Hypochondria or Crohn's Disease

[marie0505]

Hi,
I have just joined the forum. I have had crohns for approx 16 years. 12 years ago I had surgery, the surgeon removed the a small 5 inch stricture in the large colon, 5 days later it went mad and I was rushed back to theatre to have the right hand side of my colon removed. It was touch and go for a while, my husband asked the doctor what he should do and he told him were the chapel was at. Anyway about 3 months later I was feeling great and I have been lucky enough to be almost sympton free for 12 years. Now out of blue without bloody warning BANG a flare up,colonoscopy, steriods,pain killers, loperamide, co-proxamol. What a shock. I'm having trouble making my children undertand, last time I was really ill I only had two, they were so young they don't really remember. My son is 19 now he was 7 when I had surgery, the way he looks at me I'm sure he thinks i'm a hypochondriac, I ask for a little help around the house and its like getting blood out of a stone. I also work, so I am getting more tired.
Away didn't mean to go on moan moan bloody moan!
Just had to get it off my chest to people who really do understand.:ybatty:

 

[Sojourn]

Hello, and welcome. This is a good place to come and voice your frustrations and experiences with Crohn's. It seems to be one of those things that only those who have it can really understand. It's hard for others to understand how ill you might be when you're not on crutches, in a wheelchair, or something visible. But I would hope that you could get some help around the house, especially, with working also.

I wouldn't know how to make them understand without maybe holding a family meeting, or something, and laying out the seriousness of the situation and how much everyone's help is needed. I know that sounds easier said than done, and I'm not a parent and not married. So there may be others here who could give you some other suggestions.

That's great that you were able to go 12 years without symptoms though.

 

[marie0505]

Thanx Sojourn, it's nice to know someone is listening.

 

[D Bergy]

It is pretty hard for a 19 year old to even have a concept of being that ill since they often have never been sick much. Not only that, but they can be lazy as hell.

If he is living on your dime, you have every right to expect help, Crohn's or not.

Perhaps you could suggest he get his own place if it is too much of a strain to help out. That usually will change the perspective a bit.

I suggested to my son who was 21 at the time and done with his schooling that he pay some rent, since he did not do much around here either. He bought a house with his friend and moved out. I did not care about the rent, but it was time for him to grow up and it got him on his own.

D Bergy

 

[Jeff D.]

Hey Welcome to the forums. You can moan all you like here and will get at least one person to comfort you. I know I have asked for help here so many times about depression and stuff. Something you can do with your son is ask him to research Crohn's for you, or do you have UC, but anyways kids love to reseach stuff on the internet and he can understand what you are going through a little better and may offer to help. I am 18 so I know how he feels but whenever my parents asked me to help them I would research whatever the problem they had and it would motivate me to help them. Of course having Crohn's makes it a little harder but still.

Anyways I hope you get better soon and don't need surgery. I have never needed surgery but it is still something I fear.

Feel better soon, good luck

 

[Kev]

hi, marie0505.. welcome to the forum. When I read about how your illness came back after a 12 year hiatus, it was at first a bit of a shock. then I recalled how nearly 10 yrs had passed from my initial 'attack' (which wasn't diagnosed at the time) to one of my more recent attacks.. which eventually (close to 6 yrs later) got me dx'ed. as for getting people, esp children (I have 2, oldest 21, youngest 19) to understand,
I suggest they peruse this forum.. Real people telling their real stories about crohns.
and if your's are at the age where they think they don't need to help around house, I would suggest rent, board or living accomadations newspaper ads placed strategically around areas needing housework is a really catchy eye-opener. Just an old fashioned fellows idea of 'subtle' hints..