I need an attitude adjustment

[pamshusband]

I've had Crohn's for many years but fortunately, it has not been severe--little pain but constant diarrhea for 45 years. Unfortunately, my condition is getting worse.
My latest colonoscopy reveals a stricture and the biopsy shows chronic inflammation as does my CRP high sensitivity. I'm taking, hopefully, a short course of prednisone to bring down the inflammation.
I don't wake up hungry but was told to eat because of the prednisone. This then gets me sick--stomach pains, cramps and of course, the big D. If I don't eat, I still feel lousy--the diarrhea never stops.
My problem is I want to be happy and stop constantly thinking about my physical manifestations. I raise it with my wife ( to share) but it's getting ridiculous and not fair to her.
I am not and do not want to consider myself a victim--I have a disease but so do many others and i don't want it to get in my way.
I've always felt that "it's all in the attitude" but I'm losing my ability to be positive and happy.
Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Nuclearfueled]

Hello Friend,

I hear you. many times I disappear from the forums because I just try to get on with my life; I can't do the 'Crohn's Show' 24/7 non-stop all of the time, it's just too much. When flares happen I hit the boards, otherwise I'm out in the world doing the best I can.

For the first time in my life I DON'T have a GF. Sometimes a relief as I won't be wearing someone out with my complaints.... On the other hand, really lonely.

All the best to you.

Nuc~

 

[BowelMeOver]

I'm sorry to hear that this disease is also affecting your spirit. I do hope that things get better for you real soon, and that you can find your way out of this emotional funk you are in. Doctors can prod and poke us until the cows come home to find out what's wrong with us, and pharmaceutical companies can sell us the next new miracle drug for whatever happens to be ailing us at the moment, but our ability to heal also relies heavily on our emotional mindset. You really have to believe that things will get better, even if you have to give it your best fight ever to get there.

I'm curious to know what your doctors have recommended to you to treat your persistent diarrhea, and I would be even more persistent than the diarrhea in trying anything and everything they recommend. Hopefully they can get that under control, and you won't have such a fear of eating. You do know that not eating is not going to help you get better, right?

I'll be rooting for you!

 

[Justanothercp]

Pamshusband,
I think we all get like that sometimes. Especially when the symptoms are 24/7, you can't escape them and it can be all consuming. I get depressed, or maybe pissed off is a better description, and agree that is seems so unfair my spouse has to deal with me, dealing with Crohns. But, that is our lot in life. Some have it worse, some better. I'm hoping your new med regimen will get things under control and you'll start feeling better and improve you "attitude" Know that you are not alone and there are people who truly understand what you are going through.

 

[Gmama]

Hi Pamshusband!
I have really found this forum to be a huge help. The folks here can really sympathize & just having a place to go with a question or just being able to vent over this#>£€*%!~>,}!| disease has helped me. When my son was diagnosed I literally did not know a single person that had Crohn's. So with that I successfully exhausted all of my friends and family with every episode that my son has had. Now I really try to tone it down, log on here, or watch some motivational TV like Joel O'Steen. It's all really hard to stay positive. As a spouse, I think it's ok to let her know you are having a hard time but don't be mean or take it out on her which can be hard when you just don't feel good & you are sick of being sick. I hope the meds kick in quick for you!