Hi, I'm new to the forum, and new to Crohns as well - I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. I'm about to turn 30. Here's my story...
I'd suffered with diarrhoea and constipation for about 8 years on and off - my GP didn't do any tests, but suggested it was IBS, so I managed the symptoms through a combination of diet, supplements, laxatives & immodium.
Then, in February I got constipated & bloated again for a whole week, and when my bowels finally moved I saw some dark red blood in my poo. I was away from home doing some voluntary work and was staying with people I didn't know very well, so I did my favourite ostrich trick and just tried to ignore it! Later that evening I had horrendous diarrhoea mixed with lots of blood and was really dizzy and fainting. It was scary. I managed to make it home and to my GP the next day, who referred me to a Gastro for tests. I had a colonoscopy, which found very mild inflammation, but "nothing to worry about". I was so glad to get an all clear, I didn't push it, just concentrated on building my energy back up. I had a few small bleeds which resolved themselves on their own, but I was mainly tired and getting night sweats.
Then I had a big bleed in August which landed me in hospital needing blood transfusions. The bleeding cleared up after a few days, but I was left absolutely exhausted and had bad diarrhoea. I was 6 weeks pregnant when I was admitted to hospital, but sadly I had a miscarriage 2 weeks later. I was a bit of a wreck physically and emotionally, so I took a lot of time off work to build up my strength and start a barrage of tests. I got referred to a different Gastro (this one is so much better!) Finally I had another colonoscopy, and it showed a lot of inflammation in my caecum. I was diagnosed with Crohns Colitis (such a relief to get a diagnosis!) and the Gastro put me on Asacol, which seemed to settle things down for a few weeks.
A couple of weeks ago I had another massive bleed and ended up back in Watford General, 4 units of blood this time, (but on the plus side I met the lovely Lishyloo who recommended I join this forum!) The Gastro has now put me on budenoside and azathioprine. I'm feeling really rough - exhausted, nauseous and having dizzy spells. Luckily, my husband is doing things around the house so I don't have to stand over the oven retching! I'm hoping I'll get used to the drugs soon... apparently the first few weeks are the worst, so fingers crossed!
Karen
I'd suffered with diarrhoea and constipation for about 8 years on and off - my GP didn't do any tests, but suggested it was IBS, so I managed the symptoms through a combination of diet, supplements, laxatives & immodium.
Then, in February I got constipated & bloated again for a whole week, and when my bowels finally moved I saw some dark red blood in my poo. I was away from home doing some voluntary work and was staying with people I didn't know very well, so I did my favourite ostrich trick and just tried to ignore it! Later that evening I had horrendous diarrhoea mixed with lots of blood and was really dizzy and fainting. It was scary. I managed to make it home and to my GP the next day, who referred me to a Gastro for tests. I had a colonoscopy, which found very mild inflammation, but "nothing to worry about". I was so glad to get an all clear, I didn't push it, just concentrated on building my energy back up. I had a few small bleeds which resolved themselves on their own, but I was mainly tired and getting night sweats.
Then I had a big bleed in August which landed me in hospital needing blood transfusions. The bleeding cleared up after a few days, but I was left absolutely exhausted and had bad diarrhoea. I was 6 weeks pregnant when I was admitted to hospital, but sadly I had a miscarriage 2 weeks later. I was a bit of a wreck physically and emotionally, so I took a lot of time off work to build up my strength and start a barrage of tests. I got referred to a different Gastro (this one is so much better!) Finally I had another colonoscopy, and it showed a lot of inflammation in my caecum. I was diagnosed with Crohns Colitis (such a relief to get a diagnosis!) and the Gastro put me on Asacol, which seemed to settle things down for a few weeks.
A couple of weeks ago I had another massive bleed and ended up back in Watford General, 4 units of blood this time, (but on the plus side I met the lovely Lishyloo who recommended I join this forum!) The Gastro has now put me on budenoside and azathioprine. I'm feeling really rough - exhausted, nauseous and having dizzy spells. Luckily, my husband is doing things around the house so I don't have to stand over the oven retching! I'm hoping I'll get used to the drugs soon... apparently the first few weeks are the worst, so fingers crossed!
Karen
