C
Crohn's 46
Guest
Hi! My name is Jennifer. I'm 22 years old and about to graduate from a private liberal arts college in May with a degree in Communication Studies. I have a wonderful Fiancé whom I love with all my heart and has been the hugest blessing in my life.
At 17 years old, my junior year in high school, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. By the time I was diagnosed, I was already in far stages. I had been having symptoms and lost lots of weight quickly, but didn't tell my parents about my symptoms and that I thought I was sick for 2 months. My brother was getting married and I didn't want to stress them out more.... not a good time for me to wait telling someone. My parents had found out at the wedding... my mom heard me and knew the sounds and symptoms. My oldest brother has UC (he was diagnosed at 18 yrs old, and is now 30). He is in full remission... they took his colon.
I was put on Prednisone for 1 year with no positive results. I also went through 3 different medications as a maintenance and daily medication. After having allergic reactions to all of those, I finally found Lialda. I have been taking Lialda every day for 5 years.
After the prednisone, I was put on a trial treatment, Remicaid. I have been on that treatment (an IV infusion that I do every 8 weeks) since I was 18. This drug has put me into remission and I am living a very normal and happy life. However, I still struggle with questions of why, anxiety of having to do IV treatments (they are quite draining), and the constant reminder of taking pills every day. I also have great fears of flair ups because I stress out easily. I still deal with a lot of nausea (I have chronic inflammation and history of stomach ulcers). However, my life is normal and I am doing better than I could have ever imagined.
I look forward to talking with you all and thanks for letting me be a part of this!
Also, just as a final note... I may be doing well now, but I went through what I'm sure we all did. Constant illness, fatigue, anger, stress, depression... I'm here to talk and learn and share experience.
At 17 years old, my junior year in high school, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. By the time I was diagnosed, I was already in far stages. I had been having symptoms and lost lots of weight quickly, but didn't tell my parents about my symptoms and that I thought I was sick for 2 months. My brother was getting married and I didn't want to stress them out more.... not a good time for me to wait telling someone. My parents had found out at the wedding... my mom heard me and knew the sounds and symptoms. My oldest brother has UC (he was diagnosed at 18 yrs old, and is now 30). He is in full remission... they took his colon.
I was put on Prednisone for 1 year with no positive results. I also went through 3 different medications as a maintenance and daily medication. After having allergic reactions to all of those, I finally found Lialda. I have been taking Lialda every day for 5 years.
After the prednisone, I was put on a trial treatment, Remicaid. I have been on that treatment (an IV infusion that I do every 8 weeks) since I was 18. This drug has put me into remission and I am living a very normal and happy life. However, I still struggle with questions of why, anxiety of having to do IV treatments (they are quite draining), and the constant reminder of taking pills every day. I also have great fears of flair ups because I stress out easily. I still deal with a lot of nausea (I have chronic inflammation and history of stomach ulcers). However, my life is normal and I am doing better than I could have ever imagined.
I look forward to talking with you all and thanks for letting me be a part of this!
Also, just as a final note... I may be doing well now, but I went through what I'm sure we all did. Constant illness, fatigue, anger, stress, depression... I'm here to talk and learn and share experience.
