• Welcome to Crohn's Forum, a support group for people with all forms of IBD. While this community is not a substitute for doctor's advice and we cannot treat or diagnose, we find being able to communicate with others who have IBD is invaluable as we navigate our struggles and celebrate our successes. We invite you to join us.

New here, recently diagnosed

Hi All :)

I've only just stumbled onto the forums and can I say it's brilliant to find people who understand and know about Crohns disease (and other forms of IBD).

I have been suffering with abcesses since August 2011. After repeated mis-diagnosis from my doctor I was finally referred to the hospital to look into having the abcesses removed/drained.

I was referred in November 2011 and had a surgery date of December 2011. The surgery never went ahead, I was put under general anaesthetic and woke up to be told that nothing had been done as it was "too complicated" and I would have to be sent back to see the specialist.

I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and an MRI scan in January. And after the sigmoidoscopy I was sat down and asked "So you do know you have Crohns disease right".. I'd never even heard of it, let alone had an inkling that I had it.

It's now February, and after another appointment with a specialist, i'm still no closer to understanding what is wrong with me (I know I have mild Crohns disease yet I haven't seen anyone to go through it with me) and i'm still suffering with the abcesses.

Hopefully, the light is at the end of the tunnel, I should be seeing the Crohns Specialist soon, and then another referral to the consultant to sort out the surgery for my abcesses.

I'm in the Warrington area and any advice, help support, general chat etc is and will be greatly appreciated.

Sam :)
 

Suvii

An old fart from North!
Hi Sam, welcome!

I've never had abscesses, but I've had Crohn's since 1998 and had my first surgery 4 days ago (had strictures removed). Abscesses are def one thing I'm afraid I'm going to have, they just sound so.. well, not nice.

Hope you'll get help for your abscesses soon and someone will sit down and properly tell you about Crohn's disease. It's important that you get the information that you need to cope with the disease.

Lots of positive thoughts! Let us know how your appointment goes!

- Suvi
 
Location
Missouri
I'm like you, Suvii, have never had to deal with abcesses or fistulas, feel very thankful about that, but dreading that we probably will at some point. Sammie, you will definately feel better just hearing the specialist explain it all, just something about finally being diagnosed and knowing what it is, questions being answered, etc...did wonders for me.
 

Angrybird

Moderator
Location
Hertfordshire
Hello Sam and :welcome: to the forum. I too have not had to deal with an abcess or fistula aso can only imagine how uncomfortable this must be for you. I do hope that the next appt means you can soon get this sorted. Have you been given any meds for the crohns? Other than the abcess (which is really more than enough) have you experienced any other symptoms with your tummy?

I would say it is worth having a good nosy arond the forum with a pen and paper and write down any questions that pop in your head, then take this list to your next GI appt and do not leave until you feel happy that they have all been answered and that you now have the info you need. Please keep us updated on how you get on.
 
Hi, i also have mild crohn's disease but i've never had abcesses. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago at the age of 13, it took me a year and a multitude of tests to be diagnosed with crohn's. Pentasa and azathioprine have kept me well and relatively pain free for the last few years.
Nikki.
 

sawdust

Moderator
Location
Pennsylvania
Hi SammieC, and welcome. This place is great. Lots of members here who can really understand you. I hope you find this forum as welcoming, useful, and as great as I have!

There's a subforum here for Fistulas, Fissures, and Abscesses:
http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

There's a real good group of regulars over there who have (unfortunately) lots of experience in these areas. As I'm sure you're aware, they can be quite pesky and information isn't always easy to find. Again, welcome!
 
Have you been given any meds for the crohns? Other than the abcess (which is really more than enough) have you experienced any other symptoms with your tummy?
I haven't seen anyone about the crohns yet (I was told in January that I had it) but I got my appointment today for the specialist in Warrington (22nd March).. I have now been suffering with the abcesses since the beginning of August 2011. Things like fistulas and setons have been mentioned but no one will confirm anything to me.

