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Crohn's Disease Forum

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Jun 3, 2011
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Okay, not sure if many will read this, but I'm new to the forum as of today, and the note says I need to create a thread, so I best do what I'm told! :)

I was originally diagnosed with UC 3 years ago. After a very bad bout of food poisoning that never seemed to go away, eventually leading to symptoms of UC, where I began the IBD "journey". To this day, I still believe I got IBD as a result of going on 3 different antibiotics to stop the food poisoning. I was never told to take probiotics (i.e. acidophilus), at that time, and I think that messed with my gut forever. :( But, I suppose that's another story for another day.

I have had times where I have been in remission, but last year, was my worst flare up experience EVER. During a flareup, I managed to get a C-Diff infection as well, leaving me quite literally crippled and hopsitalised for a long time. That time was not fun. Did I mention I was on "holiday" during this time? After this, the doc said I most likely have Crohn's.

At the moment, I'm in another flare up. This is scary for me, because, while I'm thankful I've been flare up free for 14 mos, because the last one was such a frightening experience, I'm nervous about this one (who isn't though?!).

Yesterday, I was feeling particularly worse, horrible cramping couldn't even move out of the fetal position. I went to the nurse/docs today at the uni i'm studying at, and they made me see a nurse first, when I specifically asked to see the doc. In the end, they saw the urgency for me to see a doc and I ended up staying 1 hour longer in the place, which, annoyingly landed me a 60quid parking clamp (b/c I only paid for 1 hour,not 2hrs)! ARGH! I was in tears and upset and angry. I NEVER drive to the uni, I live so close, but I was in so much pain, I couldn't walk or cycle there.

Not to mention, it's the first real, nice warm day of summer (which usually don't last too long here), and a bank holiday weekend, and I'm stuck at home feeling sorry for myself. :(

I know like most of us, we wish there was a magic trick that would cure it all...forever. Until then, I suppose I need to learn to cope and deal with it...as well as vent and get frustrated and upset every now and again.

If you've gotten this far in my book, thanks for reading. I'm truly delighted that there is something like this. Support is so important.

Thanks. :)
 
Hiya McStew
and welcome

Go ahead and vent, that's what we're here for, that and lotsa other stuff too!
So what's the plan? Any meds? How about Prednisolone for a kick off?
Hope you feel better soon, make the most of the sun, good for boosting your Vitamin D.
enjoy the forum
lotsa luv
Joan xxx
 
Hi and Welcome to the Fourm. You will find lots of support here and helpful information. You are not alone in your battle.
 
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you have been struggling. I hope you find some good treatment and relief soon.
 
Hi McStew

Just wanted to say hang in there, the IBD journey has its lows and when you add the daily pressures and even annoying things like stupid parking fee's it can be overwhelming, I had so many days when under the duvet was the only place to be, but as you have seen, you have had a remission before and you can achieve it again. So stay positive and when times are tough try to let it pass and rest yourself and work on getting back the highs.

I'm going through a relapse myself at the moment, so don't look at it as being stuck at home this bank holiday but give yourself a chance to rest and repair, that's what I'll be doing, I'll check in from time to time so if you need to vent or get angry just drop me a line.

Gwen xxx
 
Aw I know how you feel being ill at uni! I had a flare up 2 months ago and it was awful dealing with it here :/ and I have exams next week and I'm still a bit dodgy. Do you have exams? If so, how are you dealing with the fatigue and uni work?
Hope you're okay
xxxxxxxxxxx
 
Thanks everyone! Really, thank you, I appreciate your kind words. Today has been a much more relaxing and stress free day (thank God!).

Joan - I'm on the following:
50mg Imuran for the last 14 mos (apparently I'm slow at metabolizing it)
2g Pentasa twice a day (have been on pentasa for 3 yrs)
as of yesterday: 40mg of prednisone (have been on this 3 times before).

I'm also taking lots of other bits and bobs:
Spirulina, Manuka honey, cod liver oil, probiotics, aloe vera, and iron.
You're right Joan, the vitamin D is definitely a good boost.

Gwen, you're so right about looking at this weekend as a way of resting and repairing, it's really what I've needed!!!

Hey Vickyhunter, yes, I know what you mean about being at uni. I think that's what spurred on my current flare. I had exams at the end of April/beginning of May. After my 2nd exam, I started to get my flareup. I had been fine all year, but I think my body was telling me I had enough! I've also been working too, and we had to move house during this time, so things were a bit all over the place. But, at the moment, I have loads of work to do on my dissertation, but I'm just taking time off and not thinking about it. I think supervisors/lecturers are pretty good about giving extensions on things and understanding, as long as they're kept in the loop......at least that's what I'm hoping! When are your exams? Best of luck with them, I know how pressurized they are! There's no better feeling than when they are all finished!!

McStew
 
Aw good luck with your dissertation! It's good you're taking some time off to relax :) I had a rare lie in today because I was feeling a bit rubbish. I just thought to myself, I could either get feeling like this and have a bad day or have a bit longer in bed and feel much better, and I did! Just the little things haha.
Yeah my uni's been so lovely about all of this, except because they've been screwed around in the past with people faking illnesses, I've had to provide loads of evidence (even conpies of perscriptions!) I just feel like saying, erm hello, this is chronic, I wouldn't make this up!!! But I can see where they're coming from.

also, just out of interest, how come you take manuka honey? My boyfriends little sister takes that because she has a low immune system whereas in people with Crohn's it's the opposite?

Take care and I hope you feel well as soon as possible :)
xxxx
 
Hi McStew

Sorry to hear you're having a rough time right now. I've only been on the forum a few days myself but have found it so helpful. Try having a look at some of the older threads - it really made me realise this wasn't just happening to me and I felt much less alone, practically every question I had had been discussed somewhere on here.

Best of luck with your dissertation x
 
Hi McStew and welcome!

I think you should fight that parking ticket - get a note from the doctors office and see if you can get it waived!

Good luck - hope you start feeling better soon!! - Amy
 
Hi guys,
Thanks for replying back. I really appreciate the support. Sometimes this can feel so lonely!!!

Vickyhunter - in relation to the manuka honey....I've heard it can be good for dealing with inflammation. Plus, it tastes really good, and I have such a sweet tooth, so it's nice to spread on a rice cracker or have in tea (or by the teaspoon). Unfortunately it's expensive though.
 

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