Scared...depressed

[Lost23]

Hi everyone,

It is so embarrassing to even talk about this stuff, especially with friends and family. So I often try to ignore this stuff altogether.

I have never been officially diagnosed with Crohn's, but I have a couple of troublesome symptoms.

First, I have dealt with having a fistula for many years. It is often uncomfortable, but I have been too scared to have surgery. I also had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago that showed some cobblestone texture in my intestines which is also a symptom of crohn's but they said it was inconclusive at this point.

I have also suffered hemorrhoids for years and my doctor suspects I may have IBS.

I am so frustrated and depressed right now. I recently tried getting back into a work out routine, and of course my health has now made it extremely painful to try and run. I am afraid that I am developing another fistula because I have discovered a new area that is sore and swollen.

I just don't even know what to do or think.

:sign0085:

 

[49erlady]

I know how you feel and I haven't been dealing with mine nearly as long as you. I'm brand new to this whole thing, never even considered having Crohns or anything similiar until last week. I also want to get back to working out but just don't feel good nor the strength. Very tired a lot. Hang in there and I hope you get some help from the doctors. Don't ignore your pain. Quality of life is important too. I would reconsider surgery if you are in that much pain. Good luck!

 

[sawdust]

Hi Lost23, and welcome to the forum. You're not lost anymore... you're here! Seriously, if you haven't looked around much, this place is great. Lots of members here who can really understand you -- not like you mentioned where you're embarrassed to talk about things or where you'd rather ignore it than discuss it -- but people who can relate to you like perhaps no one else can! I especially like the patient focus. I hope you find this forum as welcoming, useful, and great as I have!

There's a subforum here for Fistulas, Fissures, and Abscesses:
http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

There's a real good group of regulars over there who have (unfortunately) lots of experience in these areas. As I'm sure you're aware, they can be quite pesky and information isn't always easy to find. Again, welcome!

 

[Lost23]

I know how you feel and I haven't been dealing with mine nearly as long as you. I'm brand new to this whole thing, never even considered having Crohns or anything similiar until last week. I also want to get back to working out but just don't feel good nor the strength. Very tired a lot. Hang in there and I hope you get some help from the doctors. Don't ignore your pain. Quality of life is important too. I would reconsider surgery if you are in that much pain. Good luck!

My pain is normally manageable, except sometimes at night. Running really made things bad for the last couple of days.

I am just too scared about the surgery, because of how long the recovery can be, what is involved, and some horror stories. I should never have gone online and researched what is involved in a fistulotomy.

 

[Jessi]

Hello Lost and :welcome: to the forum.

I'm very aware of the embarrassment involved here. I've evolved over the years dealing with this, and decided that it's much better to just talk about it. If it's too difficult to discuss with your family, then you can ALWAYS chat with us here online. :hug:

Surgery isn't always the only option. Many people find that their fistulas will heal with the proper medication. Remicade or Humira are both fabulous for healing them.

When was your last colonoscopy? If it's been over a year, I'd schedule another. You definitely need to get a proper diagnosis so you can move forward in healing.

I am so happy that you've joined us here. I can vouch that this forum brings a lot of comfort to people like us. I hope to see you around.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello there and welcome to the forum. I agree with Jessi about looking at other treatment options for the fistula (especially if you think your are maybe gettng another one) and also about having updated tests done to get a diagnosis. I am glad you have decided to join us, there is plenty of advice and support here for you :hug: Keep us updated on how you are getting on.

 

[Lost23]

Thanks for the encouragement and replies. I hope to make an appointment soon. Once alot of things in my life settle down. I will definitely look into those alternative treatments. I do not want to undergo the knife.