired, and planning on fulltiming in about 10 months. You are an inspiration to all those who have an invisible disease and believe they can’t live their dreams because of it. I wish my husband could have known you. I loved traveling when I was young and single but because he had Crohn’s and diabetes he never wanted to be more than 10 miles from home. Thanks you for the great information you are sharing. Looking forward to more.
Beth, thanks for finding me here, and for your comment! I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My best to you as you undertake this new adventure!