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Hello, my name is Kim, I’m new to the site but not to having Crohn’s. I’ve had Crohn’s for a liitle over 25 years now. I was diagnosed when I was 16. Up until last November it has been what I would call mild, have had several flares but never in the hospital, no surgeries yet either. I had a rebellious stage where I did not take any medicine for about 3 years when I was in my early twenties.

But with that said since Nov I have been in the hospital once for 4 days and two other times in the ER. I was going to have surgery but my GI doctor wanted to try to up my meds and Humira. She doesn’t like to cut on Crohn’s patience’s so we are trying to prolong that, but I think we have hit that point.

Since Nov. I have had 4 CT scans, 5 different xray, HIDA scan, blood tests, colonoscopy, monthly B12 shots, I have only been off prednisone maybe two months since Nov. In Nov I was on the highest level I have ever been on 6 pills a day, 10 mg each = 60 mg. My last ER trip was 22 July and still on 40 mg prednisone right now. The Humira doesn’t seem to be working either.

When I flare my blood work is all normal, (I know it’s weird) so the only way to tell what’s going on is CT scan/colonoscopy. And we all know how fun those are….

I am also backwards, I am always constipated. I will going a week or more at a time with little to no BM’s at all. It is so uncomfortable and painful. I take Mirax twice a day, Activia, exercise, drink tons of water, nothing seems to help. I have to now give myself enima’s. My doctors is now referring me the University of Iowa City Hospitals. Which is good, I have been there before, but I’m afraid it’s time for surgery. I can only hope if I do have surgery I will get lucky and be in remission for several years.

I’m very lucky and have a very supportive husband and even my children 6 and 10 are very good about my disease. I pray each and every day they don’t get it. Every time they have a tummy ache I worry. I am also very lucky to rarely miss anyone work. But since Nov I have…. I am also blessed to have a great employer. When I was in high school at 16 and first diagnosed I missed a lot of school, but up until lately I have been grateful to be so lucky.

I started reading on this site since Nov. I’m am not comfortable talking about myself or blogging (this is new to me). But some of the stories are inspirational and relatable. Since I have been typing, I have felt a great deal of relief just to get it out/down on paper….

It’s nice to hear what is working or not working for people and know that we all can relate to each other. It’s so hard to explain to people sometimes and all the procedures they don’t understand.

Thank you for listening.
 
Hi Kim and welcome! I am so happy you decided to join after being a long time reader. I think you'll find it very beneficial to speak with others who know exactly what you are going through.

I am sorry to hear you haven't been well. Being that Humira isn't helping, perhaps it is time for surgery. Where is your disease located? I know it is scary, but you must think positive and that you WILL be one of those who have years of remission afterward.

When are you going to University of Iowa City Hospital?
 
Hiya Kim
and welcome

It's good to talk, and great to get it all out, we ALL understand that one!
I'm sorry it's come to this, did you get round to reading our success stories and the surgery sub forums?
Lots of info and lots of success in there.
I've not had Crohn's surgery, yet! But I'm sure it'll come one day.
There's only so much medicine our bodies can tolerate.
Anyway, I hope you find comfort here with us!
lotsa luv
Joan xxx
 
HI kim , and welcome to the forum , i am sorry the medication is not working for you anymore. and it is looking like surgery. i haven't had surgery and i have had it for 21 years now and it seems my medications are not working for me either and i think surgery down the road might be a answer.But, i hope not, not yet anyway. i am glad you decided to join our huge family of friends who share your situation and issues and symptoms. i am recently in a flare up stage and it's taken the good out of me. i hope you find it comfortable here. you can talk to people who are it your situation and have crohn's. you will not be critized here the people here really care about one's feelings and repect one another, like i said we are one and all a great family unit. and a great world of knowledgeable people here. so if you have any questions just fire away and the people at this site will respond. best wishes:rosette2:

scott
 
Hi Jill,

Thank you so much. What a great community of people this site seems to have, I’m excited I joined.

My Crohn’s is in ileum/small intestine. I go to my regular IG tomorrow morning, she will then call IC, or Mayo’s. IC is closer but I have heard great things about Mayo. I’m kind of torn because it would be nice to stay around here, closer to my kids and family but want a second opinion too. I’ll know more after tomorrow.

Thank you for making feel so welcome, I appreciate that.
 
Thanks Joan,

No i have not read the success stories, I will. Thank you.
thank you for your kind words. Good to hear you have not had surgery yet, but I agree about all the meds. I think we just get use to them after awhile.

Thanks again for your kind words.
Kim
 
Hi Scott,

Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Everyone here does seem so nice and has lots of knowledge, I love it.

I’m sorry to hear you are having a flare. I hope you start feeling well soon.

I always felt bad complaining because I think up until last last Nov I have been pretty lucky and other people have worse issues – but it’s not complaining it’s talking and it does feel good to talk to people who are in your same boat. It’s such a different disease hard to explain and understand for me sometimes let alone someone who doesn’t have it.

You all have been so welcoming, thank you.

I hope you feel better soon Scott.
 

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