Hi there everyone

[SarahJWills]

I am 33 years old and was diagnosed after months of illness (like so many others) with what they thought was Ulcerative Colitis in 1995. I was prescribed the dreaded prednisolone and also asacol and azathioprine. Slowly I became better and I have to say back to normal by the time I fell pregnant in 2000 with my son. I made the decision, rightly or wrongly to come off my meds, all okay until January of this year (New years eve to be precise, lucky me!) I was rushed into hospital with excrutiating pain in my right lower abdomen. To cut a long story short I had a right hemicolectomy and was diagnosed with crohns at that point - had terrible time in hospital recovering, truly awful. I now think that the crohns may be active again and am scared having already had surgey. I am having a barium follow through next week and am waiting on a appointment for a colonoscopy ( have had all of the investigations before so I know what to expect). Just like to mention how much I think bowel disease is linked to stress, my dad died very suddenly back in 94 before I first became ill, and my mum died after five years of horrible lung disease in October last year. Sorry if I've gone on a bit but I do feel sorry for myself at the moment - although its not all bad, I have a fantastic husband who is so supportive and a wonderful little boy. Finally would just like to say I was thrilled to find this forum it is good to read about other experiences that mirror your own.

 

[Nancy Lee]

Hello Sarah and welcome to the forum!

I am pleased you found us as now you can talk with those
of us who have been there, and maybe still are there.
It really helps to be in contact with others who understand.
AND we do understand.

That's one thing about this disease...you never know when it's going to
raise it's ugly head.

Yes, we do feel sorry for ourselves at time...
but we must try to remain positive and look at our loved ones
and see how much we have.

I too believe stress has a lot to do with Crohn's,
and I am so sorry for the loss of your parents.

Please feel free to ask questions and roam the forums and read..
you'll find others have been and still are in the same boat.

Once again, welcome!
Healing hugs~Nancy

 

[Kev]

Hi Sarah, Welcome to the forum. Sorry for your troubles. Hope you find both comfort & solace here...

 

[Cara Fusinato]

Hang in there. Get a second opinion if you don't agree with what is presented to you. I know my first GI doc was horrible. He wanted to immediately resection and get me on all the really intense meds. With time, trial & error, patience, and care, I was able to find a way to get things under control. Here, a year later, I haven't had surgery and have improved so much. You are right; stress is a huge huge factor. Best wishes and welcome to the forum.

 

[soupdragon69]

Hi Sarah,

Welcome to the Forum! Share the good and the rough days with us, we will always understand...

The rollercoaster of Crohn's is one we all want to get off or at least have a little bit of a level run for a while.

I have recently had barium, colonoscopy and a few other tests so will be thinking of you (even if you have had them before they are tiring eh?).

Just take each day as it comes and think of it as a day closer to having rested and feeling better. Easier said than done when you want relief but it has helped me cope in recent weeks along with the support from everyone here. They are a fantastic bunch.

Keep posting. We will always listen or throw in our tuppence worth where we can.

Jan

 

[SarahJWills]

Thanks

Thank you for the welcome obviously there are huge gaps in my story but I know I dont have to say it all when talking to people who have gone through it and are going through it. :smile: