I'm at a loss

[superbloop]

I was diagnosed with crohn's in February 2010. I've been feeling like crap mentally since then and I don't know why. I have been having crazy mood swings as to even question my own existence at times. My biggest fear is realizing after my crohn's is treated that I will still have these issues. I don't know if I'm feeling this way because of the meds I am on or if I need counseling. I am taking 100mg azathiprine a day with 6 mg of budessonide (entocort). I'm so lost and confused, I don't know what to think or believe anymore.

 

[Walt]

wicked rollercoaster

Hi sb,
sorry for your suffering...
me too...
after 20 yrs off/on toilet bleeding
diag Feb 8, 2010 crohns
haven't held a straight thought since
can't recall which way is up
hope you find your strength
hope we all do
w

ps my pain has been so intense the last few days,
it brings me to panic

 

[Jennifer]

I've never taken either of those drugs before and doing a google search of the side effects doesn't mention mood changes but I wouldn't say that its not a possibility. Its possible that you're also still coping with having Crohns and that's most definitely affecting your mood. It still affects mine at times even though I was diagnosed 20 years ago. There's nothing wrong with counseling, I encourage it actually. Its hard to get used to having a chronic illness and always helps to talk it out with someone. We're here for support but we've all had different experiences and aren't all psychology majors. Don't get me wrong, we are here for you and want to help and chat and answer any questions you may have but from MY experience, speaking with a psychologist helped a lot as well. Sometimes just telling one person who you know won't mention it to anyone else is better than speaking to a bunch of people while behind a computer screen. We don't judge no matter what though. We've all had similar feelings but its a good idea to seek counseling especially if you feel that things are going way down hill, for instance any thoughts of suicide. Those thoughts are very serious and require professional attention. Who knows, maybe you might need something that helps keep your mood in balance for a time. You know yourself best so seek help if you think you might need it. We're always here though.

 

[fateful_one]

u r not alone, hang in there!

I was diagnosed with crohn's in February 2010. I've been feeling like crap mentally since then and I don't know why. I have been having crazy mood swings as to even question my own existence at times. My biggest fear is realizing after my crohn's is treated that I will still have these issues. I don't know if I'm feeling this way because of the meds I am on or if I need counseling. I am taking 100mg azathiprine a day with 6 mg of budessonide (entocort). I'm so lost and confused, I don't know what to think or believe anymore.

i hear u and can totally relate (as can all the other people on this forum i'm sure). i was dx 5 years ago while in college and back then i was very scared about my future, confused about my prognosis and very, very angry! how u r feeling is normal, but it is important that u do not get stuck in a sad place because it is very hard to escape!!

i suggest making life easier on urself and getting to a doc for anti-depressants and/or anxieties. they will help u, and hopefully keep u from getting stuck in a rutt. a counselor that specializes in chronic health issues can be helpful too. personally, i like going to IBD meetings and talking w/ other CD people. somehow i feel very safe in that kind of environment

as for the drugs - prednisone(steriod) = evil! it has really bad and severe psychological and physical side effects. entocort has far less an effect, but certainly can cause mood swings, mania, depression, etc. again, this is where anti-depressants/anxieties come in handy.

hang in there superb!

 

[doylep]

Hi Sb
We have something in common...
I too was told I had crohns recently....... it really hit me in in April when I was at my lowest and had to give up work... I was put on Citalopram anti depressent which screwed me up for a few weeks but it saved my life... now on 20mg a day and much less anxiety ...
Don't get me wrong I am still very down in pain and now where near well... I'd love to know that remiision means and to get my life back... no one can tell you/me if and when that will happen...thats the scary bit...I do wish the 60mg of Budes I am on would do something though....

I have had some counseling which has helped a bit I think.... and my wife is a pillar...
I would suggest u look to as many corners of support as u can.... friends and family, this forum, antidepressants, counseling. Each will help u to a better place then maybe u can move on.....
I find its helpful to be always trying something... I have just dropped Milk again and am eating cherries for joint pain... No idea if it will help but at least I am doing something +ve which helps my mood a little.....


Good luck and keep posting .....

Peter

 

[Astra]

Hiya Superbloop

I was on Pred for nearly 5 months and did ok with them except for when I finished and had horrific joint pains, so they put me on Budesonide and I went mental!
I have never felt so bloody low ever! I was foggy, disorientated and my memory shocking! I was weepy, spaced out, fatigued, and made some terrible mistakes in work!
My advice?
bin em! they completely F**** my psyche up!
but..... talk to your doc first, dont stop cold turkey!
I'm off them now, last one was Friday, I reduced by taking one every other day (3mg) already feeling normal again, dont know whether that's psychological or not!??
good luck
xxxx

 

[danielleprice]

hey i feel your pain!!
ive had UC since May 2008 and have been on pred 4 times, back on them at the min along with azathioprine and mesalazine, it does get you down, this flare up as hit me the hardest and have been crying loads lately. think its coz i am just so fed up with the pain that comes along with it and that i get married in 10 months and can't do anything that i want to do without worrying about running to a toilet. i am waiting to see if i can get funding to go on remicade, go back to the hospital on the 12th.
good luck and you are not alone

Hi Joan hope you ok???

Danielle xxxx

 

[Astra]

Hiya Dan

glad you've come back to the boards, hope you're ok now?
I'm doing well, just gotta get rid of this neuralgia now! phone you next week, can't wait to see you!
love ya lots
xxxx

 

[danielleprice]

yeah i will pop round for a brew!!!

see you then

love loads

dan xxx

 

[Jerman]

I was diagnosed with crohn's in February 2010. I've been feeling like crap mentally since then and I don't know why. I have been having crazy mood swings as to even question my own existence at times. My biggest fear is realizing after my crohn's is treated that I will still have these issues. I don't know if I'm feeling this way because of the meds I am on or if I need counseling. I am taking 100mg azathiprine a day with 6 mg of budessonide (entocort). I'm so lost and confused, I don't know what to think or believe anymore.

Crohn's and all of it's variations (IBS,IBD, ahem- Functional disorder) seem to come with a suitcase full of other issues in addition to the bathroom stuff. Memory loss, inability to focus, depression, anxiety, and anger seem to be constantly lurking around waiting for the right time to hit ya. I definitely agree that if you start to feel these you should get into your doc, as it is a bear to stand tall once some of it starts to hit.

 

[wolfem]

Howdy-do.

I haven't been on here for awhile. Anyways, I went nuts when I was put on prednisone. Now I'm on pentasa. I still have emotional ups and downs... big time. I think it might be from the crohn's though. I'm still struggling with gaining weight. I don't really absorb a whole lot and if you aren't getting enough of the right nutrition, it can definitely effect your mood. They just increased my pentasa so we'll see what happens. Hope this helps!

 

[ChefShazzy]

The medication might be causing some of your mood trouble; but having a diagnosis such as Crohn's is pretty significant and you might want to look into counseling. There's a lot of grief and loss to deal with!! And, of course it feels better when you have someone to talk to about it. I think it's pretty normal to feel the way you do, given what you are dealing with. What's your support system like? You always have everyone here, feel free to vent or post your thoughts at any time.