I was diagnosed with crohns disease in 1993 and have been on all medications possible for treating the symptoms of crohns. After several years my doctors had to refer back to the only medication that would offer some relief which was the wonderful/horrible prednisone. Although at the time I was grateful for the relief I was reluctant to believe in the awful side effects it was causing. After several years of fighting the symptoms I had my first surgery in 2007 when I had 18 inches of my small intestine removed and a small section of my large intestine. Wow what a recovery, seven days of my life was gone and I was not sure what had went on in those seven days. After weeks of soreness and hope that all was going to be better it was not long before the symptoms were back. I tried all TNF blockers and had side effects such as serum sickness, pulmonary fibrosis and eventually had to be put Bach on prednisone. Finally had to quit work when I eventually developed adrenal insufficiency that left me with zero energy and the best way to describe is that my body was shutting down. Unfortunately the treatment for adrenal insufficiency is steroids.
After two years of misery I was then diagnosed with osteoporosis from you guessed it longterm steroid use and from low testosterone levels from the adrenal insufficiency. Now I have lost 2 1/2 inches in height and have anterior wedging of the spine due to disc degeneration. As you can imagine I have fought depression and anxiety with all of these health issues and just when I feel like I'm gaining ground I get knocked back. I had the support of my wife until recently she told me she was not happy and wanted a divorce. I am 48 years old and a very kind loving person that has been given a lot to deal with and I'm not sure as to how much more I can stand. My friend always told me I had a great attitude and that I am a fighter but you eventually get tired.
Sorry for the long post but wanted to let others know that when you get a diagnosis of one health problem there are other problems that can occur. Whatever your treatment option is be strong and be aware of potential side effects because they are real.
Currently I am on
Tysabri infusion every 4 weeks now for 2 years
Entocort 9mg daily
Testosterone injections 300mg q2weeks
Forteo daily injection
Lortab 10 mg q6
Coumadin 2.5 mg daily
After two years of misery I was then diagnosed with osteoporosis from you guessed it longterm steroid use and from low testosterone levels from the adrenal insufficiency. Now I have lost 2 1/2 inches in height and have anterior wedging of the spine due to disc degeneration. As you can imagine I have fought depression and anxiety with all of these health issues and just when I feel like I'm gaining ground I get knocked back. I had the support of my wife until recently she told me she was not happy and wanted a divorce. I am 48 years old and a very kind loving person that has been given a lot to deal with and I'm not sure as to how much more I can stand. My friend always told me I had a great attitude and that I am a fighter but you eventually get tired.
Sorry for the long post but wanted to let others know that when you get a diagnosis of one health problem there are other problems that can occur. Whatever your treatment option is be strong and be aware of potential side effects because they are real.
Currently I am on
Tysabri infusion every 4 weeks now for 2 years
Entocort 9mg daily
Testosterone injections 300mg q2weeks
Forteo daily injection
Lortab 10 mg q6
Coumadin 2.5 mg daily