Hello, new to the forum...

[yankeegrl711]

Hi. I normally don't join forums but I have been inspired to join this forum after reading all the wonderful support you guys give to each other! :medal1:

Looking back now, my Crohn's "adventure" probably started when I was about 5 yrs old. I was a sickly looking kid who did not like to eat because it gave me stomachaches. My family thought that I just wanted to stay at home and not go to school. Ha ha, I wish. Things got better, but every so often I would have pains.
My diagnosis adventure started in 2002 with abdominal pains that were diagnosised as gall stones. After surgery, the abdominal pains did not get better and after several months, I was finally sent to my GI Superman. (I was very fortunate in finding an awesome doctor on the first go-round!) After what I thought were embarassing :redface: questions and tests, I was officially diagnosised in 2003.
Ahhhh, it was a relief to know what was wrong with me. It had a name and I could curse it! That didn't help the pain but it made me feel better mentally. I know that even after almost 8 years, I am still trying to understand and cope with Crohn's. Then, there was my family.... I have seen on the posts here that you all know what I mean! Folks seem to speak before they think, especially family. From the "you don't look sick" to "you need to lose/gain weight" to "what's wrong, don't youlike my food/cooking". If I could only honestly answer you! :ytongue:

I have gained many things on this journey so far. I am learning: more about living with Crohn's everyday, to keep positive thoughts, the ability to speak up for myself and speak out for others, take care of myself so I can take care of others, and enjoy everything you can.

 

[Jennifer]

I can relate to the still trying to cope with the diagnosis feeling after ___ years. Its tough and you're right, family never makes it easier. I'm glad you found us! Welcome to the forum!

 

[xJillx]

Hi Yankeegrl and welcome! Ugh, I hate the "you don't look sick"! I have gotten that a few times. But it seems like you still manage to have a very positive attitude and have learned some important lessons in life that some never learn; I especially like the "take care of myself so I can take care of others". That is so true! I have read stories of so many who won't give themselves time to properly heal and do too much, because they don't want to "neglect" their family and friends. But if you get worse, then where does that leave you? Well said!!

 

[SarahAnne]

Welcome from another sickly kid!

I was diagnosed at 19, but suffered with the CD as a young child so I can relate. Forums like this are fantastic! I have a wonderful, understanding husband and sometimes even he just DOESN'T GET IT. It doesn't matter how creative your vocabulary is, you can't truly make someone understand what it's like to have this disease. It's such a relief to talk to other people who know what it's like to run out of the supermarket, leaving a basket full of stuff behind because you feel that pain in your tummy. Or wake up too late at 3am and have to change your clothes and sheets.

We all need someone who understands to laugh and cry with.

 

[yankeegrl711]

Thanks for the welcome Crabby and Jill!

Some of my lessons were harder to learn and "cost" me more than others! If me sharing what little knowledge I have helps someone else, I am more than happy to give.

 

[yankeegrl711]

Thanks SarahAnne,

You are right, I think that only someone who has this truely understands, despite every colorful description you could give it.