Is it okay to be scared?

[tlc-x]

I'm just scared of everything to do with IBD to be honest.

We don't know what is wrong.
I'll have to have cameras put in to my body.
Chance of operations one day.
Not ever finding out what is wrong.
Being in the worst pain ever.
Having this for the rest of my life.


This list goes on. Is it normal to be scared? Are any of you scared? :sign0085:

 

[shamrock15]

I think that many of the fears you have will disappear with the diagnosis. For me, it was a relief to finally be able to give a name to the problem (sort of like Voldemort). It gives you a little power over it, and generally some ability to manage it. You are in a much better position than many of us older members who never had a good shot at Remicade and other meds when we were diagnosed. You may never need surgery - the man getting his remicade with me yesterday has been on it for 10 years and never been operated on. I am near remission with remicade after 20 years of Crohn's that moved more than a child with ADHD. The tests and cameras? Yeah, you will have those if it is Crohn's. They really aren't that bad - the prep for them is generally worse, and it really is quite similar to having travellers diarrhea. I think a little fear is fine if it moves you to tackle the situation. Then, don't let it run your life. Take control and live it to the fullest and you will be surprised what you can do.

 

[Manzyb]

Yes. I think many of us have fears about different things. I think it is normal.

Next thursday I am having a resection, and I'm terrified! I'm not afraid to admit it, its kind of consuming most of my thoughts here recently. I'm also afraid that the surgery will not make me better, and I will be back in the same boat I am right now. I fear that my child will grow up thinking that her mom didn't have the energy or health to take care of her.

So many things!!!! however, like shamrock said, you have to use your fears to drive you to overcome things. I'm pretty sick right now, but still holding down two jobs, taking care of a 9 month old, and keeping chores done around the house. Not really sure how it all gets done, but somehow you keep finding the will to keep on keepin' on.

I hope you get your much deserved answers soon!

 

[Angrybird]

I agree that most of you fear may go when you have a diagnosis. When this happened for me I then went into battle mode, I had plan of actions on treatments and foods etc and I was going to be in charge!! My mindset is that I refuse to let this disease rule me, it can give me some surprises but I will win in the end. I tend to chat to my 'jelly belly' and if I have done bad I will apologise Another thing to remember is that the docs are always looking into new treatments and surgery is not necessarily something that will happen or happen lots. My step uncle had a resection over 15yrs ago and apart from watching what he eats he doesn't have any problems - he is not on any meds either.

 

[shamrock15]

Manzy - you have your hands full! Surgery never really scared me before - always knew that I would wake up and be better. If they have you on a good med afterwards, it may be just what you need to go into remission. Fingers crossed for you, and hope it leads to a great new year!

 

[rygon]

I think im too lazy to be scared, I dont bother thinking about the future as it always changes so easily. I may get worse later on, but to me now matters the most, and theres no point in wasting now worrying about the future which might not come.

 

[jimmyf]

I agree that not knowing what the problem is is the most stressful part, and Im not sure how I would feel if I was your age, but coming to this forum is definitely a good step. I'm not scared, I'm more annoyed.

 

[Manzyb]

Manzy - you have your hands full! Surgery never really scared me before - always knew that I would wake up and be better. If they have you on a good med afterwards, it may be just what you need to go into remission. Fingers crossed for you, and hope it leads to a great new year!

I'm not totally scared of the surgery itself, I'm just worried about the recovery! I'm still going to have active disease in the colon so I'm not expecting to be in remission after surgery, but will start Tysabri in Feb to hopefully clean up the other areas of diseased bowel.

I do have my hands full, but it keeps me going!