- Joined
- Oct 25, 2012
- Messages
- 17
Hello all. I have been living with Crohn's since 2007. I was diagnosed when I was 17. At first I was diagnosed as having Ulcerative Colitis but later a pill cam confirmed Crohn's. In the first 3 months after discovering I first had a problem, I dropped 40 pounds. My hair fell out from poor nutrition I suppose. I could barely function, as everyday activities were exhausting. I had horrific nightmares during the night in between constant running to the bathroom. When I wasn't nauseated and would try to eat, after two bites, the nausea would return.
I was put on Remicade and improved slightly. I was on homebound, not being able to complete my senior year of highschool with my friends. Upon returning to school, I found that most of my "friends" had said hurtful things behind my back. I had an eating disorder, I was a freak, etc.
After many hospital ER visits, kidney stones (from dehydration), colonoscopies, blood transfusions, and a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland it was decided to remove my large intestine. This was heartbreaking to me. Although I wanted to be better, I didn't want to be 18 with a colostomy bag.
One month before my surgery was scheduled to happen, when visiting my doctor he noticed that I had gained weight. My appetite had increased and I was feeling better. Because I seemed to be at least getting a little bit better, he postponed the surgery. I continued to improve.
About 2 years ago I was taken off of Remicade because my body began to reject it. I was put on Humira injections once per week. Humira has been my saving grace. It in combination with an anti-anxiety medication has helped me to live a normal life. I do have an occasional urgency, but no accidents! I am able to do everything I did back before I was diagnosed.
I know that when things are bad, they're bad, and they suck. But I hope that some people reading my story will know that there is hope. You just have to find out what works for you. Having an amazing doctor helps as well.
I am on this site to find out what has worked for others, to meet and confide in people who understand the disease, and hopefully to offer hope and encouragement to those who might need it.
I was put on Remicade and improved slightly. I was on homebound, not being able to complete my senior year of highschool with my friends. Upon returning to school, I found that most of my "friends" had said hurtful things behind my back. I had an eating disorder, I was a freak, etc.
After many hospital ER visits, kidney stones (from dehydration), colonoscopies, blood transfusions, and a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland it was decided to remove my large intestine. This was heartbreaking to me. Although I wanted to be better, I didn't want to be 18 with a colostomy bag.
One month before my surgery was scheduled to happen, when visiting my doctor he noticed that I had gained weight. My appetite had increased and I was feeling better. Because I seemed to be at least getting a little bit better, he postponed the surgery. I continued to improve.
About 2 years ago I was taken off of Remicade because my body began to reject it. I was put on Humira injections once per week. Humira has been my saving grace. It in combination with an anti-anxiety medication has helped me to live a normal life. I do have an occasional urgency, but no accidents! I am able to do everything I did back before I was diagnosed.
I know that when things are bad, they're bad, and they suck. But I hope that some people reading my story will know that there is hope. You just have to find out what works for you. Having an amazing doctor helps as well.
I am on this site to find out what has worked for others, to meet and confide in people who understand the disease, and hopefully to offer hope and encouragement to those who might need it.
