Please help! Diagnosed but no treatment yet

[Tonicat]

I'm 23 year old university student in my final most stressful year. I'm meant to have a meeting tomorrow with my dissertation supervisor but have had to cancel because I can't move. I'm in so much pain. I can physically see my gut spasm. And I'm so nautious. I have been diagnosed with Crohn's but because of MRI scan, cameras etc my specialist has yet to put me on any medication other than paracetamol wihich doesn't touch the pain at all. I'm at a loss trawling the internet for answers (after asking around and almost damaging myself more with unsuitable over the counter medications like voltarol). If anyone knows any tricks/tips that could help me between tests (they're months and months apart) I'd be very greatful. I already use heat pads for the back pain and drink a lot of peppermint tea. It's starting to affect every aspect of my life again. My self confidence and esteem are at an all time low, I can hardly sleep, I don't want to eat, and I crave salt. I really hope someone can help me.

 

[UnXmas]

I would first speak to your dissertation supervisor and explain what's going on. There are plenty of things in place to help students who are sick, and if you are genuinely sick so there's no reason your study should suffer. When I was at uni, there was a disability resource centre, and I'm sure yours has an equivalent. Speak to someone there and ask them to liaise with your dissertation supervisor if he/she doesn't seem sympathetic about rescheduling. Also consider whether you can communicate with your supervisor by skype, e-mail or whatever if you think you're up to that.

I'm not quite sure why you haven't yet been given treatment if you have a diagnosis. The strongest painkillers you can get without prescription are probably codeine combined with paracetamol (though codeine can be constipating and addictive, so use with caution), but really you shouldn't be having to treat yourself. Can you see your GP and ask for pain relief and get him/her to contact your consultant, preferably to bring the tests forward? They may be able to prescribe you something to help you sleep and help with nausea too, if that's stopping you from eating.

 

[alex_chris]

I am not quite sure why you have not been provided with any medication plan yet by your GI. You say it is because of an MRI scan, cameras etc., do you mean they have said it might be Crohn's but that you are currently waiting for diagnostics to be completed to confirm? In any event, if your GI has stated he is firmly certain you have Crohn's, I am a bit confused why he is not trying to get your current problems/inflammation under control, e.g. by short term use of corticosteroids such as prednisone. I understand that they do not want to start long-term meds before they have the MRI results etc. though.

Can you elaborate a bit more when you have been diagnosed and what you have talked about with your GI yet?

all the best to you and I hope things will get better soon.

 

[RavStat]

I know this feeling. I'm in University too. My UC started flaring up last week and I'm stuck at home without much movement. I suggest calling your doctor and requesting painkillers. He/She knows that it hurts, so he'll put you on them. If they aren't strong enough, call and request stronger. Remember, he/she works for you.