My Story

[DrewP]

Hi I was diagnosed officially with Crohns in May after a year and a half of tests. I went to the Dr. with lower abdominal pain and weight loss and no desire to eat. This was just after my father passing so I was not sure what was causing it. After lots of blood work which didn't show the marker for Crohns but did for UC. Two colonoscopy's and a capsule endoscopy later the Dr. was finally comfortable diagnosing me with Crohns based on the small ulcers in my terminal ileum that were not healing over the 18 months. During that time I have tried a number of different medications with little to no success. The best results and the best I've felt over the time was when I was on 6MP and prednisone but that went down hill when I got my pneumonia shot. Now just today the Dr. perscribed Sulfasalazine so I guess we will see where that takes me. I really just want to feel even remotely normal like I used to. I have always had digestion issues and they run in my family but no one I know can even understand what I am going through. It is really awful waking up every day never knowing how I am going to feel that day or how much I am going to be able to accomplish and feeling bad about myself when I can't do as much as I used to be able to. I don't know if anyone else gets this but with the fatigue it really changes my mental capabilities and focus.

Thanks for listening

Andrew

 

[DJW]

Hi Andrew and welcome.

Fatigue is very common. Has the doctor checked your iron, Vit B12, and Vit D. I think most people with crohn's need supliments.

Hope you start feeling better soon.

 

[DrewP]

Yes all my levels are normal they have been checking them I do take a multi vitamin and vitamin D along with the prednisone and now sulfasalazine

 

[araceli]

Hi. Sorry you are not feeling good. I believe prednisone can cause tiredness for some. Have you considered talking to your Doctor about biologics?

 

[dave13]

Hi Andrew

All your levels are normal? So,they did test for B-12? Just curious.I find dealing with fatigue a challenge myself.Many of us understand not being able to accomplish what we use to be able to do.I find I can still do certain things,it just takes me longer to accomplish the task.

Is your family supportive? Our family can't truly understand what we go through,this is true.We can let them know the best we can,give them something to relate to.Some common ground,so to speak.

Has your GI asked about your families digestive problems?

 

[DrewP]

Yes my B-12 was checked and also normal. My wife is very supportive and my mother-in-law. Every one else doesn't really understand they know a little of what I'm going through but they don't really know the extent. and I am really nervous about going on the biologics so my Dr and I are trying every other option first. I have just recently started with a new GI Dr. I just had my second visit with him today I like him and feel that he is really willing to help I just hope I can get things at least a little under control soon.

 

[dave13]

I'm glad you feel comfortable with your new GI.It is understandable to be apprehensive about more aggressive treatments.Feeling comfortable with your GI makes it easier to discuss treatment options and bring up concerns,in my opinion.

Always good to have a supportive spouse/partner.I am also fortunate to have a very supportive wife.You say everyone else doesn't understand(besides mom-in-law) what you are going through.Are they curious? Do they ask you questions? Just wondering,my own curiosity.

I also hope you and your GI can get things under control soon.Keep us posted.