Lacking motivation please help!

[MelindaBelinda]

I'm 19 years old and its been a few months that I was told I have crohn's. I have been having a struggle accepting my illness as I was living a happy and healthy life. I got news of my illness in the middle of my spring break last year from college :/ Since then I been trying to take care of my crohns. I been to 3 doctors so far. The first one put me on a high dose of steroids I am a small girl so the steroids did not help my crohns and pretty much psychologically effected me if that makes sense. Once the doctor found out she had to take me off the meds ASAP! I felt like I was going crazy, even though its been a few months the meds have like scarred me and I'm emotionally still dealing with those bad memories everyday. (similar to PTSD) I know its sounds very strange. After that I switched doctors and was pushed to take Humira and more meds. The problem with me is my crohns has no pain, so I didn't feel like Humira would be the right option when I don't deal with pain. This week I got a new doctor (doc #3) he's very encouraging and believes that I may have been misdiagnosed with crohns so I'm going to have a colonoscopy in early march (i'm waiting that long because I'm about to start university) I'm scared, and I just hope that I can get my life back. Over the past few months I have gotten anger and aggression due to having crohns and I just feel like I can't get my life back. I used to be extremely ambitious and motivated and now I'm having trouble getting out of bed and suffer extreme fatigue. I feel depressed at times (i lack a lot of B-12 which I'm taking pills for) and I just want to feel really happy again like before, any advice? Feeling angry and overwhelmed from the world! My bf has been supportive but nobody else of my friends/ relatives knows about my crohns! My family is not really that supportive they say I should just suck it up and stop being sad about it!

*I'm starting a new chapter and have left community college early to transfer to the local university! I'm feeling scared but excited but I'm feeling sad and really overwhelmed with everything.

--Currently Taking: Pentasa, B-12 supplements, Iron supplements, Vitamin D supplements.

 

[Clash]

What is the 3rd GI feels you have? Are you still having GI symptoms? Fatigue and low vitamin b12 can be consistent with having CD.

Lack of symptoms and/or pain isn't relevant to what medication is warranted. My son was dxed at 15, he was very symptomatic at the time. On biologic and methotrexate he experienced no symproms yet chronic inflammation persisted and he required surgery. He has active disease now but is still asymptomatic.

GIs generally choose the top down approach in young people because they are treating to reach full remission with mucosal healing. Biologics are good at achieving this level of remission. And starting biologics shortly after dx has proven to cut down on the risk of future need for surgery from like 70% to 40%. This is important when dxed young since there is a longer time period with disease and therefore more time for the build up of scar tissue. It's all about saving the bowels and keeping them healthy.

Hopefully the next colonoscopy will give you the answers your in search of and get you on the path to good health.

Often those with CD benefit greatly with therapy. Finding a therapist that deals with health complications or chronic illness can be a plus.

Good luck!

 

[MelindaBelinda]

Hello thanks for the feedback! I know some people greatly deal with a therapist, but I just want to find way to self motivate myself rather go to a therapist, I did try that and it wasn't beneficial!

 

[DJW]

Hi and welcome.

It takes time to come to terms with this disease. There is so much to come to terms with and accept, it will probably take a lot more than a few months to adjust...but you will adjust.
For now, give yourself time.

Many of us have found seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist very beneficial (I sure did, but I waited 35 year).

I hope you start feeling better soon.

Sending you my support.

EDIT:

Sorry, I just noticed you did see a therapist. It's possible it wasn't a good fit or the timing wasn't right. It may be beneficial down the road.

 

[fuzzy butterfly]

Hi and welcome. Sorry for the troubles you are having. It is a awkward disease to get control of. I know you will get there, but it may take some time, I'm sorry to say. Hang in there hun. Best wishes n hoping they can help you feel better soon.

 

[ronroush7]

Yes,. Maybe a therapist would help. I hope you get a diagnosis soon and you can get the right medicines. Let us know.