Hello Everyone

[Jennifer]

I was diagnosed with Crohns when I was 9 years old and am now 27. I've been on high doses of Prednisone many times and have stretch marks from it and was made fun of in school because I looked fat from it. I had a central IV for a year after my diagnosis. I had my surgery almost 10 years ago where they removed my ilium, appendix and 8" of my intestine. I've also battled depression for years. Living in the US and having to deal with the health care system makes this even more of a nightmare. I was forced to grow up quickly but it's made me wiser, stronger and more understanding (although I bet there's a better way to do all of those rather than snatch someone's childhood).

I still have problems with my illness and have other illnesses on top of it such as insomnia, an irregular heart beat, panic attacks, and depression. I'll admit that I'm still bitter to this day.

I joined this forum to help answer anyone's questions and to get answers for myself and to also share a common understanding.

 

[imisspopcorn]

:welcome: Crabbyrelish...This is a great place for support and information. I am glad you found us.

 

[Pirate]

Welcome Crabby. I to have suffered from insomnia, panick attacks and depression. I also had a central line, but it didn't last any where near as long as yours. Mine fell out after about 3 weeks. Just slide out. When I noticed that it was hanging out further we headed for the ER and by the time we got there it was completely out so they decided to leave it out.
Maybe by joining the rest of us Crohnies it will help you overcome you bitterness. We enjoy a lot of laughs here plus share some tears.

 

[IfIcanDoItUcanDoIt]

I feel your pain

I was diagnosed with Crohns when I was 9 years old and am now 27. I've been on high doses of Prednisone many times and have stretch marks from it and was made fun of in school because I looked fat from it. I had a central IV for a year after my diagnosis. I had my surgery almost 10 years ago where they removed my ilium, appendix and 8" of my intestine. I've also battled depression for years. Living in the US and having to deal with the health care system makes this even more of a nightmare. I was forced to grow up quickly but it's made me wiser, stronger and more understanding (although I bet there's a better way to do all of those rather than snatch someone's childhood).

I still have problems with my illness and have other illnesses on top of it such as insomnia, an irregular heart beat, panic attacks, and depression. I'll admit that I'm still bitter to this day.

I joined this forum to help answer anyone's questions and to get answers for myself and to also share a common understanding.

I was diagnosed some 30 years ago. I've had 4 intestanal resechions. I too suffer from panic attacks/anxyaty, and depression. I have been haveing a lot of trouble lately and have aggreed to have a colonoscopy next week. I'm fearing more surgery. I lost my health insurance years ago which opens up an other can of worms. When I get down I try to think of how much I love my family and try to spend as much time with them as I can. I have one daughter, soninlaw, and 2 grankids. It sucks how nobody really understands how you can feel ok one min. and feel really bad the next. The waves of nasusa and sudden diarrhea.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Welcome Crabby & If I can do it... lots of help from others who can share their experiences and knowledge. I love to help people too, and I have learned a great deal, because you can't find it in books or sometimes even a doctor. No one knows how you feel like we do!

This disease is tricky to dx and like IFCDI the waves of nausea and D,,, you never know when or where it will start.

Hope you both stick around and be a part of this forum!

 

[pain in the butt]

HI CrabbyRelish Im a new member too. these guys here are awesome this place has already helped me. It really sucks that you had to battle this at such a young age Im so sorry. you mentioned living in the US have you lived else were before. because I have lived in the netherland before but of course it was before I got sick to bad because my niece over there has Crohns and she tells me about the medical part and boy what a difference. She has know problem in that department. I on the other hand can relate with insurance and medical bills and suplies I need a cant afford It doesnt help with depression thats for sure. Maybe theres some info out here that can help. dont know myself yet. but i do know this is the place to be everyone is awesome.

 

[pain in the butt]

just a note to everyone . never want anyone to miss understand me about the part with my niece . she is going through hell and wouldn't want anyboby out there to think that if some of us have issues with insurance / money etc. and someone doesn't .That I ment to minamize anyones pain or stuggles . dont want to ever be misunderstood. new to all this . I care about everybody out here.






;]

 

[uab grad student]

Hi Crabby,

Welcome to the forum! You have come to a great place. I also have depression and anxiety, and I think when I"m stressed out it only makes my flares worse. I'm currently on Celexa for my mood and has helped me a lot. Are you on anything for your mood? I think getting your anxiety and depression under control would help you tremendously, I personally would make it as much of a priority as your Crohn's. Some clinics and churches offer free counseling (I know psychs are not cheap) and you can always talk to your GP and ask for an antidepressant you could buy cheaply, some are available on the $4 list at Wal-Mart.

Hope you feel better soon and know that everyone is here for you on the forum.

 

[Peaches]

:welcome: Crabby!! Well...I'd be a bit crabby too if I was diagnosed at such a young age. This disease can take a lot from a person. I hope that there is still some optimism left in you and that you find support here. It is a great place to share information as well as get support when you need it! We are glad you have joined :O)

 

[Guestly]

Welcome!

 

[Jennifer]

you mentioned living in the US have you lived else were before.

No I haven't but I do like to travel when I can and am aware of universal health care in many places.

To be more clear, I do have health insurance. I've had Medi-Cal since I was diagnosed. It's free but you have to be considered disabled through Social Security. The problem with Medi-Cal is that they constantly stop paying for certain things like dentistry (unless it's a dental emergency), psychologists/mental therapy and even medications (I haven't taken any medicine for Crohns in well over a year because they stopped paying for it and the 2 medicines came to about $600/month). Not to mention hardly any doctor out there accepts Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal doesn't have a list of doctors you can see so you have to call around. On top of that many of the places who do accept Medi-Cal won't accept you if you're over 18 years old. It's a HUGE hassle and the worst health insurance I've ever heard of. Yes some is better than none but I'd rather have universal health care so I can actually live.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. And yes my name is Crabby cause I'm crabby about my health.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Hi Crabby-
You sure sound like you could use a little boost. We are here for you, whatever you need. Vent away, we'll listen. We understand your frustration like those at home may not be able to do.
Welcome to the forum.
MBH