- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Messages
- 1,402
Well, here goes...
I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 25 years ago now, just at the end of my teens. Went from being a very fit hockey player to underweight in about 6 weeks. Haven't really seen remission in the entire time. To date, I have had six surgeries (5 resections, 20+ stricturoplasties, a temporary ostomy), Lord knows how many scopes and enemas. Lately, it has been a three year battle with anemia and recently discovered polyps (haven't yet heard the results) and will shortly be getting tested to see if I am pre-diabetic. Had a long list of medication, but currently on Remicade, imuran, rabeprazole, nearly weekly iron infusions, over 60 units of blood in the last 3 years.
It is true that this is an invisible disease. Most people that I work with have no idea that I have this history. I generally look healthy and have achieved a lot in spite of Crohn's. I would attribute that as much to strong support from my wife and family as I would medication. Remicade and imuran have worked wonders for me - I think I am probably working to about 80% of my pre-Crohn's level and am pretty pleased with that. I would be over the moon to get that last 20% back!
I can actually say that there has been some good come out of the unpredictability of Crohn's. I have learned how to make much better use of the good days than I did when I was healthy, and it sure knocked the "shy-boy" out of me. Nothing like letting out gas from a scope in front of a pretty nurse to make you realise what is really important! (We need a really embarassed looking smilie for that).
Looking forward to browsing the forums!
D'Arcy
I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 25 years ago now, just at the end of my teens. Went from being a very fit hockey player to underweight in about 6 weeks. Haven't really seen remission in the entire time. To date, I have had six surgeries (5 resections, 20+ stricturoplasties, a temporary ostomy), Lord knows how many scopes and enemas. Lately, it has been a three year battle with anemia and recently discovered polyps (haven't yet heard the results) and will shortly be getting tested to see if I am pre-diabetic. Had a long list of medication, but currently on Remicade, imuran, rabeprazole, nearly weekly iron infusions, over 60 units of blood in the last 3 years.
It is true that this is an invisible disease. Most people that I work with have no idea that I have this history. I generally look healthy and have achieved a lot in spite of Crohn's. I would attribute that as much to strong support from my wife and family as I would medication. Remicade and imuran have worked wonders for me - I think I am probably working to about 80% of my pre-Crohn's level and am pretty pleased with that. I would be over the moon to get that last 20% back!
I can actually say that there has been some good come out of the unpredictability of Crohn's. I have learned how to make much better use of the good days than I did when I was healthy, and it sure knocked the "shy-boy" out of me. Nothing like letting out gas from a scope in front of a pretty nurse to make you realise what is really important! (We need a really embarassed looking smilie for that).
Looking forward to browsing the forums!
D'Arcy
