My Story..

[James]

About 3 months ago i had pain passing bowel movement and blood would often pass through when there was hard stools present. Being a 19 year old male i stupidly thought nothing of it hoping it would fix itself. This was not the case.

After a few weeks the bleeding got worse and after visiting the doctor one night after i felt a lump accompanied by excruciating pain (perianal abscess) i was sent to emergency to have the abscess drained and was in hospital for 2 days.

I've had numerous blood tests and after my endoscopy and colonoscopy ordered by my gastro specialist, it was clear that it was Crohns Disease. This diagnosis was made easier by the fact my mother has it however has only had one instance of it and that was at 49 with minimal pain.

I've had to postpone law school for the semester which means all the friends i had are now ahead of me which is disappointing.

Feeling tired all the time which is depressing as I'm often active and social.

Medication: Prednisone 50mg for 2 weeks, Imuran 100mg for 2years and hopefully decrease dosage after a period of time.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Also advice to overcome the realization that you have an incurable disease would be GREAT

 

[Grumbletum]

Hey James
Just wanted to say hi and glad you have found the forum :thumleft: Really sorry to hear you have Crohn's. I'm recently diagnosed too. It does take a bit of time to get the head round the concept of a chronic disease, especially one like this.
I originally found the forum before I was diagnosed for definite and I was looking for ways to manage and alleviate my symptoms. Have a surf around and you'll find that there are people in a similar situation to yours, who will no doubt be along soon with some good advice.
Take care,
Helen x

 

[xJillx]

Hi James and welcome! I am sorry about your recent diagnosis. Has your treatment helped?

I still struggle with the fact that I have a chronic illness (it hasn't been a full year yet since my diagnosis). But to cope, I just try to take it day by day. I really make the most of the good days, and on bad days, I just hang in there knowing good days will be coming.