I have Crohns. Really?

[Rachael P.]

Hello everybody. My name is Rachael and I am 36 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohns in January. Last year, on dec 22 to be exact, I woke up with abdominal pain that wouldn't go away. After several hours, I went to the ER. I was x-rayed and told I was constipated. Went back to the ER that evening, and the rest is Crohns history. My colon is clean; I am just Crohnzing in my small intestines. I am still in shock at how my life got to here. I truly feel that one moment I was okay, eating food, loads of food. And now I am really afraid of food.

I realized in March that dairy bothers me. I went to a nutritionist and after some blood work was told I am gluten sensitive. I have been off gluten since July. I am also on a low residue diet. I started humira in January. I also take loads of supplements. I feel better but am too afraid to test waters to see what food I can pass. For me, my Crohns for the most part has been intense pain or feeling okay.

My brother has Crohns and has had a much harder path--several resections. He was diagnosed in his early 20s, but had been having issues for years.

I receive lots of compliments for my weight loss and I always manage to handle the compliments awkwardly. I am comfortable with being sister to a crohny but feel strangely isolated being one myself. I have a great husband, twins, and a supportive family. I know I am lucky, but it just sucks sometimes.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Rachel :welcome: yes, most of us feel lucky with great supportive families but there are days when it is just not enough and it does suck. I am like your brother, 2 resections, my sister had one resection and is s bleeder. My oldest brother has UC but is under control at the moment. It is hard to eat certain foods, and I have tried gluten free but found it hard to digest because some of it was chewy or hard to break down. Using digestive enzymes to help to break down some proteins, fats and dairy.. it helps me if I eat risky foods. Glad you are here, hope you stick around and join our community!

 

[Clarej121]

Hi
I am new to this forum & i'm sorry to hear your story's.
My 14 year old son has crohn's, diagnosed 10 months ago, still enduring that very rocky road.
My concern is that my Specialist nurse told me that she knows no one in the same family with Crohn's... Panic as I have an older & younger son than Bailey!! 17 & 8.....
I know that it is genetic but i assumed lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice... Heartbreaking for both your familys for having to go through so much

Clare

 

[Alan27]

Hi Rachel, welcome to the site. Hope you are doing good. We are all here to support eachother and share our experiences.