First post.

[vickyj]

Hi all.
Been reading the forum for quite a while.. finding it really helpful.
Feel a bit of a fraud for only having moderate Crohns really. Some very serious stories out there.
I was diagnosed at 17 with UC. Treated for that since then. Had various episodes, been hospitalised once - with a "threatened" re-section - that didn´t materialise.
Not feeling well for quite a while - had all the usual tests done - 2 barium transits, 2 colonoscopies, CAT scan etc. (within one month) and FINALLY told I probably never had UC - but had Crohns.
(I am now 55 btw!)
I think this latest "flare" is stress-related. Feeling pretty grotty in fact. Am on Pentasa 500mg.....3 tabs, twice a day. Due another assessment next month.
Thanks for listening - and for all the information on this site.

 

[DustyKat]

Hi vicky and :welcome:

Hey mate, Crohns is Crohns, it doesn't matter whether its mild or severe everyone is welcome here!

I'm so glad you found your way here but sorry to hear that you're gong through a rough patch and not feeling well. :hug: Holy toledo they sure hit you with a battery of tests, talk about feeling invaded!

I hope things start to settle down and you start feeling better. Good luck with the assessment.

It's good to have you here, welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty

 

[vickyj]

Thanks for that. People just don´t get it, do they? lol. Been to the bathroom 15 times today (I counted.) Just feel worn out and in pain. I don´t tend to tell people I have Crohns - most just think it´s the constant running to the loo - and that´s it.
I have my own bathroom at home (hands off!) - and at work, I just take a different route to the bathroom every time, so people don´t notice how often I have to visit!
I like it here already!
Thanks, Vicky

 

[DustyKat]

I have my own bathroom at home (hands off!) - and at work, I just take a different route to the bathroom every time, so people don´t notice how often I have to visit!

:ylol2: love it! You are so going to fit in here.

 

[Absentminded]

Hi Vicky,

Welcome welcome! You should definitely NOT feel like a fraud! We're all in the same boat and if we can help each other out then all the better.

Sorry you're not feeling so good at the moment. Hopefully you'll find some relief soon.
Everyone on here is so lovely and so good at giving support and comfort.

Lucinda x

p.s. I would so like my own bathroom at home! Am very jealous of that.

 

[vickyj]

We have just two bathrooms at home - and it´s the only "concession" I get around here ........so I fought hard for it...and won. lol. EVERYBODY with Crohns should have their own bathroom - a law should be passed in fact. It´s the least we deserve! Joking really - and I know I am lucky.
Thanks for your reply. And support.
Vicky

 

[Absentminded]

We definitely deserve it! Especially considering the amount of time spent there.....
I used to houseshare with three other people and only one bathroom and it was a nightmare!

 

[Dexky]

Hey Vicky, welcome!! Where ya from? I know you're another from across the water cause we don't say "loo" in the states :ylol:. Like Dusty said, you're definitely gonna fit in here. It's a family you'll see. Stick around!!

 

[gypsigirl28]

Hi Vicky and welcome, you will find that everyone here is super nice and supportive to say the least..

 

[silver]

I intend to turn the shower room into my personal bathroom (don't tell my fiance >.>)

Welcome to the forum! It's a fab place for support whatever you're feeling

 

[Astra]

Hi Vicky
and welcome

You're a Crohnie! so you're more than welcome here whether you're severe, moderate or mild!
I'm surprised you're only on Pentasa tho, is there anything else you've tried? so many loo trips not good! Pentasa is a prophylactic, a preventative to ward off future flares and to maintain remission, far too mild if you're flaring!
Maybe a course of Pred? and ask for some codeine phosphate to combat the D, it's a good painkiller too!
glad you found us, lots of friends here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[tmgread]

Hi Vicky. I'm right there with you on the stress thing. I bought a meditation CD, but I'm too stressed to do it. Do try to take some time for yourself.

 

[vickyj]

Thanks all. I have lived in Spain for the last 36 years... but was born in England. I have had lots of medication over the years... I can vaguely remember cortisone treatments, foam enemas etc.
I was only officially diagnosed with Crohns a few months ago - but everything seems to be falling in to place. I remember taking "salazopyrin" for absolutely years. I´ve had a few years in "remission" here and there. Very hit and miss. When I look back, I suppose I have been very lucky... not really having followed treatments and medications.
Spain´s medical system has not always been as good as it is now. lol (It is exceptionally good now.... so I am hopeful that things can be sorted out.)

I have read on here alot about the difficulty in the actual diagnosis of Crohns.... can I claim some sort of record? It´s taken 32 years lol. It may sound strange - but I feel relief and finally "justified" that I can put a REAL name to what I have suffered over the years.

I am feeling no relief with the medication I am taking. I don´t take anything for the D. Immodium and the like give me so much pain and bloating it just doesn´t seem worth it. I am quite looking forward to my next Drs. appointment.

Thanks again to you all for your interest.
I don´t actually know a single person with Crohns or UC - so this is a fantastic place to come to.
Thanks, Vicky

 

[teeny5]

Welcome Vicky! Mine is pretty mild too, but still hard to deal with. I went from never being sick...not even the flu...to being put on a medical leave and taking 20 pills a day. I feel like it has turned my life upside down. Now, I am going back to work (for the second time). This time leaving due to stress, and fear of spiraling into an extreme flare again. Hopefully I have my head right this time so I can enjoy my career again.

I totally would be a closet bathroom user at work! I use to figure out what was the best time of day to go. I can usually hold it for a half hour before it becomes too painful. I would wait till no one was near the receptionist desk too so no one would see me going to the restroom...again! Soooo embarrassing! I had to tell my work (to go out on medical leave). I feel totally fine talking about it, but found that most people just don't "get it.". This forum is where I know I have people who totally understand what I go through.

Anyway, look forward to seeing you in the forum!