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I was diagnosed in 2005 but have been sick my whole life. I have always had issues with my confidence and self-esteem because I was always missing school and in the hospital.

After my diagnosis I realized my life was pretty much going to be a constant uphill battle. I was in remission for a short while from 2007 to early 2008 but recently my disease has spread to any area that my GI isn't sure how to treat. He put me on Humira but my first GI told me he didn't think there was anything wrong at the time and that my crohn's was under control and basically said I was faking and it was in my head. With the recent test results he hasn't contacted me since and I am on my second opinion.

For the past 6 months I have been battling a severe flare where no medicine is working, I can't work or even go out places. I am not allowed to eat food because it hurts really really bad and I feel helpless because I am not even allowed to sleep in my own room because my parents are afraid I will collapse. I am 22 years old now and just feel like a useless lump that does nothing because I have no energy and am in constant pain.

I developed allergies to the oral steroids and can no longer have them, I can not take Remicade as I am allergic and Methotrexate is out because of my age and the fact that I want to have kids at some point in my life. 

I feel helpless and useless and I am worried that I am becoming depressed now that none of the medicines are working and I feel like I have no one to talk to because there isn't anyone around me with this disease and no one seems to understand what I am feeling. Is there anyone who is going through the same thing or anyone who would just be willing to talk through e-mail or something? I don't if my e-mail will show because sometimes it doesn't but if it does here is my e-mail address. Krisliss04@aol.com

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

I know how you feel.  I was diagnosed almost 2 yrs ago when I ended up in the emergency and ended up having to have surgery to take out part of my intestine.  The gi didn't give me anything in way of meds or diet, but the surgeon did, which were sterioids - didn't help.  I took them for a short time because I didn't like how they made me feel.  My so called family dr I was reffered to, doesn't know anything.  I am still looking and since I just joined this site, I have seen a lot of good info and am releived that I am not the only one having all of these symptoms.  I see that there are some drs in my area and I will give them a call when I get back and pray that one can and will help me because of what is going on in my life right now has caused a very bad flair up.  Stress surely does not help!!  Anyways, everyone here seems to be wonderful and the different questions and responses sure has helped me more than any of the drs that I have seen lately.  Keep you head up, as we all must do and get all the info and ask all the questions you can!
I wish you and all of us with this disease luck

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

Were the same age! 

I know how you feel, I just made the best of being a couch potato. And I have seen almost everything on tv. If anyone wants to challenge me in tv trivia, bring it on!

Also I don't think my meds are working well, however through this site I saw people who claim they eat a special diet or exercise, and it makes them better. So I just started trying things that other people have done, so far its turning out pretty great. Like the whole coconut thing, is great. I think eating coconut is making me better than taking my pills. Now I actually have energy to start exercising.

So in short, being sick sucks. You have to make the best of what you have, and always try new things.

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

Hi! I've had CD for 33 yrs.I switched doctors very early on after being diagnosed because my doctor couldn't understand why i was doubting what he was saying.I wanted another opinion. I was 19 at the time and couldn't believe i was going to have a disease forever. I left. I then walked into an associates office right there and then and never looked back.I had great care for25 yrs. and then unfortunately he passed away.He had hired a younger doctor to replace him so i just have continued with him. It's been a rocky road but we finally figured how to communicate.He had big shoes to fill.It's not easy changing but hang in you'll find the right one for you.Things are once again changing in my body as i get older.I've been flaring for over a year and it's been tuff.Lot's of changes in meds and diet.I just joined this community because even after all these years i get depressed and sit and have my own little pity party.Then i get up and try to continue with my day.I hope reading about others in the same situation and asking for advise will help me and i in turn can help someone else.Good luck.

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

Hi. Just wanted you to know that you are not alone and I know how you feel. I was diagnosed with UC (pancolitis) in 2007 and am currently experiencing a flare. I can totally relate with the depression feelings and I know that being on prednisone doesn't help with that (which I am currently taking). Try to hang in there...I hope your better days are coming soon and that you will find some comfort in knowing that we understand and care. 

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

I have had CD for 17 years and understand totally.  I have had several doctors tell me it was in my head too, but then I will get a break, find a really good dr. that will come along and be understanding.  This is a very tough road and I don't think I could do it without anti-depressants.  I would definitely talk to a dr. about that.  Try your best to find any encouragement you can because it is difficult.  I too get frustrated, recently this football player has a commercial for living with Crohn's and says that he doesn't let his CD control him, that I don't understand.  I have found it helps me to try my best to have somewhat of a schedule and take a nap in the afternoon.  Try to read uplifting books too.  I pray alot and that helps.  Best of luck to you.  I will pray for you tonight too.

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

Oh, I am so sorry you are in such pain! I only have a few suggestions... is there a GI doc in your area that specializes in Crohn's/IBD? I found a great one on this website, on the "find a physician" link. I also see a naturopathic doctor, who really does help with the whole mind-body connection of my Crohn's. Finding supportive, caring, medical help is SO important. Don't give up until you find some, you deserve it.

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

It is soooo hard - I am just beginning my journey.  I really can relate to your feelings.  You have been so strong.  And I admire how you have managed.  I hope your new dr is more help.  To be dismissed like that from your first doc was inexcusable.  You just wish they could walk a day in your shoes to know how you feel.  I am so grateful for the computer so that those of us who feel so alone can reach out and see we aren't.  

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

I have had crohn's for about 13 years.  I have lost both hips due to prednisone, got shingles and am constantly sick with some virus.  I am currently taking Humira which seems..ok.  But because I keep getting sick with something else I keep missing my dose.  It is a constant battle to get up in the morning and be greatful for anything.  I have a six year old that watches me lay on the bed or couch all the time and what does that teach her.  Hard to change it when you don't have the energy for anything else. 

Do what ever you have to do to make it work for you.  We all have to find our strength somewhere but no one can tell you where you will find yours.  Just remember that all the things you are feeling, there are so many of us that are feeling that exact thing.  It won't change how you are feeling but it is a relief to know it is normal to feel it.  

Blessings to you.

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

Hi.  You are definitely not alone.  I just joined these boards a week ago after being diagnosed with chrons and ulcerative colitis a year and a half ago and it has helped.  That first doctor seems like an a##!  I'm glad you're getting a second opinion. I cannot use Humira, which worked awesome, or anything in that class because of the nervous system side effects.  I'm taking Entocort but am waiting for my next flare up because just when I'm feeling great....boom here it comes again!  I will definitely e-mail you.  I hope you find someone who will take good care of you (doctor).  Please know you're not alone.  I go through little bouts of depression but I have two small children and I have to plow through it for them.  There are definitely days when I want to be alone, not get out of bed, see anyone, etc. and I've never been that way.  Please keep reading and posting here. 

ngc

 Reply posted for Krisliss.

i can def. relate. it is extremely hard.

i would look into a support group for you to join.  it seemed to be the only thing to help me so far.