Here I am

[Paislee]

Ok so I am not really good at these intro things, so here is my best shot. My name is Pamela, I am 30 years old, live in Newfoundland, Canada and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2002. I started getting symptoms in late 2000, to which I got the run around from many doctors, everything from ulcers, to bad period pain, I even had on doctor tell me that it was all in my head. This took a major toll on me physically and emotionally. Soon after I got really depressed and gave up everything, work, school you name it. One day I was in so much pain I crawled out of bed and to the emergency department I went. I refused to leave until something was done, until someone could tell me something other than its all in my head. After 8 hours and a battery of tests they found inflammation on a CT scan. I was then admitted to hospital for bowel rest and further testing. I was relieved that I finally had answers but terrified that now I have a disease that will follow me throughout my life. The years that followed were a mixed mess of emotions, I struggled hard with depression that no one seemed to understand, and this "invisible" disease that people though was a way of trying to find attention. They couldn't have been more wrong.

I have been fairly symptomless after my initial diagnosis but I am paying for that now. Unfortunately I am going through a major flare at the moment and did have to spend time in the hospital. I try everyday not to let this disease get me down, but let me tell you the last few days have been hard. I do not want to go back to my darker days in my twenties but can't help but feel the same emotions I did back then. I am a lot stronger and wiser now that I have done my research over the years and my depression is not as bad, although I still do have panic attacks from time to time. Stress causes a lot of problems for me, when I'm upset then I will feel the pain shortly after. I have struggled with diet as it is so different from person to person. I suffer from extra intestinal symptoms as well. I have arthritis in my right knee and right wrist, and also get a lot of back pain. As if Crohn's wasn't bad enough.

Right now I have been prescribed prednisone for a short period of time to get my flare under control and am continuing as usual on Pentasa. Not a fan of steroids at all, it actually scares me and was reluctant to even start taking them, but I have to get better. This flare itself has been really unusual, I'm experiencing symptoms I have never had before. It really scared me when it appeared. Does anyone get a lot of mucus when going to the bathroom? Like I said this is new to me and I couldn't see my specialist because he is on holidays. The doctors I have seen have said it was just a bad flare and should clear up once the meds kick in, but I have not seen any improvement in my symptoms. This disease is just so complicated.

I could go on about this I'm sure but it's late where I am and I need my rest. Thanks everyone for listening to my story :smile: I'm sure you will see me around the forums.

 

[gigirl]

Sorry you are having so many problems! The mucus is common with Crohn's and it may take weeks to get better. If you continue to have severe pain, please contact your doctor again. They may need to add an antibiotic, like Flagyl. Hope you feel better soon

 

[Slim Johnson]

Yeah, mucous is normal for Chronies... For me, it comes and goes regardless of whether or not I am on medication for CD. I also am guilty of having increased symptoms from stress, and depression. I have an argument, and within minutes I am feeling it in my gut. Sometimes it will even trigger a bm, which can be embarrassing..

Have you tried fish oil in conjunction with your medical treatments? I have found some relief in using it, and it is cheaper and easier on the system than pentasa, or asocol.

I can also empathize with the depression. It is important that you have someone you can talk to when you get down. Nothing worse than bottling up bad feelings. I lost a friend to CD two years ago, because he had no outlets.

 

[Trysha]

Hello Paislee,
You are not alone with these Crohn's symptoms and many of us on the forum can relate and sympathise with you.
It is good that you have joined us and there will be plenty of people along to talk and commiserate with you.
If your symptoms continue it might be advisable to let your docs know, they will be able to help you.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[OnMyOwn]

Thanks for posting Paislee - I can completely relate on the depression you are feeling. I was only diagnosed a year ago but am already headed into my second surgery for a bowel resection. It can be scary to think about how this disease impacts our lives - mostly because we can't predict when or how or to what extent it will impact our lives (makes planning the future pretty difficult!). I have felt alone in this battle so far and am thankful to you for sharing. I hope for the best of health to you and that your medication regimen is effective in controlling the Crohn's.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and :welcome: to the forum. It is not unusual for symptoms to change with a crohns flare and mucus is normal for most of us, I think it is even present for people who don't have an IBD but on a much smaller scale... I would agree that if you don't start to feel better quite soon then you need to get back in contact with the GI as stronger meds may be required.

Really pleased you have decided to join us, there is a lot of help and support available here. I hope you can feel better soon, please keep us updated on how you are getting on.