Hello everyone! Befuddling, the range of emotions when one first discovers this forum, isn't it? Frankly, I don't know whether to smile or cry! Already, I am finding it a bit overwhelming to read the posts and realize so many of you have been on this journey for so long. And yet...I am comforted by knowing there is so much support here!
I have one of those "confusing clinical pictures" doctor's hate: I have lupus, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and narcolepsy. I am grateful for many things, of course, but there are times when I have symptoms and it is impossible to determine which entity is flaring. The Crohn's wasn't diagnosed until recently and I am attempting to get off steroids, despite the fact that every time I do, I end up with very narrow stools and crampy pain in the same place (lower right quadrant) every time.
Frankly, I practically live in the bathroom, especially in the morning hours, despite the fact that the Crohn's symptoms are much improved. Frankly, I am a little frustrated not knowing if my symptoms are normal for this condition, or not. Of course, my physician listens to my concerns and offers reassurance and advice, but he is not the one who feels like a toddler who is just learning to "potty train." I feel really awful bringing up so many minor issues to my physician, as there are so many, and I feel like a nut-job talking about them. My doc has been wonderful, but I am finding I need support from others who have coped with the same issues.
To anyone who has waded through this poorly written note, thanks for reading and being here. I wish I could send a smile or a hug to you. I am truly heartened by the prospect of finding others who understand, but sad anyone else is dealing with IBD, let alone so many others who have it so much worse than I do. Kind of humbling to be here amongst so many people who still have open hearts to share!
Thanks again for reading this.:heart:
I have one of those "confusing clinical pictures" doctor's hate: I have lupus, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and narcolepsy. I am grateful for many things, of course, but there are times when I have symptoms and it is impossible to determine which entity is flaring. The Crohn's wasn't diagnosed until recently and I am attempting to get off steroids, despite the fact that every time I do, I end up with very narrow stools and crampy pain in the same place (lower right quadrant) every time.
Frankly, I practically live in the bathroom, especially in the morning hours, despite the fact that the Crohn's symptoms are much improved. Frankly, I am a little frustrated not knowing if my symptoms are normal for this condition, or not. Of course, my physician listens to my concerns and offers reassurance and advice, but he is not the one who feels like a toddler who is just learning to "potty train." I feel really awful bringing up so many minor issues to my physician, as there are so many, and I feel like a nut-job talking about them. My doc has been wonderful, but I am finding I need support from others who have coped with the same issues.
To anyone who has waded through this poorly written note, thanks for reading and being here. I wish I could send a smile or a hug to you. I am truly heartened by the prospect of finding others who understand, but sad anyone else is dealing with IBD, let alone so many others who have it so much worse than I do. Kind of humbling to be here amongst so many people who still have open hearts to share!
Thanks again for reading this.:heart:
