Hi guys

[Ajs]

Well hello all, thought I'd introduce myself after lurking on here for a while. I'm a 24 year old PhD student from the uk and I was diagnosed with crohns a couple of years ago. I recently finished a course of preds so thankfully my stomach isn't too bad at the moment but we'll see how long that lasts I guess.

I had my first abscess about 6 weeks ago which was quite a nasty experience, by the time I had it removed it was 'impressively large' according to the surgeon. The wound has almost healed up now but the skin around there is still quite firm so I'm worried there might be a problem with it...

Along with the usual regular trips to the toilet I also have quite a bad problem with dry skin on my hands which never completely goes away other than when I'm on steroids, anyone else have the same?

 

[Angrybird]

Hello Ajs and welcome to the forum. Are you on any maintainence meds for your crohns now the pred is finished? How are things now tummy wise? With regards to the dry skin do you know if your vitamin levels ever been checked? If not I would ask you doc to get them all tested and ask them for the specific levels, it is common for us crohnies to be deficient in these and many problems can arise if the correct supplementation is not given. I have not had an abscess myself (and I feel incredibly lucky about this) but do check out our fistula/abscess sub forum to get advice on this particular query: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76.

Glad you have decided to join, sending best wishes.

AB
xx

 

[Ajs]

Thanks, yeah I'm on pentasa for maintenance atm and I had a blood test last week as I was worried that there seemed to be more blood in my stools than usual (although only been going 2-3 times per day since the preds). The blood seems less the last few days although i'll still be seeing the specialist at the hospital soon.