Someone to talk to

[bradraz]

I was just diagnosed with crohns disease and acid reflux on monday (so 5 days ago) So as of right now i'm just taking Prilosec (20 mg) and Asacol (400 mg) and i take them twice a day. I dont know any of my food "triggers" yet. I just wanted someone to talk to because my friends and family don't really understand what its like, they just think its abdominal pain and diarrhea. also im a 14 year old boy.

EDIT: i forgot to ask this question lol. When i am flared up (and i am right now) could i play sports even if it hurts. or would it make the flare 1000 times worse and make it last longer

 

[Mark33180]

Hey Brad, I am not sure about how sports affect crohn's especially durring a flare but i know that they do have several pro athletes that are diagnosed with crohn's David Gerrard QB for the Jaguars is one of those athletes. But you have def come to the right spot if you need anyone to talk to about anything. Alot of members here have Yahoo messenger or MSN or some form of instant messenger. I'm sure all of us would be more then happy to tlak to you anytime you need advice, suggestions, or just a pick me up. I know this site has helped me tons... My advice is to give this site to your friends and family and advise them to really look into the site to get a better understanding of what you go through and that you are not alone with this. I know it was about 4 or 5 years before i realise how many people out there were like me. Message me anytime if you need anything.

 

[kromom1]

Hey Brad - Sorry you have gotten this diagnosis but welcome to the forum! One thing you will find about Crohn's is that it is totally different for everyone who has it - symptoms, foods you can eat, and what treatments will help you. One thing you might try is to keep a food diary - write down everything you eat and what kinds of symptoms they seem to cause (if any), and then you may be able to figure out what triggers pain, diarrhea, or other symptoms for you. I'm not sure about playing sports during a flare either - that would be a good question for your doctor. Write down any questions you want to ask you doctor, so you don't forget. Best of luck to you in your treatment!

 

[jed]

hey brad, sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but welcome to the forums

me, i'd be a little hesitant about over activity when flareing as my body is usually telling me to "take a break so i can heal".

but as you'll find, everyone is diferent with Crohns, you may be fine excercising when flareing. so much trial and error to do for ourselves.

and your family and friends are all welcome to come look through/join the forums as well if you think it'd help them understand what your going through better.

jed

 

[JillianB82]

Hey Brad! Welcome to the forum! I too am a newbie. Just diagnosed 3 weeks ago.

As time goes on, you will figure out what your food triggers are. Honestly, I know what mine are, spicy foods, popcorn, salads, but do I still eat them from time to time? oh yeah! I just know what the results will be. LOL

As for sports, I've been going through a "flare up" since Aug, when all of this started for me, I am a pre-school teacher, which means I am running around all day long, & I also walk/jog almost daily. In a way it helps me deal with some of the stress my body is going through. It's all up to you. If it feels like it's too much for your body, slow down & take a break.

Best of luck to you & welcome!

 

[kello82]

hey brad
im 19 and was diagnosed at 9, so i can really relate to you going thru teen years and high school with this. as far as sports- i was pretty active during hs, i never was at a point where i really felt good so i kinda took on a "now or never" mentality and just did what i wanted when i wanted, even if i didnt feel good. i dont know whether being active made me worse or not, but i have no regrets really.
just watch out for yourself and if you have to miss a game or practice here and there, then know that its ok. also look out for when the mental stress might make the activity not worth it, like if your on a field somewhere and you gotta go to the bathroom--which might be a 5 minute walk up to the school, you know?. stuff like that was always a huge stress for me, but whatever works best and makes you happy is the way to go.
if youhave questions about school problems, etc. anything like that you can definitly PM me. like i said i went through all middle and high school with this, so maybe ill have some tricks to helping you. high school is rough enough without having poo problems, you know?
see you around

 

[ladyB]

Hi, Brad!!!!!

Welcome to us crohnnies...lol