2 weeks ago

[Mike4414]

Hi All,
My name is Mike. I am a 24 y/o guy who was recently diagnosed with Crohn's. I really don't know what to do since my entire life has been problem free in regards to health. I was in the Army for 3 years, and was exceptionally fit, I did triathlons and mile high competitions in the mountains. I competed with olympic volleyballers and I have before this I was doing 500km a month in hikes. Just seeing the world and having fun was my life. I was 240 lbs from weight lifting and all other activities. I lost over 40lbs in 3 months from Crohn's despite trying to maintain my weight.

I got a new job and was nearly immediately asked about a promotion and all I had to do was complete several tests at 80% above to show proficiency. I did all of those tests, but if I didn't I would have lost my job. So, from this time I started having issues with my stomach, then other things. I thought it was just stress until I started experiencing extreme pain.

I thought I had a bacterial infection and I went to the doctor to check it out. At around the same time, I started eating Garlic. This was the only thing to help. Then, about a month ago, I found an excellent doctor and he sent me all over the place to check, test, and double check. Now, I am working with another doctor who is a specialist in Crohn's. I have started my treatment as well and so far it is too early to tell how it is going.

This is sort of a devastating thing for me because I would never think I'd have health issues. I don't smoke and I rarely drink and if I do, it is just 1 or 2 beers. This whole thing gives me even more stress because I don't know what to expect.

Well thats all for now.

 

[Astra]

Hiya Mike
and welcome

Don't fret, we're all here to support you, your life isn't over, it's only just begun, you're young and fit.
In time you'll be able to manage your Crohn's, and in the meantime check out our diet and fitness sub forums, lots of info in there.
What meds are you on?
good luck and lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[Mike4414]

Medrol, Helicid, and Entizol are the meds I am currently taking. My doc said I have a very typical occurrence of it, with nothing "special" like other issues within the GI tract, so I guess that is good.

I basically have the diet part down for because I wasn't eating any acid foods before (except for citrus fruits) and other foods like nuts I have to stop eating. Veggies and other fruits like apples seem to be fine for me. I have been keeping a food journal and noting when I have difficulties.

 

[Angrybird]

Hi Mike and welcome to the forum : bigwave: I know it is hard but try not to to stress hun, as Joan has said we are here for you and I think that the fact you are quite a fit person and have already started looking at diet and keeping a food diary should hopefully put you in good stead. Have you noticed any improvement yet with the meds?

I am pleased you have joined us and I hope you find the forum and helpful and supportive as I have

 

[Mike4414]

Hi again!
Well I had significant improvement with less pain and all around feeling when I was eating garlic, which was actually before I was diagnosed. On days when I didn't I could feel the inflammation and pain.

After the meds, there has been even more improvement. The plan is to do this cycle of treatment for 90 days and have multiple assessments throughout that period and then go from there.

With any hope at all, I can have as much of a normal life as possible. The thing is, I was used to maybe having, 18-20 hours of activity a day, without issues. This is because I had such an active lifestyle. I had the energy for it and all. Now it feels like I am ALWAYS exhausted. Does anyone know why this is?

Thanks :smile:

 

[kjhngisd]

Welcome and ditto.
The good news for you is that being that healthy before your diagnosis means that you'll likely be better able to deal with some of the physical strain of the disease. Lots of people get on the right meds and lead pretty normal lives, and your good health gives you an edge.
Still, we can't take life for granted, as you've seen -- not just because of Crohn's.
Good luck.
--kevin

 

[Angrybird]

Hi, it is common with crohns to feel tired especially if the disease is flaring. It can also take the body a little while to recover from this even when the inflammation and symptoms have settled down - a particularly nasty flare can take a while to get better from (this is according to my IBD nurse). Also just check on the common side effects of your meds as sometimes fatigue can be one of them. Finally another thing to look at is your vitamin levels, have any of these been checked? If not ask your doc about at least having your B12 done, it is common for us chronies to be deficient in this and the main symptom is tiredness.

On another note it goes to show how different we all are with this disease, I LOVE foods with garlic in them but I can only have one 'portion' a week at the most because if I have too much I soon get in trouble with the tum.....

 

[Mike4414]

All my vitamin levels have been checked. I was only low on Iron, Potassium, and B12, but not so low that they were in a dangerously low zone.

If these are low after this initial 90 day treatment, then they will start to give me some supplements, but they say my deficiency isn't much of a deficiency at all, which is good.

Thanks for all the info!

Oh and I forgot to mention, Oak Bark Tea really helps everything. Of course I wouldn't drink it if you have an allergy to Oak.