Do you live a "normal" life?

[Itzipixi]

Hi! I've recently been diagnosed with Crohn's and I'm freaking out about the future.

I've been constantly wondering about work and study as I'm only 21. By the way I just droped out of college because I couldn't attend because of how bad I'm feeling.

So my questions would be:

Can you live a normal life with Crohn's? If not, what have you had to give up? Can you work as usual or you had to look for another job?


Also, I was planning on moving to Spain by the end of the year and probably working as a waitress until I got adjusted but now it feels as if all the quickest jobs to get without college education in a new country were impossible for me to do.


Any advice?

 

[Guerrero]

Everyone react differently with this disease but most of us can live a normal life thank to periods of remission and medications.

Dont give up with your dreams and life expecations because of this condition, maybe you'll just need to adjust it a bit.

Spain is great, also for health

 

[December's flower]

Hi! I've recently been diagnosed with Crohn's and I'm freaking out about the future.

I've been constantly wondering about work and study as I'm only 21. By the way I just droped out of college because I couldn't attend because of how bad I'm feeling.

So my questions would be:

Can you live a normal life with Crohn's? If not, what have you had to give up? Can you work as usual or you had to look for another job?


Also, I was planning on moving to Spain by the end of the year and probably working as a waitress until I got adjusted but now it feels as if all the quickest jobs to get without college education in a new country were impossible for me to do.


Any advice?

Hi there and welcome to the club
Although Crohn's has definitely affected my guts and sometimes even my plans , I haven't permitted to it to control my dreams and my future targets.
I am a 23 year old female, I manage to be a full time student of economics, I ve also graduated from a beauty school as beauty is my passion and I am currently living with my boyfriend and running the household.
I achieved all of the above within two and a half years since my official diagnosis.
I was aware in a tough way that when Crohn's came an adventure was going to happen.
I won't lie , I have made adjustments in my life , concerning it's quality mostly.
I gave up my terrible work and I pay more attention to my self .
I ve had my ups and downs with this regarding my health, but so far nothing has impacted my life really seriously.
I became more picky with my choices , and I try to do things that make me feel happy and complete and of course I am trying not to stress for the little things in life.
Just trust your gastroenterologist , look after yourself and strengthen your spirit,no matter what.
Crohn's warriors are men of mettle

 

[scottsma]

All of the above advice is good advice.It's always daunting when first diagnosed with a chronic illness.But although there are many really sick people with crohns,there are also many more who finish school,have a career, travel, marry and have kids.So please don't let this stop you from being you and following your dreams:rosette1:

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

If it helps any...

I'm 40, have been married for over 18 years and hold a sometimes 40hr week job. As you can see, I was diagnosed in '96 at 18.

It hasn't always been easy, but all I've been able to do is the best I can. Just got to know my limit sometimes as to what I can handle. But, yes I have been able to live a "normal" life to this date.

We're here for you along the way. Just let us know if you need us. :hug:

 

[Lisa]

I was diagnosed almost 40 years ago, have had ups and downs, but never let the disease rule my life.

I've held a whole array of jobs, from auto parts driver, EMT, been involved in Emergency Services one way or another since 1990, and for the last almost 16 years have held a full time job as a Fire Protection Specialist (ie State Fire Mashal) in my state.

I'm also a wife and mother of a now 13 year old daughter......homeowner etc etc.....so yes, I'd say I have a pretty full life!

 

[The Real MC]

I've had some road bumps along the way but I live a normal life. Full time day job, household life/chores, travel, etc.

I had to give up some foods because they triggered abdominal cramps, those were the road bumps. Once I identified those trigger foods and cut them out of my diet, my life returned to normal. Until I develop a reaction to another food...

 

[my little penguin]

Normal can be achieved with the right meds
Ds was dx at age 7
And is now almost 15
In school full time does activities clubs etc
Plays with friends
The majority of kids don’t know he even has Crohns

He does drink 50% of his calories from formula (neocate jr )
But this has kept him growing and gaining like his peers (most little kids with Crohns have trouble growing - formula takes care of that )

It took a while to get the right meds
But watching them work is like magic
New kiddo


Hope you find the right med soon

 

[my little penguin]

Tagging crohnsinct
Tesscom
Maya142
Farmwife
Pilgrim
Jmrogers
Clash

 

[Maya142]

My daughter's Crohn's is doing well on medications. We have found that as long as she is on a biologic, it stays under control. She is currently in college and her Crohn's does not really bother her.

Normal can most definitely be achieved!! You will have a career and a life, despite the Crohn's.

Typically, the first year or so is the hardest, as you find a medication - or combination of medications - that works for you. It will take some trial and error and it is hard to be patient. But you will find something that works and will develop a "new normal."

 

[Farmwife]

My daughter is 9 now but dx very young.

She had her struggles and still does but things are normal.
She thrives and will succeed no matter the obstacles.
We've raised her this way and hopefully she'll remember these lessons in adulthood.
You'll adjust and will overcome.
Just be kind to yourself.
Your doing the best you can!
Hugs from a mama!

 

[Pilgrim]

I have a son and daughter diagnosed with Crohn's. They are still young, 7 and 10 now, but are able to live a very normal life.
Both are now taking a biologic (Humira for them) and that works for now to keep things under control.
I do notice that they do have to live with a certain amount of fatigue even in remission. For instance my daughter can power through a day of school but can be truly exhausted for the rest of the day. She just keeps extra activities to a minimum and her hobbies are more along the lines of "reading"☺.
My son who has more mild disease is the energizer bunny regardless.
I think you should plan to do whatever you are called to do! Life throws curve balls at everyone. You will learn to adjust if needed.

 

[Bufford]

I am retired now and lived a full life for the most part and up until retirement went undiagnosed until the big flare and operation for a permanent colostomy that led me into early retirement.
I worked physical jobs, it was not always easy, and had several day surgeries for abscesses that today would have required admittance. Doctors did not understand why these infections would rise up and then mysteriously subside, and they were incredibly painful. I just plodded on with my career and progressed to become a stationary engineer overseeing the physical plant of a large healthcare facility.


I had one last major abscess that lead to life threatening abscess surgery that left me with a permanent colostomy. I retired at that point and now enjoy a better life in retirement and with doctors who diagnosed my Crohn's. Its under control, yes life continues with Cbron's.

 

[awoenker12]

I am in high school and I am very active. I run cross country, play baseball, and I am involved with several clubs at my school. I live a very normal life thanks to remicade.

 

[D Bergy]

My life is back to normal. Took awhile but I don’t even think about Crohn’s most of the time. Just a bad memory.

I am sure most people are not severely limited by the disease, but at times it can be a problem.

Dan

 

[Anna's Bandit]

This is the "General IBD Discussion", so I can respond. *rolls her eyes*

Itzipixi : Yes. You can live a normal life.

I am wishing you the best of health and happiness.
Spain sounds awesome !

 

[Itzipixi]

Sorry for the late response! This days have been a little crazy.
I still quite scared but your posts have definetly helped :heart:


I suppose the stress of moving to a new country doesn't help either