Hello from Pennsylvania

[chas-chuck]

Hello all from Pennsylvania. I am a soon to be 44 year old who has been struggling with crohns for 14 years. I was in remission for many years up the past year. I have had 4 surgeries ie. Fistulas and Abcess's, 3 setons and a ten day stint in the hospital due to being Neutrapenic from an overdose of 6mp. I am struggling with gaining weight while carefully watching the foods that i eat. I am currently on Humira, taking multi vitamins, Vitamin D3, and probiotics. I have been on remicade infusions(stoopidly took myself off), flagly, cipro, asacol, lialda, Proctofoam and prednisone. I was finally able to return back to work in early february however my job warrants me to travel much of the day. My life has changed so dramatically over the last year that sometimes i don't know who i am some days. I was once a social person with an active life but now i stay at home and feel that life is passing me by. I feel guilty for not attending my children's social or sporting events however the anxiety is so great it it supercedes my parental obligation. I am bone tired of this feeling of hopelessness but not even mike Tyson in his prime can stop me from trying to regain the Man, Husband and Father i use to be.

 

[Mark63]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

There's lots of good information and a whole bunch of helpful and supportive people on here, so I hope that you find what you need.

I really understand how you feel as my own story is so very similar. Drugs tried, a whole load of surgeries and having to make changes in my job. Time is definitely passing me by and it's most noticeable when events come up on the social calender as I've had to give-up so many of the things I enjoyed. I'm lucky to have a very supportive partner and she tries really hard to understand the difficulties that this disease poses for me. I guess at the end of the day we just have to adapt and make the best of things.

Regards,

Mark

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Chas-Chuck and welcome!

We have all been there, trust me. The one big aspect of Crohn's that the doctors never warn about is how it can completely debilitate you and whisk your life away and leave you depressed and longing for better days. But as you read around the forum, you will find many, many of us that have fought our way back and now have a normal life - normal yet different than it was before our disease changed us.

So, hang in there. Have a read around and get to know all of the fine people on here. There's lots of good advice and information, as well as emotional support.

Where are you from in PA?

-Amy

 

[chas-chuck]

Thanks Amy for your supportive response. I actually have been following this forum for a while however i have a "back seat" personality. I finally realized that this disease is not going away and i need to start coming to the "front of the bus." I have learned more about this disease from reading the threads on this forum than i have from all the DR's that i have been dealing with the past 14 years. For many years in my remission it always seemed like the sun was always shining on me but for the past year it seems that there has been storm clouds specifically over my head, constantly dark and gloomy, rain that would not let up. Now the sun is wanting to peak out once again and i think its time for me to put my umbrella up and enjoy what little sun is given I hope you understand what i was trying to say in all this. Thanks again. Glad to be a member. Hope your surgery is coming along. I also may be getting the same surgery.

By the way, i am from Williamsport, Pa(central Pa) know as the Home of little Leaque baseball or the Little leaque world series. Are your orginally from pottstown?

 

[xJillx]

Hi Chas-Chuck and welcome from one Pennsylvanian to another! I am so sorry your years of remission had to come to an end. How long have you been on Humira? I hope it gets your Crohn's back under control soon and can help ease your anxiety!

I look forward to seeing you around!

 

[chas-chuck]

Thanks jill, my Pennsylvanian sister. glad to be apart of this forum all of you are very knowledgable and supportive. We crohnies have to stick together. Remember there is power in numbers.

Charles

 

[ameslouise]

By the way, i am from Williamsport, Pa(central Pa) know as the Home of little Leaque baseball or the Little leaque world series. Are your orginally from pottstown?

I am an import to PA. I'm originally from CT but came here by way of Chicago, where I was living when I met my husband.

I like your analogies! Yes, the sun wants to peek out, but sometimes you need to help it along!

If you are interested in making a couple hour trip to Philly next weekend, Jill and I are both going to the IBD education day at Jefferson Hospital sponsored by CCFA.

Hang in there - here's to sunnier days!

- Amy

PS Do you prefer Chas or Chuck?!

 

[chas-chuck]

Thanks Amy. Trust me i have been called many things in my life so either name is welcome. Wish i could make it sounds just what i need to be apart of. Oh well i know you and jill will share all the wonderful and helpful information for all of us to hear about. Have fun and keep all us all in mind.

charles.

 

[AndiGirl]

Welcome, Charles! This forum is terrific please make yourself at home.

 

[chas-chuck]

Thank AndiGirl. I already do feel at home, but becareful when you say that because there is always that person who just won't leave when you tell them "make yourself at home." I had a relative who asked to say with me for a couple days and ended up staying for a year.(LOL).

chas-chuck

 

[Sha0913]

I am an import to PA. I'm originally from CT but came here by way of Chicago, where I was living when I met my husband.

I like your analogies! Yes, the sun wants to peek out, but sometimes you need to help it along!

If you are interested in making a couple hour trip to Philly next weekend, Jill and I are both going to the IBD education day at Jefferson Hospital sponsored by CCFA.

Hang in there - here's to sunnier days!

- Amy

PS Do you prefer Chas or Chuck?!

Hey amy, i live in NJ but am treated in Philadelphia, I have plans to go to the Jefferson education day if all plans stay together, maybe I will get to meet you and Jill. Shannon

 

[Astra]

Hiya Charles
and welcome

You can stay as long as you want luv!
Us Crohnies must stay together, united we stand, divide we fall!
Enjoy the forum, loads of friends here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[slightlysilly]

Welcome Chas-charles!

From another transplanted Pennsylvanian (by way of Long Island!)

Cheers!