Good Morning All, Glad to have found you

[james hanlon]

I was recently diagnosed with Crohns. I have had symptons for many years but just ignored them thinking that they were directly related to stress. For the last 12 years I have had tremendous stress both personally and professionally. When thinking back over this time period and then considering my current condition I belive that the stress and poor diet has lead to my diagnose. Does this make sense? I have always been physically healthy or at least normal? I have never had any illness or been placed on medications before. I have suffered with bouts of insomnia for the last 6 years but as of late i have seemed to get it under control. My GI wants me to be put on REMICAID but I really have hesitations about this. I live in the upstate New York and Flu and cold season is just upon us. I also have fears of having any drug inside me especially one that seems to have so many different results from it's patients. I'm new to all this and need advice from all of you. As of now I seem to be doing fine although my diet is in question. At the moment I'm only eating Yougurt, Soy Protein Drinks, Oatmeal and lots and lots of Eggs. Any thoughts or suggestions would give me some peace of mind. Thank you for your time. James

 

[Lisa]

Hi James and welcome from another 'Upstater' (what part are you from?).....

I have been on Remicade for about 5 years now, and have not come down with any worse colds or really been sick more than the rest of my family.....I do get the flu shot every year (had mine already), have had the pneumonia shot too.....

I am outside a LOT, work in a fairly stressful job (Fire Service), am exposed to the elements (Have horses, land).....

The plusses of being on Remicade for me have greatly outweighed any negatives.....

 

[james hanlon]

pasobuff, I'm in the Albany area. Thank you for the possitive response. I m still in the woods on this disease and have many concerns and questions. Is REMICAID a drug that I will always have to be on? Are there alternitives? My GI has not returned my call to answer these questions.

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: James, glad you made your appearance on here so everyone can help you along the way , with everyone's experiences and trial & errors.

My worst times was I was ill, but thought it was the flu and then a divorce, raising a 4 year old basically alone (now she is 22) and there were no computers back then. Lots of hospital emergencies and my family was in such turmoil at the time. Then boom landed in the hospital with my first resection. Yes I was in denial, lack of knowledge of this unpredictable disease. I was allergic to Remicade.. but so many are doing amazing on it. You have to have a TB test first and blood work done regularly. You need plenty of rest and of course avoid stress, and we know that is hard this day and age. There are many people here that can help you and guide you so the fears are lessened. Keep in mind we are all different in reactions, side effects, severity and the locality of the disease.

Wonderful that you found us, if you have any questions, feel free no matter how much TMI or dumb you may thing,because there are no dumb questions here. Glad you are aboard!! :hang:

 

[gringo43]

Welcome James

Just wanted to say while "stress and poor diet" may have intensified some of your symptoms, rest assured you did not "cause" the disease to be present..that aside..again welcome and I'm sure some of the folks on here taking Remicade will be along soon to tell you about their experiences..Good luck on your journey with this disease and here's a link to what's called the "Remicade" club...

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=4544&highlight=remicade

p.s...watch out for cats

Jerry

 

[james hanlon]

Jerry,

Thank you for the info and kind words. Please tell me about the Cat thing. Is there an issue with felines and being on REMICAID? The funny thing is, is that my cat was the only demand I had in my divorce papers with what I wanted. I know that sounds crazy but everything else was just plastic and wood which meant nothing.

 

[gringo43]

Hi James

LOL....hmmm think I'm gonna let you read a little more about Remicade ...then you'll be able to tell me about the cats...nothin' to worry about ..promise!

-Jerry

 

[Manzyb]

Haha!! You'll be fine living with your cat!! I was on Remicaid for a long time and had two of them myself :0)

Welcome and I'm glad that you found us! Remicaid was a wonderful drug for me. I took it for about 6 years before I started not responding to it anymore. I didn't have any side effects of it. It was truly amazing!

I hope you find all the support and answers you need here. This place is great!

 

[Lisa]

lol...We have a cat at home...no issues....

James - stand by for a private message....I'm a 'neighbor'!

 

[james hanlon]

Thanks for the responses. Ignorance is bliss!!!

 

[gringo43]

:whistleinnocently:

 

[Lisa]

If you start craving cheese watch out !

 

[gringo43]

If you start craving cheese watch out !

Yep....one of the first signs for sure!

-Jerry

 

[girlygirl]

Hi James,
Wanted to send well wishes your way! ! I've not taken Remicade, however, I would much rather take all these darn meds i'm taking right now as opposed to ending back in the hospital to have another surgery down the line. Not saying that the meds will keep anyone from having surgery, but if it may help, i'm gonna go for it!
Hope you are having a great day! and Best Wishes!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Yep....one of the first signs for sure!

-Jerry

Or growing a tail! I got that when I first joined here. :kello:

 

[gringo43]

Oh noooo....not the dreaded tail!

-Jerry

 

[Nancy Lee]

Hi James!
Just a quick ...WELCOME TO THE FORUM! :thumleft:

Hugs~Nancy

 

[girlygirl]

Oh.. i'm so feeling the cheese!! Just finished off a whole turtle cheesake over the past few days.. :shifty-t: OHHHHH.. It was SOOO GOOOD!. lol.. but my body doesn't think it was my best choice ever...:ylol: Been trying to trick myself into believing that an antacid, or something similar would make it ok. :yfrown:

 

[Astra]

Hi James
and welcome

They're a horrible bunch aren't they? lol
When you read all about the Remi, you'll soon laugh at the cat connection!
Glad you found us, lots of friends here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[DustyKat]

Hi James and :welcome:

Good to see you here. Yeah I'm with Jerry about the causes of your CD, the things you mention can certainly exacerbate symptoms but I personally don't think they are the cause of the disease itself. I hope the Remicade does the trick for you. Good luck and welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty