Hello Crohnsforum!
I finally joined the forum last month after numerous visits. I’ve placed a few posts/replies since then and thought I’d jump on and tell my story.
In my late teens, I had been ill with intermittent abdominal pain, alternating constipation/diarrhea and general GI problems. However, I could not get a diagnosis other than “it’s probably your nerves” which was the medical community’s way (back in the late 70’s) of saying I had some emotional issues. I recall one doctor telling my Mom that it’s all probably just in her head! I kept saying, “No, it’s all in my abdomen!” I was finally diagnosed at age 21 after emergency appendectomy surgery; at which time, they also discovered I had CD and performed a resection of the affected small bowel including removal of the cecum. Remission was short-lived and I began to show signs of active disease eight months later. Thus began the search for an effective medication and the elusive long-term remission. That search continues to this day.
I’ve had four more resections (have lost additional internal body parts besides bowel - that Crohn’s is a sneaky one grabbing onto neighboring tissue & organs) and continue to attempt several medications. I haven’t been in remission for quite some time and am considering Humira as my next option. I would like to try LDN but I’m getting heat to get the CD under control so I’ll save that “special” conversation for a little while longer. My last scope shows quarter size ulcers near the anastomosis. I also continue to battle a pesky rectal fistula that has been temporarily tamed by a Seton. I’m experiencing all the accompaniments of a rather brutal flare.
On the brighter side, I’ve an exceptionally supportive family, an amazing SO and a dear son! My medical team has been respectable and some on the team are superb. I have been able to work a full time position for many years now – though I have to admit it’s been tricky at times. And now, to come into this community of understanding and acceptance, with all of you, is just incredible - truly a blessing!
I look forward to being a part of this community.
My thanks to all of you
Melissa
I finally joined the forum last month after numerous visits. I’ve placed a few posts/replies since then and thought I’d jump on and tell my story.
In my late teens, I had been ill with intermittent abdominal pain, alternating constipation/diarrhea and general GI problems. However, I could not get a diagnosis other than “it’s probably your nerves” which was the medical community’s way (back in the late 70’s) of saying I had some emotional issues. I recall one doctor telling my Mom that it’s all probably just in her head! I kept saying, “No, it’s all in my abdomen!” I was finally diagnosed at age 21 after emergency appendectomy surgery; at which time, they also discovered I had CD and performed a resection of the affected small bowel including removal of the cecum. Remission was short-lived and I began to show signs of active disease eight months later. Thus began the search for an effective medication and the elusive long-term remission. That search continues to this day.
I’ve had four more resections (have lost additional internal body parts besides bowel - that Crohn’s is a sneaky one grabbing onto neighboring tissue & organs) and continue to attempt several medications. I haven’t been in remission for quite some time and am considering Humira as my next option. I would like to try LDN but I’m getting heat to get the CD under control so I’ll save that “special” conversation for a little while longer. My last scope shows quarter size ulcers near the anastomosis. I also continue to battle a pesky rectal fistula that has been temporarily tamed by a Seton. I’m experiencing all the accompaniments of a rather brutal flare.
On the brighter side, I’ve an exceptionally supportive family, an amazing SO and a dear son! My medical team has been respectable and some on the team are superb. I have been able to work a full time position for many years now – though I have to admit it’s been tricky at times. And now, to come into this community of understanding and acceptance, with all of you, is just incredible - truly a blessing!
I look forward to being a part of this community.
My thanks to all of you
Melissa
Last edited: