Hello, just diagnosed with Crohn's

[Joe43]

Hi everyone. I'm 20 years old and was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease this past Wednesday. My story probably isn't very interesting, but I just wanted to introduce myself and give my background I guess.

This past May, I started noticing some stomach problems. I was starting to get upset stomachs more than usual, but when I was younger I would get "tummy aches" fairly often, so I didn't make much of it. I stopped eating the spicy food that I love so much, and it seemed to get better for a while. Well, as the summer progressed, it came back and just got worse and worse, until in August I would get severe, sharp pains anytime I ate anything, and so stopped eating mostly. Naturally, I lost a lot of wait, and since I didn't weigh much to begin with, this was a big problem. After going to the ER for a very high fever (which turned out to be unrelated I guess), I finally had to admit something was wrong with me.

I went to see a GI doctor. Basically did some blood tests and scheduled a colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy. I started getting better with no treatment in between my initial visit and the colonoscopy, so I thought maybe I would just be fine. Nope, Crohn's disease, oh well. Pathology report came back and essentially confirmed it (everything else was negative and it looked like Crohn's anyway). Oh, also after the colonoscopy it started getting worse again.

I just started taking 40mg prednisone yesterday. It's making me kind of making me foggy headed and distracted, which I didn't see on the list of common side effects. I did notice a prednisone forum so I'll ask about it there, but if anyone who happens to be reading this could provide some info that would be great.

Anyways, that's what's going on with me. Nice to meet you guys!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Welcome to the website. The effects of prednisone can be both physical and mental so you shouldn't be too concerned with the symptoms that you're experiencing. Unfortunately it is both a wonderful drug that helps to bring about a reduction in inflammation but also has so many horrible side effects.

 

[Honey]

Hi there, and welcome,
That is the nature of bowel disease, no matter how good your diet or what food you avoid, it can cause pain and dia.. I hope all goes well for you in your tests. It takes time to get a good diagnosis, and then find the right meds for you. We are all individuals and respond as such to meds. I am currently on Prednisolone, I am not sure if that steroid is the same as yours? I tire easily and my blood pressure has gone up on it. I am currently trying meds for the latter.
Steroids can reduce the inflammation which causes pain. They are not meant for long time though. I hope my info helps. Best wishes. Let me know how you get on.
:sun::welcome:

 

[Axelfl3333]

Welcome to club none us wanted to join!you,ll find bucket loads of good advice on here dietary,exercise and treatment,the thing to remember is with patience and perseverance
It will get better you may have to adapt slightly diet and lifestyle wise.the light at the end of the tunnel isn't,t the oncoming train.good luck

 

[Joe43]

Thanks for the welcome guys. I'm glad to here the side effects are normal. Hopefully I can avoid the worst ones. Looks like a nice community which is very comforting.