Here it goes...

[Em x]

Hi all!

Im a 23year old who has been suffering with 'tummy problems' since i was 15. Docs put it down to IBS until colonoscopy in jan showed UC. Ive been given pred enemas and asacol but they dont seem to have worked as i have recently had a 26 day flare up, its been the worst 4 weeks i have ever experienced with crippling pain and constant diarrhoea even every hour through the night! (sorry if too much info!) I had an MRI scan yesterday as the doc now believes i may have crohns. In a way im hoping they do diagnose crohns as im exhausted of the 'not knowing'. I get so down as i am only 23 and want to be out with my friends enjoying my life but instead im glued to the toilet for weeks on end, and when i do venture out im always anxious that im going to flare.... grr! anyways sorry for moaning and a big hello to you all xxxx

 

[PsychoJane]

Hi Emx!
It's never easy to be sick, especially not at that age when you feel like everyone around you is living a happy carefree life. I hope for you they will establish a proper diagnosis quickly and that you will get a treatment that helps you manage these symptoms sometime soon. You are probably living the hardest part, that grey zone where the answers are still unclear but stay strong, better days should come once they get you on appropriate treatment. I hope you find your way to remission quickly!
Good luck
~J~

 

[Em x]

Thank you! its so nice to be able to come on here and speak to people who know what youre going through. Do you know how long it takes to get MRI results? xx

 

[buckers]

Your not a lone m8, keep strong focus your mind, this will releive some of the pain, takes time and a lot of patience.
Let us know how you get on.

 

[rygon]

Hi im 28 and been diagnosed about 3yrs ago (wow doesnt time fly). I found the predfoam to help a bit, but asacol was pretty much useless. Have they talked about going on any other meds (azathioprine, infliximab etc)?

You may want to look at what you eat and drink as that can cause issues (ive had to stop eating a drinking a few things). Maybe a food diary will help.

Lastly it may be worth taking some small polthene bags, spare pair of pants, tissue and wet wipes (for your hands) in your bag. Sure it will come in handy one time (I keep mine in my car). At least you can go out and not worry too much if you need to go

 

[Angrybird]

Hello Em and welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so poorly at the moment. Has your GI changed anything treatment wise yet for you? Have you got an appt booked to see them soon? I agree with rygon that whilst you wait for results and new meds? it may be worth looking at what you are eating as diet has been shown to at least help with symptoms, depending on how bad you are feeling it may be worth asking your doc about a liquiud only diet for a little while to helps calm things down.....

Hope you can be feeling better soon, pls keep us updated on how you are getting on.

AB
xx

 

[Bld]

Hi Em and welcome to the forum! I agree the worst part is waiting for the diagnosis and getting settled on meds that work for you. Hopefully it won't be too long before you get some answers and things start to improve.

 

[nikimazur]

I feel your frustration. I'm 23 and have been diagnosed for a little over a year, yet am still trying to cope. Even though you are waiting on results, don't let one single blood or diagnostic test hang over your head. Yes it is going to take some, well a lot of getting used to, but in time you find out what works and doesn't work for you, where the closest bathrooms are, and find things to enjoy or to keep your sanity. It's hard but just gotta keep moving on

 

[Em x]

Thanks for all your replies. i was on a liquid diet for about 3 weeks. Things seem to have calmed down at the moment so im sticking to foods that i know are 'safe' like rice etc. I have an appointment next thursday to see GI, im hoping he has the results from my recent MRI (fingers crossed!) xx

 

[Angrybird]

Glad things have improved for you, let us know how the appt goes next week.

AB
xx