- Location
- Denver, CO
Hello!
Never really been a member of a forum before, but I figure what the hell, why not!
I was diagnosed with Colitis and Crohn's disease at the cusp of 16 years old after hiding symptoms of blood, black out pain, etc. for nearly a year. After two months in the hospital I spent nearly two years on prenisone due to poorly executed taper. I've been on so many ineffective medications I lost count. I caught a bit of a break with Remicade and later Humira while attending college in Idaho an increase in symptoms began to emerge once more during my senior year. After just over one year of working full time following gradutation my body is fading quickly. Following a number of infections Humira was checked off the list and I now find myself starting on Cimzia and in a severe flare. I get to take the second loading dose on Wednesday and couldn't be more excited.
Part of my experience this past year has been Erythema Nodosum - pain I had not experienced since before my diagnosis at 16 and certainly did not connect to any larger underlying illness. "Weak Ankles" my dad and soccer coaches would say. The benefit of having years of experience with this disease is that I have been gaining a larger encompassing view of my situation. This time around, as things have continued to spiral further and further downhill the past two years I've now learned that Erythema Nodosum almost acts like a warning.
Upon my last scope in April ulcers/ disease/ inflammation was visible just above my stomach, in the stomach, throughout the ENTIRE small intestine, and in large portions of the large intestine along with a disturbing looking mass 50cm into the large intestine that looks like it should be more... but is simply a gnarly mean looking mass of colitis.
I have an amazing boyfriend who makes a wonderfully caring caretaker. Despite this flare we are making the move from Idaho to Colorado in the next couple weeks to find care closer to an area we actually wish to live in, and with job opportunities that present more then a max of 10.00/ hour with no benefits. Oh, Idaho - I will not miss you much!
7.5 years of active disease isn't easy, but through my boyfriend's loving support, and an ever growing respect and participation in yoga and meditation life simply feels... normal, and while I'm not a fan of the pain (what sane person would be?) I am deeply grateful for the path I have walked because & despite of this disease. Hoping this move goes slowly and keeping TWO rolls of TP in the car
Looking forward to checking out more of this forum.
Never really been a member of a forum before, but I figure what the hell, why not!
I was diagnosed with Colitis and Crohn's disease at the cusp of 16 years old after hiding symptoms of blood, black out pain, etc. for nearly a year. After two months in the hospital I spent nearly two years on prenisone due to poorly executed taper. I've been on so many ineffective medications I lost count. I caught a bit of a break with Remicade and later Humira while attending college in Idaho an increase in symptoms began to emerge once more during my senior year. After just over one year of working full time following gradutation my body is fading quickly. Following a number of infections Humira was checked off the list and I now find myself starting on Cimzia and in a severe flare. I get to take the second loading dose on Wednesday and couldn't be more excited.
Part of my experience this past year has been Erythema Nodosum - pain I had not experienced since before my diagnosis at 16 and certainly did not connect to any larger underlying illness. "Weak Ankles" my dad and soccer coaches would say. The benefit of having years of experience with this disease is that I have been gaining a larger encompassing view of my situation. This time around, as things have continued to spiral further and further downhill the past two years I've now learned that Erythema Nodosum almost acts like a warning.
Upon my last scope in April ulcers/ disease/ inflammation was visible just above my stomach, in the stomach, throughout the ENTIRE small intestine, and in large portions of the large intestine along with a disturbing looking mass 50cm into the large intestine that looks like it should be more... but is simply a gnarly mean looking mass of colitis.
I have an amazing boyfriend who makes a wonderfully caring caretaker. Despite this flare we are making the move from Idaho to Colorado in the next couple weeks to find care closer to an area we actually wish to live in, and with job opportunities that present more then a max of 10.00/ hour with no benefits. Oh, Idaho - I will not miss you much!
7.5 years of active disease isn't easy, but through my boyfriend's loving support, and an ever growing respect and participation in yoga and meditation life simply feels... normal, and while I'm not a fan of the pain (what sane person would be?) I am deeply grateful for the path I have walked because & despite of this disease. Hoping this move goes slowly and keeping TWO rolls of TP in the car
Looking forward to checking out more of this forum.
