Newbie, to both the disease and the forum!

[problembox]

Hi all, I was recently diagnosed with Crohn's, and spent 6 days in hospital, and am now just about to finish the low residue diet I'm sure most of you are familiar with. I'm a 27 year old man who was otherwise healthy, although in the past years or so I did notice an eczema-like dry rash on my palm (which I have been told may be related to Crohn's, retrospectively - I'm awaiting a dermatologist appointment). I also had a bout of what my doctor thought was IBS (familiar scenario anyone?) about 2 years ago - bad recurring cramp which lasted a couple of days. This time I had the cramps, and also vomiting, and constipation for about 12 hours, and was admitted to hospital on 31st June. Here I am now, back at work and, since admission to hospital, pain free. I've lost almost a stone, but I can't say I'm doing too badly thankfully I'm about to finish a course of mild steroids, and doc says I'll be moved onto immunosuppresants then. He tells me I'm somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of severity, and that i may well cope with just medication, stopping smoking (which I miss when I'm having a drink!) and finding - you guessed it - 'what works' for me.
I work in mental health, and am studying for an MSc in Applied Psychology, and I passionately believe in the power of sharing one's problems, worries and concerns with others.

Thanks for reading!
I hope to share my progress and maybe benefit from others' experiences here for some time to come.

 

[khurram333]

Hi..I need help..So how they diagnosed crohns--like what test they did..I am suffering and in limbo as far diagnosis is confirmed...Did they checked crp/esr on you..let me know pls...I have my appointment on monday morning---Thank you

 

[problembox]

PM sent khurram333...wasn't sure if you wanted PM or not so guessed that'd be ok!

 

[teach28]

Well guys. It can take a long time to get diagnosed (over 10 years for me!) and it takes a while to find "what works for you". Sometimes you will feel like this: :stinks: and sometimes you will feel like this: :dance:.

Just make sure you ask your doctor lots of questions and pay attention to your body! I learned that lesson the hard way! I ignored the uncomfortableness and the pain until I was in the ER!

Good luck!

 

[bella2]

Hi problembox,

I am also in the mental health field and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease about 10 years ago. I would suggest you try Remicade, and changing your diet (cut out dairy, sweets, fast food, carbonated drinks, alcohol), and definitely quit smoking. I was on Remicade previously and it got me to remission. I'm sure since this is early on, it will work for you too. I would also suggest you look into alternative treatments and herbs. They are very useful and have worked for me.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome to the forum, I am glad you are now starting to feel better and that the pain is gone

When you start to increase you food intake again you may find it helpful to keep a food diary so you can note what foods still gives you problems. When are you due back to see the doc to discuss the next step?

AB
xx

 

[problembox]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I'm due date confirmations for upcoming appointments to, firtstly, the dietician (to review low residue diet, then to gradually introduce things back), then the dermatologist - pretty random this one, but I have itchy palm thing going on since over a year ago, that interestingly seems to have subsided a lot since Crohn's diagnosis. In 4 months i have to go back to the consultant, who I have to say has been great so far. My body seems to be telling me 'im feeling ok' at the moment.
Also regarding alcohol, the doctors didnt mention this in hospital - is this a big issue for Crohn's generally? I hope not, as I do enjoy a drink! Ive stopped smoking, so far so good.

 

[Angrybird]

One thing it may be worth asking your GI/GP about is vitamin levels - get all of these checked. It is common for us crohnies to have vitamin deficiences and low levels can lead to various issues including problems with skin......... even if the dermatologist can pinpoint the problem so something not related to this, it is still definetly worth getting these checked. Ask for the specific levels as well.

With regards to alcohol I personally think it doesn't hurt to have the odd drink or two but not to make it something that is done on a regular basis or in large amounts. If nothing else to avoid other health issues this can cause.