Let's see. I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury eight years ago. Heavy duty medications/ therapies/ being on feeding tubes and months in hospital. About 4 years ago started experiencing stomach issues, mostly nausea and pain, and was given a diagnosis of gastritis, due to heavy medication use, between painkillers, acetometaphine, etc. I was prescribed prescription Zantac, which controlled everything for the time being. After going through an extremely stressful situation last January, my stomach issues began to worsen. I started with even more nausea/vomiting, and added in severe cramping, urgency and constant diarrhea. I contacted my GI, who upped my dose of Zantac for the time being. By March, I had lost about 10 pounds, which I contributed to stress, and the Zantac was doing nothing to help. Since I was out of the country, doing Public Health Outreach in Haiti, I was then tested for every parasite out there, with negative results. I then went through an endoscopy and colonoscopy which showed severe iletitis. My doctor was still hesitant to label me with Crohns or Colitis, and I was still loosing weight. From January '11 to April '11, I had lost close to 30 pounds. I then went through lower and upper gi series, and was then put on Pentasa, and Bentyl. I also had high levels of ASCA antibodies. Since my full diagnosis, in May of 2011. I have had a few flare ups, ended up in the emergency room 4 times from dehydration, but overall the Pentasa has worked wonders. I have gained 20 pounds back, have had no accidents, and definitely less frequent diarrhea and nausea. Though I am still trying to figure out triggers, and have been eating a very strict diet, I am happy that I finally have a diagnosis. I am so new to this disease, and am still learning my body. Right now, I have to stay away from any high fiber foods, along with anything greasy. Surprisingly I can handle lactose pretty well. I know that I have a long road ahead of me. I just am glad I finally have an answer.
I am currently a semester away from finishing my Master's, and am 23 years old. As with most Crohn's patient's stress is definitely a huge trigger, and with school its extremely hard to avoid. I feel that it also has taken part of my life away, with constantly worrying about bathrooms, bathroom issues, and not being able to go out enjoy food or drinks. I have found it also hard to tell others about my disease, for it definitely isn't glamorous and I have had a few icky accidents. I know it will all get better in time, I just need to be patient, and learn more.
I am currently a semester away from finishing my Master's, and am 23 years old. As with most Crohn's patient's stress is definitely a huge trigger, and with school its extremely hard to avoid. I feel that it also has taken part of my life away, with constantly worrying about bathrooms, bathroom issues, and not being able to go out enjoy food or drinks. I have found it also hard to tell others about my disease, for it definitely isn't glamorous and I have had a few icky accidents. I know it will all get better in time, I just need to be patient, and learn more.
Yours sounds much more severe than mine, though. 
