My story! I'm new to the forum.

[nellie456]

Hi everyone.
I'm new to the forum so I though I would share my story.
I was diagnosed on Tuesday with crohns.
I have suffered with lower right abdominal pain and weight loss.
It's been alot for me to cope with even though I have only had these Symptoms for 9 months. I am only 16 and I know people are diagnosed at younger ages but it has been alot for me.
Iv had several blood tests, ultra sound scan, endoscopy and was finally diagnosed when I had my colonoscopy. I was so happy when after the procedure they told me I had crohns but now it's starting to sink in and I'm starting to worry now.

If anyone could make me feel abit better or how to I suppose cope until I actually go to see the consultant (which I am now waiting for an appointment for) would be a big help.
Thanks

 

[QueenGothel]

Hi Nellie, welcome to the forum. My daughter had UC. I don't know much about Crohns I know there is a place for teens on here. Maybe reaching out to a Crohnie your age would help. I hope your feeling better. Just remember your not alone. We are all fighting along with you and there are many whom feel your pain.

 

[muppet]

Hi Nellie! Welcome to the forum!

We have a teen forum here that I'd link you to if I had any idea how to do that.. ;-)

My daughter is 14 and also has Crohn's, which she was diagnosed with at 3 years old. The forum is the best place to get support and talk things out, because you can get a committee opinion and hear as many angles as possible, but if you'd like, I could pass along her email address to you if you wanted somebody around your age to talk to. Sarah has 11 years experience with this disease now and would probably talk your ear off. Just let me know.

And again, welcome!!

 

[robbo87]

Hi nellie, welcome to the forum , i was a bit older when I first got diagnosed,(21ish) but I can imagine that going through that at the age of 16 must be a lot to take in.

It was weird for me, you feel happy that you have been diagnosed and can look at getting it sorted. but then it sinks in that you have a chronic illness and allsorts of questions about the future start popping up! best thing to do is make sure you take it easy before you're first appointment, (which I hope isn't too far away)

This place is filled with great people who have all been in similar situations so you've certainly come to the right place! I hope you start to improve soon and hopefully once on meds your pain and weight loss will go away!

 

[Welshmammy1990]

Hiya I'm 22 and was diagnosed with crohns April this year after almost dieing because I had been suffering with it for a year I had an emergency operation all my colon was taken and 3/4 of my small intestine fell apart so I now have a permanent illeostomy which I will be getting resisted early next year and fixing a hernia aswell. I was taking pred while on flare ups and azathrioprine but had an allergic reaction so I hav blood test every 6weeks and see my gasteo every 3 months and now gone 2 6 months. I handle my crohns with diet and fingers crossed I've been flare free for 3-4 months
I lost 4stone and lost all my hair it was down 2 my bum now I have hair extenstions coz it's getting longer again.

You'll be fine I bet you you've already met a person with crohns bt Neva knew thers so many of us out there.

My bag 'peppa' was a god send it saved my life x

 

[vickie_x]

Hi Nellie!
Welcome to the forum as others have said

I am 18 now but I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 16 too. At first I was glad to know the name for why I felt so ill but then the reality hit that this was something I'd have to keep coping with.
But the good thing is two years on and it's hardly affecting my life. Of course there are bad days and I do still end up with flares that get a lovely treatment with pred but overall I don't think I'm missing out on anything everyone my age is. I finished my A Levels and I'm now at uni so Crohn's won't stop you doing what you set your mind to do

I would just take it easy until you see your consultant and hopefully things will get better from there! Fingers crossed you are seen soon x

 

[afidz]

Hi Nellie and welcome!
I'm sure its hard to deal with the diagnosis at your she, but look at it this way: you know what's wrong! And now you can move towards fixing it. I'm glad you found this site and jumped right in, its a great resource. Like everyone said, check it the teens only section, they would be able to help you get through this. Also go the Crohn's and colitis foundation of America website (ccfa.org) its another great resource for crohns patients and they do summer camps for kids with Crohns. I hope you get sorted out soon and keep us updated!