Just Got The Diagnosis Today

[ryry]

Hi everyone,

My name is Ryan and I'm 26. I am looking forward to being part of this forum. The results of my biopsies just came in today to say I have Crohn's Disease.

7 years ago I started having problems with diarrhea and I was initially diagnosed with Irritable Bower Syndrome. The doctor didn't do a colonoscopy or endoscopy, he just listened to my symptoms. So for 7 years I've lived thinking I had something which I don't. This last year the diarrhea got worse and nothing helped and I ended up losing about 50 lbs. I had no energy and it was constant diarrhea. As much as I dreaded getting the colonoscopy and endoscopy the doctors insisted.

Once they did the procedure they told me I had Inflammatory Bowel Disease but that I'd have to wait for the biopsy results to know if it was Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. They had me thinking it was the Colitis and to be honest I wish it was because it seems the less scary of the two.

Today I got the call that the biopsies favoured Crohn's Disease. I am a little shaken up. I don't know much about Crohn's Disease and I don't know if I'll get the quality of life I wanted back. I haven't held a job in years because of going to the bathroom, I've even been fired for being in the bathroom too frequently, it has been quite humiliating. I am only 26 and my life has been on hold for the past 7 years and I really want to get a job and an education and really live life.

I don't know what this diagnosis means or what treatments are going to be available. I'm on 8 different pills right now, the only one that's giving me problems is the steroids because I have anxiety problems too. I meet with the doctor to discuss how we are going to treat me on Thursday. I hope this diagnosis isn't my death sentence but an opportunity to feel better.

Ryan

 

[Guest]

hi Ryan.. welcome to the forum.

i remember what it was like being told i had Crohn's - it is scary, especially if you don't know much about it, nor anyone with it..

i think everyone here has experienced that first sinking feeling when being told their diagnosis, but i think your statement that this could be the opportunity to feeling better is of paramount importance. this is the first step to better days for you, albeit a step that should've been taken years ago. it may take a little while to juggle meds around until you find the ones that suit you, work for you, and you're happy on - but you're on the right track now.. and you've found us too

 

[Crohn's 35]

Welcome to the forum ryry. It is scary at times but learning what is available for treatment and diet can make a huge difference. Being young it is even harder. We all get the initial shock and think...why? It is nothing you have done, so that you can forgive yourself. NO one knows the cause or the why's.

Glad you found us, ask any questions, there is nothing we cannot discuss here , if we can help ease some of what you are scared of , please ask.

Welcome!

 

[Dexky]

Welcome Ryan, keep positive. You've come to a place where you'll find many answers and a lot of support.

 

[Rebecca85]

Hi Ryan, I know it's hard being told you have a lifelong condition, but look at it this way- now you know it's Crohn's you can get the right treatment.

 

[Astra]

Hi Ryan
and welcome

sorry you're a Crohnie but glad you found us!
It is scary, but it's not a death sentence, and in time you will be able to manage this disease, find the right meds, find the right diet etc
You can't control inflammation when it hits, but this disease won't have control over you neither!
you can enjoy your life, and some 'normality' will return, have a scoot round the forum on treatment, diet and lots of info on Pred too!
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[belle1999]

Hi Ryan. Many of us (including myself) know how you feel. But it can get better. Now that you have a diagnosis, the treatment can start and can go in a direction to help you feel better. Big hugs! And a big welcome to you!

 

[Keona]

Hi Ryan,
I was also just recently diagnosed and I'd have to say that I am so glad I found this forum as it made things easier for me. A lot of people here have a great sense of humour and they are all very friendly. Some parents are on here for their children who have it to help them manage their child's diet ad medication...their children are 9-10 years old. It's not a death sentence as Joan already stated and after awhile I find people are actually laughing about it! (maybe not all the time).
Since your doctor found your disease he/she is now finally able to treat it so hopefully you can get the life you want back. I have even read where some people on here have been in remission for years!
Hang in there! I am glad you found the forum

 

[ryry]

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

Thanks for welcoming me with words of encouragement. I will stay positive and today I'm going to the library to see what I can find on diet and such. I look forward to knowing you all more, what a great site, by great people.

Ryan

 

[Dexky]

Take notes Ryan and then start a new thread in food and diet. You'll also find that these experienced chronies' input is extremely valuable on that subject as well.

 

[Busy]

Hello Ryan,

Welcome to the forum. It's good to have a proper diagnosis; now they can get on with the task of sorting out your meds and getting the Crohn's under control. There is a wealth of experience here to dip into and masses of support.

I hope things settle for you soon.

 

[RollinontheRvr]

Welcome Ryan...

I know exactly how you feel. When I got the call that I had Crohn's it was from the on call doc at my doc's office. He was cold and to the point that the diagnosis confirmed Crohn's, hell, he didn't even sound sympathetic. I went thru a week or more of depression wondering the same thing all of us probably did. Why did this happen to me, what caused it and so on? I still have times where the depression steps in a bit but it fades. The thing that hit me was the thought that I would never leave the doc's office with a "clean bill of health" ever again. After being here for a short time though, I find that I am one of the lucky ones. I was DX'ed last August at the age of 47 without ever having any symptoms prior to the onset of my Crohn's and when I do have a flare it seems to be minor compared to some of the folks here.

 

[pompeybird]

Hey there
I have only just been diagnosed as well (2 days ago) and i feel the same as you even to the point of giving up because i have been ill for so long and have other conditions

I have to say upon finding this forum im feeling a little better about things and to be honest these guys seem to know more than what my GP does (but i spose this is because they know first hand) xxxx

 

[Regular Joe]

Hi Ryan,

Glad you could join us.

It's best to have a diagnosis, then your treatment can hopefully be more effective. I hope you have a GI specialist.

Crohn's disease is not a death sentence, but it is a difficult disease. It can take time and many different medicine trials until you find one that is helpful. You'll also have to make lifestyle changes which means taking the best care of your physical and mental health. You might also find help in modifying your diet.

We are here for you.
Joseph