I feel like a weenie because I've read through many of your stories and would have to say that I'm fortunate compared to some of the horrible experiences many have had! In 2009, I developed an anal abscess and, like many, had no clue what it could be. I saw my gynecologist (figured it was "down there" and he should know what it was!) and he didn't know what it was . He referred me to a GE. The GE knew it to be an abscess but didn't think it was crohns and gave me Flagyl which did nothing. My GP also was aware of it and I would call her in tears when it was too painful. It finally burst and drained incessantly....which was honestly a relief! I developed a second abscess on the other side. I finally dealt with the fistulas that had developed and in 2013 I had surgery to drain them...the surgeon couldn't find an internal opening and didn't want to create one to place setons. The fistula returned within a few months of the surgery and I have just dealt with them until recently. At that time, I had a prometheus test that came back positive for crohns and an MRI that showed thickening of the mucousal wall in the jejenum. A blood test (not a biopsy, though) showed positive for celiac. Although I have had periods of constipation (like, should I call an ambulance or what? :ywow: HA!), then diarrhea, and recently blood in my stool, I would read stories on here and KNOW that my story was no where near as bad as many have experienced. I have received second and third opinions....several doctors feel I have crohn's but my surgeon was unsure. However, as other issues have come up....a horribly painful experience with an inflamed cornea, now pain in my left hip that wakes me up at night, and sores in my mouth (I always thought it was from eating tomatoes!), I had a heart to heart with my GP (she and my current GE feel strongly that I have Crohn's) and started on prednisone yesterday and Humira today. I struggled with taking medications because of the horror stories and I have friends who are into natural health and scared me about these drugs. I thought I could control everything through diet and exercise, taking glucosamine and drinking tumeric tea. When I would 'fall off the wagon' with my diet, it would put me into a state of indecision and leave me blowing in the wind. I finally bit the bullet and feel like I'm taking control of the situation in the best way that I know how. Looking forward to getting to know you all!