Hi,
I've been reading these forums for a while looking for advice and help to support my partner who was recently diagnosed with Crohn's. I don't have the disease myself, but in a way I do, because I love someone that does.
He's had stomach issues his entire life that went mostly undiagnosed until now, despite having several intestinal resection surgeries, and a gallbladder removal. We're just starting the journey into GI specialists and tests, and adjusting to some serious changes due to this current flare. Reading about the struggles people here have had has been very helpful and validating for both of us. It's nice to know that neither one of us are alone with this crazy disease. I've found that most people in our lives don't really "get" why we have to cancel things at the last minute, or why it's usually just me attending events alone, or why one day he can be fine, and the next he has no energy and sleeps all day. It's also been nice to read about the myriad of treatments available.. gives me hope that there can be a better times than the one's we're experiencing right now.
Anyways, I'm not sure if this is the right place to introduce myself, as I don't directly have the disease.. but I've gotten a lot of help from all of you, and I did want to officially introduce myself (and the Crohnie I love )
As for me personally, I'm a psychology graduate student just embarking on the professional field, and trying to finish my dissertation... all the while, trying to stay positive, and keep our relationship strong through all of the trials that Crohn's is putting us both through.
I've been reading these forums for a while looking for advice and help to support my partner who was recently diagnosed with Crohn's. I don't have the disease myself, but in a way I do, because I love someone that does.
He's had stomach issues his entire life that went mostly undiagnosed until now, despite having several intestinal resection surgeries, and a gallbladder removal. We're just starting the journey into GI specialists and tests, and adjusting to some serious changes due to this current flare. Reading about the struggles people here have had has been very helpful and validating for both of us. It's nice to know that neither one of us are alone with this crazy disease. I've found that most people in our lives don't really "get" why we have to cancel things at the last minute, or why it's usually just me attending events alone, or why one day he can be fine, and the next he has no energy and sleeps all day. It's also been nice to read about the myriad of treatments available.. gives me hope that there can be a better times than the one's we're experiencing right now.
Anyways, I'm not sure if this is the right place to introduce myself, as I don't directly have the disease.. but I've gotten a lot of help from all of you, and I did want to officially introduce myself (and the Crohnie I love )
As for me personally, I'm a psychology graduate student just embarking on the professional field, and trying to finish my dissertation... all the while, trying to stay positive, and keep our relationship strong through all of the trials that Crohn's is putting us both through.