Hello :)

[hannah-rose]

hello

Hello all,

I'm Hannah I'm 23 and I'm from the UK, I've not been diagnosed yet but my current colorectal surgeon suspects I have crohn's disease.

I went to my GP about 18 months ago after sufferig from anal fissures since the age of eight. She referred me to a colorectal surgeon and I begun traditional fissure treatments. 6 months later no change and I'd developed an infection so I was booked in for a curretage. Before I had the operation the infection got really bad and the fissure turned into a large ulcer. (It was bloody agony). I had the procedure to clean the wound and my surgeon took biopsys in which he found some granulomas. I've been taking care of my little ulcer since the op in January and it's lovely and healthy and pain free but it WILL NOT HEAL. I've had a blood test, abdominal CT, and colonoscopy. Blood test was a teensy bit abnormal, CT and colonoscopy were both normal. Been taking Pentasa for about two months with no improvement to my condition. Been prescribed pred but haven't begun taking it yet, because my surgeon is horrible so I'm finding a new one. Other than my little bum problem I'm fit and well so just waiting on a diagnosis and treatment that will finally work.

Other than that I graduated from Uni after studying English Literature two years ago, love spending time with my friends, travel (spent three months in Ghana, West Africa, really want to see the rest of the world), really want a career in the charity sector preferably international development or anything which involves travel and volunteering, and I really want to move to London. Very positive, happy, optimistic person

Lovely to meet you all and thanks for reading!

Hannah xx

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: Hannah-rose. You have come to a place where we all understand how you feel and some of us have had your problems and some have others. It is great that you have such a positive outlook on life, that will go along way. Pentasa is one of the drugs that are first given in the milder stages. Did your doctor not put you on antibiotics for the infections? I know you havent been diagnosed formally but Crohns is very hard to fully diagnose, some are still waiting but still are being treated for it.

You could mention the biologics to your Gi or doctor and see what they say, it could be a life saver for you.

Many people here from the Uk, so they will get out of bed and help you :lol: Welcome aboard!!!

 

[hannah-rose]

Hi Pen, thanks for the welcome

No, my surgeon didn't put me on antibiotics when I had an infection. One of the many reasons I'm looking for a new one!

This may seem like a silly question but whats biologics??

Also, people keep referring to GI, does that stand for gastro-intestinal?

Thanks for your help,

Hannah

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Hannah and welcome!

Glad you're generally feeling okay except for the ulcer. No antibiotics with an infection?? That's crazy!

Bilogics are drugs like Remicade and Humira - anti=TNF agents. They are immunosuppressants and basically work to knock your immune system back to normal so it doesn't keep attacking your body.

Good luck getting a diagnosis soon. You sound like an upbeat person - a positive attitude goes a long way with this disease!

- Amy

 

[Crohn's 35]

Thanks Amy.. Hanna, sorry you are a newbie and I get carried away :yfaint: Amy has mentioned the biologics.

A Gi is a Gastroenologist, who specializes in bowel disorders. From my experience an internist is not the same, Gi's are better in my opinion. Had crohns 20 years and have had both. I would get a new doctor too, and sooner the better because relief can take time. :goodluck:

 

[hannah-rose]

Thanks guys, think Im beginning to understand more now. My colorectal surgeon has scheduled for me to see a gastroenterologist for a second opinion soon so that should be good. From reading this forum only just for a couple of days I feel so much more informed and I'm writing a list of questions for when I see my new doctor. I feel positive!

 

[CDDad]

Hi Hannah,
Welcome to the forum. That ulcer does not sound like fun - ouch! But at least it's pain free now. Good luck finding a new surgeon - and I hope you can get it to heal one of these days.

Also, I don't think you mentioned any other symptoms you are having - besides the fissures.

Good luck and I hope you can continue with all those plans in your original post.

 

[hannah-rose]

Hi Hannah,
Welcome to the forum. That ulcer does not sound like fun - ouch! But at least it's pain free now. Good luck finding a new surgeon - and I hope you can get it to heal one of these days.

Also, I don't think you mentioned any other symptoms you are having - besides the fissures.

Good luck and I hope you can continue with all those plans in your original post.

Heya, thanks for the welcome. Nope its not fun, its frustrating!

I'm not suffering any other symptoms at the moment. I've never had any 'tummy trouble' or abdominal pain etc. That's why I'm finding it hard to believe my ulcer could be crohns. My only symptom is/was fissures. Whatever is wrong with me I'm hoping this is as bad as its gna get n I'm just grateful that my quality of life is what it is. If I've learnt anything since all these hospital appointments its to be grateful for what I have, never take anything for granted and make the most of every day. Its really heartbreaking to read all these posts from people who've had such a hard time and whatever happens I'll never take my health for granted again. I know how lucky I am.

Hannah

 

[CDDad]

Well that is interesting. They say Crohn's can strike anywhere from the mouth to the anus, so I guess it is possible to be Crohn's. It's just you don't hear about too many people with Crohn's limited to just anal fissures.

I wonder what the Pentasa is for? I wouldn't think it would help the anal fissures, and you don't have a problem in the illeum or colon. Unless your doc, suspecting Crohn's, just wants you on a relatively safe maintanence drug.

 

[Jennjenn]

Welcome Hannah

I hope that they are able to help you with that fissure soon.

 

[breezygirl19]

i had and have anal fissures and ulcers but also Had many other things wrong and I have Chrons.

 

[hannah-rose]

I wondered that about the Pentasa too. Not sure what my surgeon was hoping for it to achieve. But it doesn't matter anymore, because I've got rid of him I'm seeing a private doctor soon who comes highly recommended and my GP has said because I clearly don't have any inflammation in my body I shouldn't take the steroids.

Thanks for the welcome guys Sorry to hear your suffering breezygirl19, anal fissures suck, I hope you feel better soon.