Hi guys. I've been reading the forums on and off for a while and today just decided to join and make a post. I have a bit of a lot to share, so i'll break it into bits to save people some reading.
First, my introduction.
I'm a 27 year old male living in Iowa, the state of Pork and Corn, and currently severe flooding. I was diagnosed officially with crohn's about eight years ago, after a couple years of gradual worsening which the doctors just kept writing off as 'IBD' and giving me antacids for. It took reaching a very serious point before they finally took me seriously- namely, I had lost 50 pounds in 4 months, was skinny as a rail, and couldn't eat anything solid without paying hell for it. My friends described it as looking like 'non-stop dysentery', and that's a good assessment. After lapsing into a short-term coma from malnutrition and anemia, I was taken to the ER and finally diagnosed and properly treated- but not before surgury claimed a bit of my intestine. Luckily the treatment was relatively effective and it went into remission more often than not. But as many of you may know, the symptoms never stop lingering. It has cost me a few jobs, and has been a constant struggle. I have a few set-off foods, namely chocolate, tomatoes (especially ketchup or red sauces), root beer, and sports drinks. And, of course, alcohol. Sometimes beans and onions. Needless to say, it's been a chore to eat right and eat safe, especially since i've had roommates most of my adult life to help me through the harder times.
Crohn's isn't my only health issue, i'm also bipolar (Hi! I love you! NOW DIE!) and allergic to coconut. These are less of an issue, and fully treatable.
As for the good news, I have spent my massive downtime acting like an information sponge. I enjoy learning for learning's sake, and it has lead me to an on-and-off successful career as a computer technician, though work is horribly scarce right now. I am currently employed at a pork processing plant, and the work is quite grueling with often 50-72 hour weeks. It's filthy, disgusting, smelly, hard, frantic work. And the pay isn't terribly good. But in a way it's satisfying and it does keep the bills paid and the pillz going. I live with two roommates, who have done quite a lot for me and, usually, been there when I needed it. Including my most recent hospital stints. They have come to appreciate me and rely on me as well. It's a lower-class life for me, and it seems unfair, but I am content and easily pleased.
I enjoy playing a host of games, although in recent years i've become far less enthusiastic about the state of the industry. It seems games were just more fun when the graphics were simpler, the story less cryptic, and the gameplay more innovative. My newest gaming fetishes are everquest 2 and terraria. They're fun, I can't complain.
As for me, i'm a silly willy. I find that the best way to take life is with a rubber chicken and an oversized spoon. Not that it's very easy- I can be a real bear sometimes. As many of you are sure to know, life just seems to want to take a constant crap on you when you're permanently sick. So I count my blessings, and rejoice that today I ate.
Anyway, I joined with the intent of just sharing stories and advice, and hopefully getting some as well. I'm a very stubborn person and have tried to go it alone but, frankly, I just need some help. A friendly ear and some sound advice. So here I am. Be gentle. =)
First, my introduction.
I'm a 27 year old male living in Iowa, the state of Pork and Corn, and currently severe flooding. I was diagnosed officially with crohn's about eight years ago, after a couple years of gradual worsening which the doctors just kept writing off as 'IBD' and giving me antacids for. It took reaching a very serious point before they finally took me seriously- namely, I had lost 50 pounds in 4 months, was skinny as a rail, and couldn't eat anything solid without paying hell for it. My friends described it as looking like 'non-stop dysentery', and that's a good assessment. After lapsing into a short-term coma from malnutrition and anemia, I was taken to the ER and finally diagnosed and properly treated- but not before surgury claimed a bit of my intestine. Luckily the treatment was relatively effective and it went into remission more often than not. But as many of you may know, the symptoms never stop lingering. It has cost me a few jobs, and has been a constant struggle. I have a few set-off foods, namely chocolate, tomatoes (especially ketchup or red sauces), root beer, and sports drinks. And, of course, alcohol. Sometimes beans and onions. Needless to say, it's been a chore to eat right and eat safe, especially since i've had roommates most of my adult life to help me through the harder times.
Crohn's isn't my only health issue, i'm also bipolar (Hi! I love you! NOW DIE!) and allergic to coconut. These are less of an issue, and fully treatable.
As for the good news, I have spent my massive downtime acting like an information sponge. I enjoy learning for learning's sake, and it has lead me to an on-and-off successful career as a computer technician, though work is horribly scarce right now. I am currently employed at a pork processing plant, and the work is quite grueling with often 50-72 hour weeks. It's filthy, disgusting, smelly, hard, frantic work. And the pay isn't terribly good. But in a way it's satisfying and it does keep the bills paid and the pillz going. I live with two roommates, who have done quite a lot for me and, usually, been there when I needed it. Including my most recent hospital stints. They have come to appreciate me and rely on me as well. It's a lower-class life for me, and it seems unfair, but I am content and easily pleased.
I enjoy playing a host of games, although in recent years i've become far less enthusiastic about the state of the industry. It seems games were just more fun when the graphics were simpler, the story less cryptic, and the gameplay more innovative. My newest gaming fetishes are everquest 2 and terraria. They're fun, I can't complain.
As for me, i'm a silly willy. I find that the best way to take life is with a rubber chicken and an oversized spoon. Not that it's very easy- I can be a real bear sometimes. As many of you are sure to know, life just seems to want to take a constant crap on you when you're permanently sick. So I count my blessings, and rejoice that today I ate.
Anyway, I joined with the intent of just sharing stories and advice, and hopefully getting some as well. I'm a very stubborn person and have tried to go it alone but, frankly, I just need some help. A friendly ear and some sound advice. So here I am. Be gentle. =)
