Depressed. And in need of support.

[georgiegirl]

Hi guys, well I haven't been active on this forum this year. Mostly cause I thought things were going along ok, and I was getting a bit obsessed with it (most of my sentences started with "well, on my crohn's forum...!).

I went to see a different GI as my GP told me he was doing research on crohn's and appendix removal. Turns out he had it all wrong - it was colitis and appendix removal. Anyway, this new GI (who is head of the Aust Gut Foundation and one of the top in his field) recommended a MR Enterography. This is basically an MRI of the small bowel. During my colonoscopy, they couldn't get past the terminal ileum as it was scarred/inflamed. So I did that test on monday and got the results yesterday. Not good.

There are about 8 areas of 'concern' listed on the results. These show inflammation/hypermotility/hypomotility/ function obstruction etc etc etc. After I looked all the words up, I found out that the results weren't very...good.

Since reading them, I've been pretty depressed. I've been on meds (Imuran and 6MP mostly, with a few doses of pred for good measure) for over a year. And I still have many issues.

How am I supposed to cope with this? For the last 2 months I've had strictures and obstructions and have basically just felt like f*** crap. Just when I thought when I was on top of this disease, it gets on top of me again. I'm seriously considering professional (ie psychological) help, as I just don't know how to climb out from this AGAIN.

Any suggestions? I'm obviously feeling depressed and sorry for myself atm, but I really want to know how you all keep picking yourselves up each and every time there is a setback.

 

[Jessi]

Hi, Georgie and welcome back. I understand the obsession you're talking about! I'm sorry about your current status. I'm there myself, emotionally. I saw a psychologist for my depression and anxiety. My doc prescribed me a low dose of Sertraline HCI tablets to help put a smile on my face. But medicine should only accompany therapy. I thought you might be interested in a couple of threads that may help you out. :hug:

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=22520

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=22998

 

[Del]

Hello there georgiegirl.
I am recently diagnosed with CD myself, but have been reading extensivily on the subject as you can image. I can not give you much in the way of suggestion or advice. But I will say this. While it is a horrible disease we all have here, it is possibly the best time ever to get the disease. What people went through just even 20 years a go is unreal. Certainly this is no consolation to you, I understand that...but even having this forum today can make such a difference to my own mental ability.

I think you hit the nail on the head what you said about picking yourself back up AGAIN. However you or anybody does it...the fact is they will. I work in an ICU ward where I see young people lose there fight for life each day and I use that to help me stay upright. On one occasion a young girl with leukemia was talking to me about what she was going to do when she recovered and got out of hospital. My talking of running was inspiring her. I remember I was pretty depressed at that time myself with my condition. Little did that young girl realize...she was inspiring me all the time.
Take care and hang in there...

 

[Jessi]

Hey Georgie. Is that a boxer and a pit bull in your avatar picture? I have a black brindle boxer that looks a lot like yours. Very very similar markings.

 

[georgiegirl]

Thanks guys for your responses. I was having myself a little pity party last night! Feeling a little better after a good nights sleep - and I know tomorrow will be better again. Plus, I will see my GP and see what he recommends in the way of therapy. He diagnosed me with PTSD earlier this year - apparently quite common in chronic diseases.

And Jessi - my dogs are an american/english staffie, and an english staffie. They cheer me up no end too - them licking my tears away always makes me laugh. How can you stay sad with dogs around?!

 

[RFarmer]

. . . have basically just felt like f*** crap. . .

So first off, this is great.

ANYWAYS,

Sucks to hear you're not doing swell.

I think we all can relate somewhat though. As for how I cope? I don't. I just get gloomy and depressed until my family rudely confronts me about it (usually it's like, "what's wrong with you") or they belligerently try to change how I live or whatever.

I know that kinda sounds like "ehh, life's ******, deal", but that's not what I mean. I don't really have any advice, but I think atleast you should know that you aren't alone in not knowing what to do.

 

[georgiegirl]

Hi Ben, I know I'm not alone. That's why I posted, and that's what this site is for really...to bitch and moan to ppl who understand!:lol:

And seeing that other ppl out there have it much worse than me. I know that sounds bad, but it's like knowing that they can cope with worse problems than I have, so I can definitely cope with mine.

But this site for me is about having a safe place to let off steam. My husband tries to understand, but there's nothing he can do apart from saying "it'll be ok". You guys KNOW that it'll be ok, one way or another, so I guess it means a bit more coming from you all.

Anyways, I am determined to pick myself back up and keep on going (not like I have a choice). Pity party is over. I will be a freaking ray of sunshine. :dance:

 

[Jessi]

I suddenly feel the need for sunglasses on this thread. Keep shinin'!

 

[David]

Hi Georgie

I'm sorry you're feeling so down, you poor thing

*hugs*

Since you haven't been here for awhile, I thought I'd point you to this forum which has some stuff that is pretty exciting to me in case you're not familiar with it.

Other than that, well... :hug: