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How crohns started for me.

Ladies and gentlefolk this is my story. It pretty much started for me around Mid 2010 wasn’t feeling well, tired, and sleeping irregularly. I just chalked it to my job, (heavy construction) unable to sleep, poor eating habits. Then the nauseous started in and that start to concern me a bit. It got to the point where I would occasionally vomit (sorry if offends) after meals.

At that time I had no idea what was going on, I didn’t seek any medical advice or anything much to my chagrin. This went on for a month, until come the end of Oct. 2010 things went down hill quickly. Unable to eat a full meal, stomach pain, and very lose movement. Not to mention worshipping the porcelain alter! So due to my ignorance, I did nothing, (totally ignored my body!)

Then the fateful day came Mid November I started seeing blood in my stool. That really concerned me! About two days later, I had blood pouring out. Extremely cold, and pretty delirious (good thing my girl was home!) and a little scared in fact! So I tell her time for the ER, time is of the essence!

So in five days they sorted me out with antibiotic etc. and came to me with the diagnoses of obstruction and possible crohns/ colitis. Having no idea what it was or what to do about it, I started doing my own research on it because of the prednisone they put me on for it (having read the interactions and side affects! Waahoo!)

And after learning the how’s, why’s and what for’s of crohns/colitis. I decided it was time to take matters in to my own hands and see if there was a better way then drugs that can make me sick as the condition I already have. I mean who wants to add insult to injury! Therein lies the long road to self awareness and the search for some way to help my self with treating this disease.

Now two years on and countless hours of reading studies, articles about useful herbs, I have found that my condition may or may not be helped with the herbal route. I have too much scarring in my colon and not a lot of inflammation from being on and off pred. for two years. Not saying that at this point I shouldn’t be using them, I’m currently facing the surgery and what I have used thus far have not works as well as hoped.

At this current time I take a multi-V. extra calcium, vit. D, magnesium, and iron with Aloe Vera juice to help with inflammation on top of Imuran. This seems to be the only regiment to work for me now. Hopefully soon I can change this, having started N-A-G, and nettle.

I did have my blood work done recently and as far as I was told everything was normal except my white cell count was a little high. Now my only problem is a stricture and the obstruction. Do I go for the elective surgery or wait and see what time will tell.

Now a word on doctors, it has been a real problem finding a GI specialist here in northern NJ. It seems that most see many patience and time is divided between a number of offices so getting a call back or appointment can be a real headache. The one I have now is ok, he just seems a little more off handed then I like about things that are important us crohns patience. So it’s time to find a new doctor it seems. If anyone has a good GI in northern NJ. I’d appreciate a heads up.

On closing of this story, I really find the amount of help, information and the genuine concern on the forum a great comfort to those who suffer daily and fight on no matter what he challenge faces them. Thanks reading this some what long winded story of mine story and hope you all feel better knowing this forum is here to help.

Todd.
P.S. Bruno is the cat, cute but with bad manners
 
Glad to see you've decided to share your story.

Sorry to hear though that herbal remedies have not been as effective as hoped. my husband suffered from chronic colitis for many years, and was hospitalized a couple of times as a result, but he's been able to manage it pretty well by making dietary changes, and yes, he takes herbal suppliments and lots of probiotics. No doubt you already know that everyone's body chemistry is so different, and what works for one, doesn't necessarily work for all.

There's a section on the forum listing doctors in various areas, which may help you find a good specialist where you live.

Your kitty is adorable :). Wishing you all the best!
 
Thanks Clynn and Ya_noy and Jenna as well! It's always great to know we all have a place to turn to when the going gets tough. And more often than not the answers we need are in the forum. Ya_noy- the cats a peach, especially when he knocks the heck out of things. He’s a trouble maker!
 
Thanks Clynn and Ya_noy and Jenna as well! It's always great to know we all have a place to turn to when the going gets tough. And more often than not the answers we need are in the forum. Ya_noy- the cats a peach, especially when he knocks the heck out of things. He’s a trouble maker!
We have a kitty too. Only ours is pretty old and mellow. Looks like yours keeps you on your toes:biggrin:

If not all the answers, this forum's a great place to get information, brainstorm with others and receive feedback and support.
 

afidz

Super Moderator
Hi Todd, and welcome to the forum!
This is a great place for everything, and I am glad you found it!
Finding a good GI can be difficult, there is a section on here to doctor reviews, I will copy the link for you, you might be able to find a doctor in your area.
Your cat is adorable, not sure if you have run across it yet, but there is a thread devoted to cats! it can make your day better when your down, so i will copy an paste that as well!
http://www.crohnsforum.com/doctor/ -doctor directory
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=12296 - lol cat
 
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