I was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease. My discomfort has maxed out at a 2/10 but it seems like I always feel like I could go use the rest room. I've had a couple of times that I needed to run to the bathroom. Other than urgency and low discomfort it's also messing up my sex life. I can choose between having a chance with my wife or eating dinner. Kinda of depressing there for a 30 year old guy. What are some of the other issues that I should plan on down the road? I don't think I've ever had a flare up because I've never considered calling off for work or other events. I do consider bathroom options often though. I'm nervous about what the future may hold.
What to expect?
- Thread starter Brian434
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Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:
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Hi. At my worst, shortly after being diagnosed with Crohns Disease, after eating, I would get terrible pains in my stomach. There have been times when I didn't make it to the bathroom on time. You could experience bleeding from your rectal/anal area. There could be weight loss. There could also be surgery. Extra Intestinal Manifestations are also possible. If they get you on the right mixture of medicines, it is possible for the disease to be under control for a long time which I hope is the case for you. Please let us know how you are.
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Hey Brian, welcome. The diagnosis is a lot to take in, so be patient with yourself. It's a lot of information, changes, and adjustments, though it sounds like you're doing your best to roll with the punches. As Ron alluded to, Crohn's is different for everyone, so it's hard to say what exactly to expect because it's so individual. The best thing to do is work closely with your doctors and them plenty questions about treatment options, tests, and lifestyle changes.
Also wanted to pass along that the CCFA shares some resources on Crohn's and intimacy at the bottom of this articles. Guides, books, etc. Maybe it'll help http://www.ccfa.org/resources/sex-and-ibd.html
-Melody
Also wanted to pass along that the CCFA shares some resources on Crohn's and intimacy at the bottom of this articles. Guides, books, etc. Maybe it'll help http://www.ccfa.org/resources/sex-and-ibd.html
-Melody
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Messages
- 1,400
Welcome Brian! Would be nicer to meet on an non-crohn's forum, but hey, that's what we have!
It sounds like it has been sort of benign right now for you. What led to your diagnosis? Has your doctor set up any treatment plan for you? You are fortunate that you are discovering your disease now rather than 15 years ago. There have been significant advances in treatment made, and if you are well monitored it is entirely possible that this will be the worst your disease will ever do to you.
Crohn's is variable. I would recommend keeping some sort of journal of your daily physical and mental well-being. Crohn's can creep up on you with great subtlety and you may miss it early on. Likewise, it can hit like a thunder clap. You will need to learn to advocate for yourself as a lot of physicians won't necessarily believe your discomfort. Hang out here for awhile, ask questions that cross your mind. Information here can be your friend, but try not to get paranoid either.
My advice is based on a more active version of crohn's, different medical system so my results may vary. That being said, with some of the new medications I am doing very well aside from fatigue that is common to many of us. Best of luck!
It sounds like it has been sort of benign right now for you. What led to your diagnosis? Has your doctor set up any treatment plan for you? You are fortunate that you are discovering your disease now rather than 15 years ago. There have been significant advances in treatment made, and if you are well monitored it is entirely possible that this will be the worst your disease will ever do to you.
Crohn's is variable. I would recommend keeping some sort of journal of your daily physical and mental well-being. Crohn's can creep up on you with great subtlety and you may miss it early on. Likewise, it can hit like a thunder clap. You will need to learn to advocate for yourself as a lot of physicians won't necessarily believe your discomfort. Hang out here for awhile, ask questions that cross your mind. Information here can be your friend, but try not to get paranoid either.
My advice is based on a more active version of crohn's, different medical system so my results may vary. That being said, with some of the new medications I am doing very well aside from fatigue that is common to many of us. Best of luck!
