Lucy's Story

[lucylou27]

Hi my name is Lucy and this is my story....

I am currently 21 was diagnosed with crohns when I was 17 by going to the doctors with D and vomiting and as my mum had crohns i was sent for a colonoscopy where i was found to also suffer from it.

Since then I have been working out what i can and cannot eat.

I take 8 Pentasa tablets a day but am quite worried as people do not have a positive view about Pentasa is there anyone who also takes the same drug and doesnt have problems. I find that whilst differeing a 'bad time' with my crohns i am taking upto 15 pentasa a day just to help.

i am currently in my 3rd year of university studying teacher training and i am very worried about graduating and juggeling teaching and crohns as sometime crohns takes over my whole life. Is anyone else a teacher and has crohns?

i have joined this forum for some support as somwtimes i feel very lost with coping with crohns.

would be lovely to hear from people who have experiences with pentasa and any support for my future career.

lucy x

 

[Angrybird]

Hi Lucy and :welcome: I personally did not have problems with Pentesa, it was only stopped because it became ineffective for me. Are you currently having symptoms now or are things fairly settled? How have you got on with finding out your trigger foods? I know it's hard but try not to stress too much as this will certainly aggrivate your crohns. Ideally it wold be good to manage the disease on your current med and keepjng an eyen what you eat - this is possible. Glad you could join us :bigwave:

 

[lucylou27]

Hi thanks for the reply!!

Things are currently very good with my crohns which i am very happy about. I have been drinking actimel once a day also which has helped with my bloating.

i have found it very hard finding my trigger foods and it has been a long process but i am getting there and i am very lucky i have a very supportive boyfriend and family who help me but i still feel lost with my crohns and feel i havent come to terms with it and find myself ignoring the fact i have it which isnt good.

 

[Angrybird]

I have been where you are a few years ago, things start to settle down and you don't really get a ticky tummy unless you eat something really silly which can happen with ANYONE. This is when you start forgetting you have a disease and you really get lax with your diet and lifestyle. Then BAM! the crohns flares up with a vengeance. To me you are in the ideal situation that you can take control, continue to keep an eye out for trigger foods, the normal ones being dairy, caffiene, high fibre and high fat foods. If you find you can have milk still continue to have it but perhaps have this in moderation and not every day. Smoking is always a no no it doesn't matter what you have this is advised against. Try to stay positive and never get complacent. Also remember, you've got us lot now as well

 

[lucylou27]

Thank you so much for your advice! I have to keep discovering more about my disease and am so happy I have found this forum to help me!

 

[xJillx]

Hi Lucylou and welcome! I am glad your Crohn's is behaving lately. I hope it will stay that way, so you can finish your studies without any issue.

I was a teacher, but I left the profession before my GI issues began. However, there are a several teachers on the forum. Working with active Crohn's is complicated with any job, including teaching. The only problem I can think of that may be more challenging for a teacher is the ability to use the bathroom when needed. When you start teaching, I suggest making friends with the teachers in your hall, so they can cover when you need to dash to the bathroom!