The only medication i've ever been given was antibiotics for the abcesses and co-codamol (for the pain of the abcesses) even though it's well known that co-codamol constipates you (which isn't good when you have abcesses on your rear end)

As far as the symptoms go.. the only thing i've had is the abcesses and the runny tummy (which i always put down to a slightly unhealthy diet which is probably true to a degree)

It's really nice to meet people who know what i'm going through and I wouldnt wish the abcesses on my worst enemy... I long for the day where I can sit down in a restaurant for longer than 15-20 minutes without having to get out my "pregnancy pillow" to sit on :(

Fingers crossed my March appointment will go smoothly and kick start the next step to a pain free existence :)
 
Good luck SammiC.. you will find alot of help on this forum.. educate yourself .. its frustrating b/c no one is the same.. what works for some people doesn't work for others.. but at least its a starting point. Take Care
 

Suvii

An old fart from North!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

That sounds so unfair that anyone hasn't really talked to you properly about this all. You shouldn't feel unaware at all and you def shouldn't have to get the information from forums (not that it's a bad thing to be in here, you know what I mean...). Once you get to your doc be sure that you are fully aware of ALL the things that you're concerned about and that they tell you everything you want to know.

 
Hi Sam, welcome!
Hi Suvii
I hope you are feeling better soon. !
I've never had abscesses, but I've had Crohn's since 1998 and had my first surgery 4 days ago (had strictures removed). Abscesses are def one thing I'm afraid I'm going to have, they just sound so.. well, not nice.

Hope you'll get help for your abscesses soon and someone will sit down and properly tell you about Crohn's disease. It's important that you get the information that you need to cope with the disease.

Lots of positive thoughts! Let us know how your appointment goes!

- Suvi
Hi Suvii
I hope you are feeling better soon.
 

Suvii

An old fart from North!
PVail, thanks! I'm already feeling quite awesome and normal. 6 days post op, I really can't complain :)
 
Welcome,

I think everyone is very correct when they say it's great you have answers and resources! There are people on this forum who don't quite know what is happening in their bodies. It seems you were once one of them but now you know more and so do your doctors which is one step closer to answers and treatment, unlike before.

Hang in there, no one understands your pain better than us. And that's what we and this forum are here for, YOU.
 

scottsma

Well-known member
Location
Tynemouth,
Hi,and welcome.everything takes soooo long to sort out doesn't it.I'm not a crohnie I'm a u.c. er so I,m not in a possition to advise you.What I will say is enquire if yourr hospital has an I.B.D nurse.They are invaluable and readily available when you need questions answered or just a personal chat.Also,as you've found out,this forum is simply the best.hope you get sorted soon.
 
Will keep my fingers crossed too hun!

NB Have you checked out the above mentioned sub forum yet?
Angry, i've checked out the Forums that you told me and again its such a relief to know i'm not on my own... I have found by cutting out certain types of food i'm managing the abcesses better, just waiting to see the specialist for the crohns now... 22nd March is the big day! Fingers crossed it all goes quickly from there :)

Everyone on here has been lovely and its such a nice place to come and realise that you arent on your own :)

Sam x
 
It's not just one abcess, according to one specialist, I have at least 8 :| but onwards and upwards... the last appointment was a waste of time.. hopefully this one will bring clarity :)
xx
 

scottsma

Well-known member
Location
Tynemouth,
It's not just one abcess, according to one specialist, I have at least 8 :| but onwards and upwards... the last appointment was a waste of time.. hopefully this one will bring clarity :)
xx
Onwards and upwards sounds like a G.I. docs mantra.very best wishes,hope you improve very soon x
 
Well the day of reckoning is nigh... first Gastroenterologist appointment tomorrow....

Wish me luck!! (and pray for a solution to these abcesses) :D

Sam x
 
Well! I went to see the Gastro, ended up having surgery on those pesky abscesses!!! :)

I'm healing well, 3 weeks off work (so far) not having too much tummy trouble (back with the gastro next week to review)

No painkillers, not even a solitary paracetamol! Have to go for the packing changed daily (but they fit it round me as it's a 4 minute walk from my house to the clinic)

I finally feel like i'm getting somewhere... just goes to show, there is hope for us all :)

Sam :hug: x
 
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