Forty-five and still alive.

[Malarkey]

Wow, idk why it took me so long to find this site but WOOHOO!!!!, been suffering from Crohn's for 33 years, multiple surgeries, drugs etc etc. I hope I can help and know I will learn from this forum. Hi everyone and I hope you are having a good day.:thumleft: okay, so I am adding a little information bit by bit. I have had two major recessions on my small intestine, one in 1982 and then one in 2004. From the mid-80s through late 90s I was basically in remission with some perianal disease. Sometime around 1999 I began exhibiting worsening symptoms i.e. more perianal disease abdominal pain and diarrhea etc. I was living in Florida where I had some of the most horrific experiences with doctors one can imagine. I moved back home to Northeast where my symptoms became worse, I started seeing a G.I. doctor regularly and was put on every medication being used at the time with little to no results. Remicade was just starting to be used as a temporary maintenance medication. It seemed like all was well but after being off it the symptoms returned and I became steroid dependent. After a few years of routine hospital stays the disease returned with a vengeance. It was then that I had to have my second resection. Currently I am back on a corticosteroid entocort along with other medications for my ADHD and depression and anxiety. Since being back on the Entocort I have found that my inflammation is gone down but also my quality of life. But, I am alive and that is good thing. I'm trying to go back to school but I've been hospitalized twice in my first semester. So the beginning of my story has started. I'm going to be writing one or more essays concerning the disease and the problems and solutions that go with it. I may be asking some of you for your help and maybe using some of your stories with your permission. I'm so glad you're here, it is a very sad feeling to feel alone with your disease and finding others that you can communicate with that understand is more than one can hope for. I wish all of the participants here in the forum better health and better quality of life. Peace and love, James

 

[KWalker]

Welcome, if you're only 45 I could only hope you're still alive! lol.

 

[Malarkey]

There's a story behind that statement. Will expound at a later date. peace, JM

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome to the forum

How are you doing now? Are you on any meds? What type of ops have you had to have?

Hope to hear more about you soon!

AB
xx

 

[Malarkey]

Oh, the list is too long my dear. Two big surgeries and lots of wee ones, lots. I am going to school and trying to deal with that. I have been on almost every treatment, more on that later. Unfortunately I 'm doing homework now but will gladly send you a proper e-mail in the near future so I may explain myself more. It's comforting to know such a place as this exists. Be strong and carry on! Peace and Love, James

 

[Switalski]

Hey, welcome to the forum. Don't forget - even with Crohn's, 45 is the new 35

 

[David]

Hey there James and welcome I look forward to you expanding upon your story in the future. I'm glad you found us as well. With 33 years of experience, I'm sure you have lots of knowledge to share with the community.