I believe I began this journey with crohn's many years ago. I wasn't officially diagnosed until last fall. It started with small bouts with diarrhea, mouth sores, and an unexplained rash. These symptoms would come and go. Usually they would occur separately, and sometimes I would not see these symptoms for years. Then about 6-7 years ago I began passing small amounts of blood and started having severe abdominal pain. During that time I had my first severe bout with diarrhea losing about thirty pounds. The diarrhea lasted about a week and it went away but the pain and bleeding I still have today. I had lots of tests and they told me I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Then last May I was feeling the best I had in years. The pain was manageable and I would only see small amounts of blood from time to time. Then the diarrhea started again. It started out bad and got worse. I lost over fifty pounds and was hospitalized. I was going to the bathroom up to 20 times a day. This went on for about two months. I was put on asacol, prednisone(60mg/day), imuran as well as some supplements. My bowel movements finally slowed and I was able to get a little sleep. Then last fall I developed abcesses and fistulas that required 2 seton placement surgeries. I was also told after another colonoscopy that I had an area that might have to be removed because my colon was nearly closed off. Then I began Remicade in November praying for relief and that I would not have to have another operation. I had my fourth infusion this morning. It has helped but I am far from remission. Hopefully this fourth dose will get me back in the game.
