Hello, New to CD looking for support

[Mommy of 2]

Hi there,
My name is Terri and I have been recently diagnosed with CD. I have had horrible abdominal pain for about 3 months and after many dr's appts and a few trips to the ER, blood, urine, breath tests, CT scans and colonoscopy, they finally discovered Crohns. I was just released from a 5 day stay in the hospital and perscribed Prednisone, calicum, vitiman D and Tylenol 3's for the pain. The Dr was NOT very informative and didnt really expain the reasons for any of these meds. I have reseaarched the preds and find them to be quite scary! As well as the tylenol 3's are not working for pain
Will I feel this way forever? I have read you can still live a happy "normal" life but the past 3 months have been horrible!
Any help and info is SO appreciated!! Thanks again all

 

[lynx]

My original GI doctor told me I had Ulcerative Colitis. Turns out I have had Crohn's all along along but that is not really his fault as they both are very similar in symptoms. At any rate this forum is a great place to start in finding out and sharing information. Welcome to it. . I am new myself to this forum. I hope you can find some peace. It is hard but hang in there.

 

[Lucy]

:welcome:Hello Terri and welcome to the forum. I'm glad you found us and yes you will find wonderful helpful people on here. Lots of information to read, and many will respond with good info too. First you need to be happy with your GI if not find a new one that you like. Ask questions, write them down before your appt. so you don't forget. Did your GI say how long you will be on pred.? Do they want to try anything else other than that? Sometimes with CD it's trial and error to see what works best for you. Watch your diet that might help with the pain too. Food diary to keep track of what foods cause you the most problems so you can stay away from them. I may be telling you things you already know. I hope you find the help you need to get better soon. Keep us updated and hope you stick around.
:getwell::getwell::goodluck::getwell::getwell:

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: to the forum and fellow Canadian !!HI Mommy of 2.. Most doctors are not informative, even though I love my current (soon to retire) Gi I knew practically more than he with the new meds. I learned alot from this forum, new stuff comes up and is posted on here from some who do alot of research. A least he mentioned Vitamin D, and Calcium, because with Prednisone since it eats calcium you need it. The Vitamin D absorbs the Calcium, and helps fight diseases. Most doctors dont mention the vitamins much. I take Tylenol 3's and only take half, but my pain may not be as bad as yours. No, we don't all suffer all the time, stick to a low residue diet and avoid stress. With two kids that isn't always easy. Above all look after yourself and get plenty of sleep.

If your pain isn't taken away soon, you could be in the mod to severe stages. Maybe looking into the biologics like Remicade could really help you. Prednisone does work but not a favoured drug by us or doctors to be on long term. Sorry to babble, hope you join our community!!!!

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Terri and :welcome:

I'm glad you found your way here. This is a fab place with loads of support and info so please stick around. Good luck and welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Astra]

Hi Terri
and welcome

The doc has given you Pred to blitz your current inflammation, it healed me nicely. Try not to fret about the scary stories about Pred, everyone is different, I'm tapering off now, and I haven't had any side effects, other than wizzing round, full of energy! Use this energy to it's full advantage!
I was given Codeine Phosphate in hospital, it's a pain killer but it also stops diarrhea in it's tracks, it has some disadvantages tho, it can be habit forming, and it makes you sleepy, not ideal with 2 small kids, but if taken at bedtime, you will get some relief.
Also have a read thro the sections on diet, the low residue diet is good, it gives your bowels a rest and reduces D. Always works for me!
glad you found us, you're no longer alone!
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[Dexky]

Welcome Terri!! I can't add to the good advice you've been given. I'd just like to reinforce what Lucy says. Write down your questions so you can get the info you need to make informed decisions. Do you know where your crohns is located? What meds are your doc going to rx after the pred? Good luck!!

 

[joe1984]

Hi Terri and welcome. I hope that everything goes well with your course of treatment. This forum is a great place for information. I have found that most of my questions are already answered somewhere in the forum. I still do alot of outside research but this is a great place for information but it is an even better place for support.

 

[Mommy of 2]

Thanks so much for all the advise everyone!
This whole thing is very concerning to me and causing some anxiety!
As far as the pred's im currently on 30mg/day. Right now I have a 4 week prescription and the Dr said his office will contact me for an follow up.
As far as the runs, I dont get them that often. I can go 3-5 days without having a BM at all then I can be going all day... Does that happen to anyone else too??

 

[Lucy]

No I go about 5 times a day everyday and I'm on Humira. I hope you start feeling better soon.