- Joined
- Jul 1, 2012
- Messages
- 3
Hi all,
I'm Alannah, 21, from Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
Well... if you asked me a few months back I wouldn't of been able to tell you what Crohn's disease was, and if you told me 2 years ago (when this journey began) that I'd be registered on this website I wouldn't of believed you.. yet here I am.
This journey began when I met my partner in 2007 at the age of 17. I never met someone so beautiful in my eyes and so fit and eager for life. At the time I had recently lost my mother and was dealing with alot of personal issues, so I referred to my partner Kristofa as the Angel that saved me from the life I so wanted to leave... Who would of though 2.5 years later it would be him that would need saving?!.
It began with regular trips to the toilet, then days off work, followed by loss of weight, and then intense pain!. I have never seen someone in SO much pain... When I was watching him I couldn't fully understand it, imagine it, or feel it... so I never knew the true extent. During this episode the ambulance wasn't called, Kristofa didn't want me to call the ambulance for he had went to the hospital prior (before diagnosed) and had received no help at all, so his hopes were low.
This agony went on for just over 2 years, resulting in many different doctors diagnosing him with IBS. FINALLY one doctor took notice and lined up a colonoscopy. My nan (a nurse in her early years) self diagnosed him with Crohn's disease months prior... sure enough to which she is proud of ... she was correct.
TREATMENT BEGAN! - The steroids were introduced and for the first two months no 'flares' as I now know their called. Steroids however aren't good long term and due to this he had been switched to proper Crohn's medication.. and guess what FLARES are back!!! It's like watching a episode of ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE - I can't stand seeing someone I love so much in so much pain. More blood tests and specialist appointments are on the way - worried that this will possibly effect his job in the long run! Due to this we are looking at study options in a career that requires alot less physical work (for he is currently a courier in the city).
What I have noticed - certain types of food sets him off so we are starting a food diary!.
**** I was really hoping what I'd gain from this website is some advice from partners and people experiencing Crohn's disease, on tips to avoid flares, minimize the pain if possible, and things that I can do when he's experiencing a flare up.
Thanks for all your help, Alannah :smile:
I'm Alannah, 21, from Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
Well... if you asked me a few months back I wouldn't of been able to tell you what Crohn's disease was, and if you told me 2 years ago (when this journey began) that I'd be registered on this website I wouldn't of believed you.. yet here I am.
This journey began when I met my partner in 2007 at the age of 17. I never met someone so beautiful in my eyes and so fit and eager for life. At the time I had recently lost my mother and was dealing with alot of personal issues, so I referred to my partner Kristofa as the Angel that saved me from the life I so wanted to leave... Who would of though 2.5 years later it would be him that would need saving?!.
It began with regular trips to the toilet, then days off work, followed by loss of weight, and then intense pain!. I have never seen someone in SO much pain... When I was watching him I couldn't fully understand it, imagine it, or feel it... so I never knew the true extent. During this episode the ambulance wasn't called, Kristofa didn't want me to call the ambulance for he had went to the hospital prior (before diagnosed) and had received no help at all, so his hopes were low.
This agony went on for just over 2 years, resulting in many different doctors diagnosing him with IBS. FINALLY one doctor took notice and lined up a colonoscopy. My nan (a nurse in her early years) self diagnosed him with Crohn's disease months prior... sure enough to which she is proud of ... she was correct.
TREATMENT BEGAN! - The steroids were introduced and for the first two months no 'flares' as I now know their called. Steroids however aren't good long term and due to this he had been switched to proper Crohn's medication.. and guess what FLARES are back!!! It's like watching a episode of ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE - I can't stand seeing someone I love so much in so much pain. More blood tests and specialist appointments are on the way - worried that this will possibly effect his job in the long run! Due to this we are looking at study options in a career that requires alot less physical work (for he is currently a courier in the city).
What I have noticed - certain types of food sets him off so we are starting a food diary!.
**** I was really hoping what I'd gain from this website is some advice from partners and people experiencing Crohn's disease, on tips to avoid flares, minimize the pain if possible, and things that I can do when he's experiencing a flare up.
Thanks for all your help, Alannah :smile:
What medication was your partner started on after the steroids? A food diary is definetly a good idea so you can try and pinpoint trigger foods. There is a lot of helpful info and support here so do have a good nosy around, you will see that there is no hard a fast rule with how this disease behaves but do not hesitate to ask if you are not sure on anything.
