- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 1,197
Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is GutlessWonder. I am a female dxed at age 12 w/Crohn's. Received my ileostomy at age 17 2 weeks before my 18th birthday when all other avenues failed. My entire colon was inflamed, had 2 fistulas w/a few more starting ,many abscesses, and polyps. I tried everything( prednisone & Sulfadine) that was available back in the 1980's including diet therapy which failed.
The ileostomy saved my life. I was able to get my life back and graduate on time to get my Regents diploma in high school. I even got an award--The I Dare You award--I had no idea about it...I thought it was because I dared to come back to school after being out 1/2 the yr. but it was due to showing strength in character in the face of adversity. I went on to get my Associate Degree w/honors even though I had to take a semester off for more surgery.
Anyway, I joined the CCFA back when I was 12 but my parents attended most of the meetings as I was too young to really understand what IBD really was just that I had bad stomach aches all the time and my butt really hurt. It got really worse in high school to the point where I'd do my home work in the bathroom and I'd even sleep on the toilet. That was no life for me to live plus I was in constant pain 24/7. I was fortunate enough to meet some ostomates before my surgery because my GI ran the local support group. That made a HUGE difference in my acceptance of my new plumbing.
I've been a member since 1986 and even became president of the group yrs. later for 20 yrs. until I had my stroke 5 yrs. ago. Then I had to step down so I could concentrate on regaining my strength since it affected my entire right side.
Having Crohn's has taught me to never give up no matter what, take things one day at a time, stop and smell the roses once in a while or I may miss what's passing me by, and that it does feel good to volunteer and give back to other by volunteering for CCFA and the local ostomy support chapter.
I still counsel new ostomates as well as their family and friends in regards to care/maintenance of the appliance, helpful hints, and listen at times when they have a bad day if their CD flares up. I'm really glad that this forum exists b/c I'm prone to bowel obstructions & just had a partial one 2 weeks ago. It really stinks b/c I feel so alone when it happens & sore when I get home. I wish all the Crohnies here a life time of remission!!!
I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is GutlessWonder. I am a female dxed at age 12 w/Crohn's. Received my ileostomy at age 17 2 weeks before my 18th birthday when all other avenues failed. My entire colon was inflamed, had 2 fistulas w/a few more starting ,many abscesses, and polyps. I tried everything( prednisone & Sulfadine) that was available back in the 1980's including diet therapy which failed.
The ileostomy saved my life. I was able to get my life back and graduate on time to get my Regents diploma in high school. I even got an award--The I Dare You award--I had no idea about it...I thought it was because I dared to come back to school after being out 1/2 the yr. but it was due to showing strength in character in the face of adversity. I went on to get my Associate Degree w/honors even though I had to take a semester off for more surgery.
Anyway, I joined the CCFA back when I was 12 but my parents attended most of the meetings as I was too young to really understand what IBD really was just that I had bad stomach aches all the time and my butt really hurt. It got really worse in high school to the point where I'd do my home work in the bathroom and I'd even sleep on the toilet. That was no life for me to live plus I was in constant pain 24/7. I was fortunate enough to meet some ostomates before my surgery because my GI ran the local support group. That made a HUGE difference in my acceptance of my new plumbing.
I've been a member since 1986 and even became president of the group yrs. later for 20 yrs. until I had my stroke 5 yrs. ago. Then I had to step down so I could concentrate on regaining my strength since it affected my entire right side.
Having Crohn's has taught me to never give up no matter what, take things one day at a time, stop and smell the roses once in a while or I may miss what's passing me by, and that it does feel good to volunteer and give back to other by volunteering for CCFA and the local ostomy support chapter.
I still counsel new ostomates as well as their family and friends in regards to care/maintenance of the appliance, helpful hints, and listen at times when they have a bad day if their CD flares up. I'm really glad that this forum exists b/c I'm prone to bowel obstructions & just had a partial one 2 weeks ago. It really stinks b/c I feel so alone when it happens & sore when I get home. I wish all the Crohnies here a life time of remission!!!
