Newbie!

[bellarivolta]

Hi all! My name is Cheryl Lee and I was diagnosed with Crohn's in April of this year. I've had symptoms since I was 17 and am 29 now. So far I've taken Pentasa that didn't work, and I'm now on Asacol, which isn't really working all that well either. I don't know what to do. I guess that's why I'm here. I'm in pain pretty much all the time now. It feels like it's getting worse and it doesn't matter WHAT I eat, as soon as I eat anything I regret it. I live in a small town with my boyfriend, and have to travel for my medical care. I don't know anyone with this disease, and no one understands what I'm going through. It's very frustrating and stressful, especially in isolation. So I guess that's why I'm here, to get to know y'all, to ask questions and to vent. Excited to get to know you guys in the forums!

 

[David]

Hi Cheryl and welcome! I'm so glad you found your way here. Is Irene still heading your way?

I'm sorry the drugs you've been put on haven't done too much for you thus far Where is your pain located and do you have other symptoms?

You may want to check out our diet and fitness forum for some foods and diets that work for others.

Again, I'm glad you're here and hope to see you around!

 

[littlefreebird]

big welcome to you!!!
be sure to ask away, i don't think there's anything you can ask that someone won't have an answer to!

i really hope you feel better soon, flare-ups really suck but hang in there! you're fairly new being diagnosed and it can take a while to find a treatment that works for you, and there's a lot out there to try, if a treatment isn't working and you are getting worse, be sure to inform a dr quickly as it's not good to remain in a flare up for long periods of time. as hard as it may be, do try and eat as well as you can to keep your weight up and try and avoid foods really high in fibre.
take care and rest!
hannah.x

 

[bellarivolta]

Thanks guys for the big welcome. And David, Irene hasn't gotten us yet but that earthquake sure did!

My pain is mainly in the right side of my abdomen, but I've been feeling stronger waves coming from the left side over the last few months. And of course diarrhea and gas cramps just feel bad all over! Other symptoms would be nausea, bloating, bad indigestion, fatigue and absolutely no appetite. I'm here partly to try to figure out *some* kind of a diet, because I eat so sporadically and can feel myself getting smaller and smaller.

It's really, scary, actually. All of this is really scary.

My mom died when I was 17 after having surgery for her Crohn's. She wasted away to 70 pounds, lost her hair and her teeth....I took care of her until she died, and it was absolute hell to watch. I am so afraid that's going to be me. Everything I read about this disease makes me want to just scream and cry. I hate that I got it. I hate waking up with diarrhea every morning. I hate that I'm 29 and I poop in my pants. I hate that I hesitate eating white rice because I'm afraid it's gonna hurt....I hate that it's forever. That there's no cure. I'm just frustrated and lonely and I don't understand what's happening to me. Thank you guys for listening! <3

 

[xJillx]

Hi Cheryl Lee and welcome! I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She must have had a very severe case. I wouldn't worry too much about this happening to you. Of course you're going to have tough times, but if you take care of yourself and are proactive with your health, you should be able to live a normal, productive life.

Now, as far as being proactive, if you feel you are having more/increasing symptoms and your treatment isn't working, you need to phone the GI and discuss different options. Don't wait until things get too bad.

I hope you start to feel better soon!

 

[David]

I bet that earthquake was quite a shaker!

:lol:

I'll be here ALL NIGHT! By myself since nobody likes my jokes

But seriously, I hope all is well and nothing was damaged.

My goodness, that's terrible about your mom. I'm so sorry And darn right what you're going through is scary! And it's understandable to feel isolated. BUT at least you have us now! We're here for you anytime, day or night. Though you may have to sit through some of my jokes on occasion so bring your anti-nausea meds.

All my best to you!

*hugs*

 

[scottmyster]

HI Cheryl, welcome to the forum , i have had crohn's now for 21 years and was in remission for 15 years. so, it can ge achieved with the right meds. i know it is scary. and i am so sorry about your mom and it's get worse knowing that this is a incurable disease. Try to stay clear of anything that says whole wheat and usually milk products unless they don't bother you. or if solid foods are giving you a problem stick with liquids for a while like ensure or boost or any nutritional drinks and lots of gatoraid to keep yourself hydrated.i have pain in my right hand side of my abdomen as well and it floats to the left hand side too that tends to be the spot that crohn's affects the smaller bowel area. Make sure you get you blood tests done especially for vitiamin B12 because that where the B12 is mostly absorbed too. and it can make you fatigued.i hope this helps. Best Wishes.:rosette2:

scott