Another Newbie

[SevenOaks]

Hello all. I'm Mark. I'm 28 years old and was unofficially diagnosed with Crohn's two years ago. I say unofficially, because after all the tests (including the ones that failed) the doctors couldn't say, with 100% certainty that I have the affliction. Even though I have all the symptoms, the family history, etc... Everything about my condition is Crohns. I've had the tightening in the intestines and the IBS all my life, and thought it was normal. AFter college, I went to the ER one night with the cramping pain and was given a GI cocktail. That was 2006. In 2009, my wife woke up to me crying, in the fetal position. I went back to the ER, twice in the same day, underwent all sorts of tests, a barium enema, colonoscopy, etc.. I even had to swallow a pill with a Camera in it (this failed to operate in the area the doctors needed to see). So, the doctors suggested steroids. I refused, steroids don't fix the problem.

So what did I do? I immediately gave up red meat and found that many of my issues went away. I maintained a diary of foods and figured out what I can and can't eat. Afterwards, I shared my story with my siblings, one of which has gone Gluten Free. He has it worst than I but is living with it. I have countless cousins, that are on medicine for it and I know that this is how I have to live my life.

I'm glad to have found this forum. I have questions and am always looking for holisitic methods to ease the cramping and stave off the attacks.

 

[Jessi]

Hi Mark! Welcome to the family. I used to live right around the corner from you in Goose Creek. I really miss the Isle of Palms.

I'm glad you joined us here, but I'm sorry that you have to live like this. I'm glad that you've discovered a trigger food to avoid.

If you're interested in holistic methods, to hopefully avoid steroids, check out our Diet and Fitness forum. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17 Or our Enteral Nutrition sub-forum in the Treatment forum. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=161

Get acquainted with the forum. There is a lot to offer here. People are so ind and understanding. We also have an Undiagnosed Club you may be interested in. A lot of people there are familiar with what you've gone through so far. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75

Again, welcome! It's so good to have you here. :hug:

 

[xJillx]

Hi Mark! Like you, I am undiagnosed, too, even though its pretty clear I have Crohn's. I know how frustrating it is to be sick without firm answers as to what is going on.

Has any tests indicated Crohn's? Have results all been normal? I sure hope your doctors can figure out what is going on soon and get your feeling better.

 

[rygon]

welcome to the forum. its pretty bad they wont say its crohns for sure even though it looks pretty certain

 

[SevenOaks]

welcome to the forum. its pretty bad they wont say its crohns for sure even though it looks pretty certain

The Doctor actually said, "all the signs point to crohns. All of the pain, the inflamation, it's location. It all looks like Crohns. But I can't say definetivly that it is Crohns." I'm 1 of 5 children. 4 of us have this. Out of my 16 first cousins, 10 have been diagnosed and it ranges from mild to extreme.


I'm tired of this...oo:

I'm watching Forks over Knives and am seriously considering a plant based diet.

 

[SevenOaks]

Ugh...I was just released from the hospital. Now the doctor says, "I'm not convinced it's Crohn's." WHAT?! I've been a semi-veg for a while but hope I don't have to begin a medicine regiment. This disease is so frustrating.

 

[David]

Where specifically is your inflammation located and do you have a copy of the biopsy report you'd be willing to share?

Welcome to the forum by the way

 

[Earnellzwifey]

First off I would like to welcome you to the family.

Have they done the Prometheus test on you? What made the dr. say he is not convinced anymore?

Hope you find some answers and relief soon.

 

[SevenOaks]

Where specifically is your inflammation located and do you have a copy of the biopsy report you'd be willing to share?

Welcome to the forum by the way

Both times I've been admitted was for an obstruction in the small bowel. Last time it was an Illeus and that is what made him think it isn't Crohn's. But he doesn't know. I've had colonoscopies, barium tests, i've swallowed a camera and that didn't work so it was for nothing.

 

[Earnellzwifey]

I have had a illeus and I have CD. I don't understand how having a illeus would rule out CD. Did he give you a reason for that thought process?

 

[PlutoCronie]

Belated Welcome, Mark! Thanks for sharing your story. I know for certain that I have CD, but am now totally Rx-free. I no longer eat red-meat either, and I am on a holistic regimen of remission. I am glad that you are doing OK! :ghug:

 

[acheallova]

Steven,
Hiya and welcome to the forum. Glad you're here. Keep in mind we are available 24/7 to support and comfort you. Help guide you to information and offer our opinions and/or experiences.
Have they done the extensive blood work up and vitamin levels to check where you are on these, maybe providing some indication of elevated markers? If they couldn't complete the pill cam, is there an obstruction? Have you made an appointment with a different GI for a second opinion? Have you tried juicing as a diet change? Good luck, i hope you get some relief soon. In my prayers. Muah- hugs-