My Story

[cara-lou]

Hi, my name is Cara and I'm 20 years old. I have been diagnosed with crohns for 3 years but first started having symptoms when I was 13 (not that I knew that then). Back then a doctor tried to convince my mum that I had an eating disorder at 13 YEARS OLD which was my first of many bad experiences with doctors regarding this condition.

To this day I still don't really know what it is, why I have it, or what caused it in the first place. All I know is that it could keep cropping up for the rest of my life so if I don't get a handle on it now it'll just make it that much harder later.

And that's why I joined this forum, having many chats with MANY consultants (I don't think I've actually seen the same one twice) I still was at a loss of what was actually wrong with me (other than the obvious symptoms) and even a light bit of internet browsing left me thoroughly confused. So when I found this forum with actual real people who had this condition and were sharing their experiences and tips I had to join not only to pick up information but to share my understanding of this condition too

Thanks for having me!

 

[Zalanicht]

Welcome! I hope you find lots of useful information on whatever your looking for.

 

[EthanPSU]

Hey cara. My story is almost the same as your. Im 20 aswell and was diagnosed at 17. I had a difficult time dealing with it through highschool with all of the doc appointments and what not but now I think I have it under control.

I have no idea either what causes it. The only thing I know is that im stuck with it for the rest of my life. I accepted that so I could get on with my life. Right now I am doing better then I ever have. About to go into junior year at penn state and cannot wait for it. Dealing with crohns does suck but it is very managable if you dont let it control you.

 

[Dexky]

Hi Cara, welcome to the forum!! Please stick around to learn and teach. That's the best reason to join a forum I'd say. Good to have you.

 

[Crohns08]

Welcome to the forum Cara! Glad to have you with us! The forum is a great source of support and information, so do stick around!

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Cara,

Welcome aboard! I don't have Crohn's but my daughter does. Although the docs never thought she had an eating disorder, her friends did think she was anorexic. This disease often makes it so hard for young teenage girls.

You've found the right place to be for advice and info and there are many young adults on here that will understand exactly where you are coming from.

I look forward to seeing you around.

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Astra]

:welcome:

Hiya Cara!

xxx

 

[Dallies]

Hello and welcome x

 

[silver]

Hi there! 17 seems to be a common age for diagnosis, it hit me then too...the forum here is lovely with loads of information, hope you find what you're looking for...

 

[reidyjo81]

Me too that is when I got diagnosed. Welcome and I am sure you will find help and support here Jo xxx

 

[Regular Joe]

Hi Cara,

Welcome. Glad you've joined us. There is a wealth of experience here that never fails to amaze me. I have a team of fantastic physicians and specialists with the Main Campus of the Cleveland Clinic, BUT I COME HERE FIRST about everything involving my condition.

Through my own experiences, I'm discovering how extremely significant my diet is. At first I knew it was a factor, so I took care of what was obvious. But when I started "zooming" in on the specific things I ate, and compared them to a listing of "problem foods", I found out that certain things were indeed giving me problems.

For me, something as simple as replacing sour cream with low-fat or no-fat sour cream made a difference. A very simple choice now. Before I ate a baked potato with sour cream and I got cramps and diarrhea for maybe a day. Now I can eat a baked potato with low-fat sour cream without any problem.

We are all unique in this aspect. But its paying me big to look closer. I'm finding that I can again enjoy many foods that I thought I could never eat without problems.

This is a great place to find hope and good suggestions about living with Crohn's disease.

Welcome,
Joseph