Mommy from the country

[Chase's Mommy]

Hey everyone. My name is Lorissa. Some people call me riss but my favorite name to be called is mommy by my little angelface Chase. He is a year old and growing so fast!! I cherish every moment with him bc I realize he isn't going to be my little boy forever. I was diagnosed in 2006, a year after I graduated high school. I had surgery in April of that year and had another one a few years ago in September 2009 to remove a small portion of my small bowel in hopes that taking the affected area will lessen my pain level and help me digest "normally". I despise the fact that I have to rely on pain killers to keep me functional during the day but at the same time, I'm thankful that there is SOMETHING that helps keep me functional at all. Beggers can't be chosers I guess. I have a neighbor who has crohn's and an ex-coworker who has crohn's but both of them had crohn's where at I have severe crohn's so our stories differ slightly. I am not proud of the fact that I have to rely on SSI and disability to pay my way through life. I loved working and I loved what I did for work. I was a companion at VNA/EHC (Visiting Nurses Assosiation/Extended Home Care) and I was the one who helped elderly people stay in their homes instead of having to be moved into a nursing home because they couldn't make their own food or clean their own house or drive themselves to the grocery store to get food. It felt so good to be needed by someone other than my kiddo. I am looking forward to hearing everyone else's stories and getting to know all of you and hopefully helping me get through my issues and you get through yours as well!!

 

[glum chump]

Hi Lorissa

Welcome to the forum!

You've sure had some very rough patches along the way! Are you taking any meds right now other than the pain killers? Where is your pain located--is it still in the small bowel? Did the surgery help at all?

...And looking after a one-year old?! That'll keep you busy!

Looking forward to reading your posts and seeing you around the forum!

Take care,

Kismet

 

[scottmyster]

HI Mommy , Welcome to the forum, i called you mommy because you said you like being called that. Like Glum, said you been through some rough patches along the way but i hope you are stablized now. i take pain killers too. it is the only thing that kills the pain, so anything that kills the pain i am gonna take it. I am on diability too. i use to work full time has procurement officer with the offshore oil industry. but, had to give it up because it was too stressfull. but, you got to do what you got to do i suppose. my wife still works has a occuptional nurse with a nickel refinery so the money is good and we are surviving.It's was nice to see you looking after the elderly i bet it made you feel good. I have had crohn's for 21 years now and counting. so, it been a uphill battle i think i am starting to come around a bit now though i hope, anyway the pain is not as severe as it use to be along with the medications i am taking. Are you on any maintenance drugs? It's nice to meet you. This forum is very supportive and well knowledged so if you have any questions just fire away. see you around the forum. best wishes:rosette1:

 

[xJillx]

Hi Lorissa! What a pretty name! And I love the name Chase, too! Granted, who doesn't from the Philadelphia area - we love our Phillies!

I am sorry to hear you are still struggling even after two surgeries. Do you take any maintenance medication?

Also, if you don't mind me asking, how did you feel during and after having Chase? My hubby and I want to start a family in the near future and I am a little worried about how it will affect my Crohn's.

 

[Chase's Mommy]

yes I am on maintanence drugs. i am on asacol, imuran, cimzia, b-12, ferrus sulfur, folic acid and prilosec. They help my digestion and help keep me functioning but do nothing for the pain and misery that we all experience.

Jill, i felt GREAT!! during my pregnancy! i felt like I had absolutely no sings of crohn's what so ever. i digested normally and went to the bathroom like someone without crohns. I ate what I wanted and it was just wonderful. It didn't start until i was about 5 months along but oh my goodness it was amazing. I have never felt more "normal" in my life!! NEVER!!

Glum Chump, My pain is mostly located in the affected area/surgical areas in my lower right of my stomach... to someone looking at me it's my lower left side but to me it's my lower right. Every once in a while there is a pain in my lower left and when it is real bad it is up at the top of my stomach where food and drinks just enter the stomach from the esophagus.

 

[xJillx]

Jill, i felt GREAT!! during my pregnancy! i felt like I had absolutely no sings of crohn's what so ever. i digested normally and went to the bathroom like someone without crohns. I ate what I wanted and it was just wonderful. It didn't start until i was about 5 months along but oh my goodness it was amazing. I have never felt more "normal" in my life!! NEVER!!

This sounds glorious! I can't wait! How long after giving birth did symptoms reappear? I have read breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of a flare up.