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Well I have never done this before so here it goes. I was diagnosed just over a year ago with Crohn's Disease and was put on Remicade did that for a while and then started Humira then stopped it and now I am going back on Remicade. My problem is that I am now feeling more depressed every day being in constant pain with new things happening everyday. How do you pull yourself out of it? I do not like to tell family and friends i feel like crap because I do not ant to sound like I am complaining all the time and since my 1 daughter tells me thats all I do.And this disease is so embarasing no one wants to here about your poop and how your butt hurts 24/7 you know.And to top it off I had to get a letter from my GI DR to give to my employer and that was awful!!!! I have been told that I might want to find a therapist that deals with chronic illness and that might help but I do not know. Any suggestions?

 Reply posted for Hockey Rocks.

Well thank you for that it does help. I am trying to be positive and have a positive outlook on things. I am looking to volunteer at a local animal shelter since I really dont have any hobbies or anything so I hope that works out I love animals and hopefully that will keep me going on the down days too.

 Reply posted for msalanui.

I have to say, I know exactley what your talking about.  I have not been on this site either by the way.   I have alway thought about trying to find a support group. To find people who really understand! I just read your story, I have Crohns disease also, I was on Remicade for like 4 years.  I have had multiple operations, I just recentley decided to get a Colostomy.  I have not felt this good in years.  I saw you are feeling down, and I empathize with that completely.  Think of things you really enjoy doing?.  I myself just went to drive a race car at the Lowes Motor Speedway to celebrate the big operation.  It was a huge shot in the arm for me.  And yeah, I have massive rear end pain to, for years now.  People would say allot, why dont you sit down?, and I would just be like, trust me, its more comfortable to stand.  I find that joking about it can help to.  I have had several operations for Crohns near the rectum, so lots of scar tissue.  Now my rectum is gone, but still have rear end pain.  I get down and sad to sometimes, and as I'm sure you know somedays are better then others with Crohns.  The days I feel good, I always try to take advantage of it, even if its something minor, like a hobby you like or listing to music.  When you feel good, those little things become great things to enjoy and relax.  I hope some of this makes a postive differance for you!. 

 Reply posted for msalanui.

I'm sorry you feel that way...I think I understand. I have had colitis for a few years now.  Sometimes I get in a funk (I grieve that I am ill, I physically do not feel well, and I am generally grumpy with life) that is hard to pull out of.   Here are some things that work for me:

I have a "bitching" journal--where I write down my complaints.  I give myself only fifteen minutes to write, then Im done complaining for the day.

Do not isolate yourself!  This is hard, but important, because the more isolated you are the loneier you are.  It is also hard for me to make friends--Im a bit socially akward at times.  And, Im a bit terrified of dating since I pooped in my pants (it was the first and only time Ive done that, I promise!!) on a date and decided to crawl out the bathroom window instead of facing the fellow.  I am happy for you that you have a partner and a child!! 

I tried counsloning and made it through one session (I think I almost had a heart attack).  It was not very fun.  But, I do find lots of help on these on-line support groups.  Your right, not many people know (or what to know) what life is like revloving around pooping, but people here do know. 

Be gentle on yourself.  Remind yourself that this is how you feel right now, but you will not always feel like this--in a bit you will feel better (physically and mentally). 

I am sending warm thoughts your way!!

 

 Reply posted for ACA11.

Unfortunately I left a job I was at for 2 yrs to take this one and have only been at it for almost 4 months so I cant do FMLA yet. They say we will work with you blah blah blah so we will see its just tough right now with all the new pains and issues brought on with the Crohn's if I would have known I probably would have stayed at my old job.

 Reply posted for msalanui.

If you have been at your job for over 1 year, I would SERIOUSLY consider filing for FMLA.  It protects you and your job when you are sick with a serious chronic illness. 

 Reply posted for msalanui.

Hi. When I was first diagnosed with UC I was in a severe depression. Everything just hit  me at once, me being sick, my job giving me problems and all the medications just drove me crazy. I recently just had to get a note for my employer too. don't be embarrased. Anyway I kinda just got myself through the depression. I cried to my boyfriend almost every night and I vented on this site as well. Some people do need to see a therapist and it may help. I took it day by day telling myself it will get better. And it has, I'm not 100% better but I am dealing with it. Good luck to you.