Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Stressful Woman living with Crohn's


Thu, July 18, 2013 10:10 PM

I recently had a surgery and it has left me mentally lost. I developed a hernia and had to have it repaired a second time. The first time I was in the hospital for 2 months straight. I have just had it repaired a second time and I am doing much better, than God an the surgeon. I have have been living with Crohn's Disease since 1999. I have had many horrible experiences with this illness. I no longer have a colon and I have no rectum, and that alone is stressful for me because I have to live with an ostomy bag on my side for the rest of my life. I hate seeing it,even though I have had it since 2005. I know I have not mentally dealt with this issue, and I am trying to deal with it. I have so many things going on in my life right now and I am not sure where to begin. I can go on and on and complain about what is not right about my life, but I won't. I am alive and I have plenty to live for. At times I get into a mode where I vent and I just need to be heard. I am learning how to deal with my stress level. I am glad I finally joined this forum. I am hoping it can give me more knowledge on my illness. 




Stressful Woman

FPO sdmason
Joined Jul 18, 2013

Wed, September 04, 2013 8:01 PM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

Hi, I wrote to you earlier, and then I continued reading, and I also understand about the accidents.  I am so sorry you have had them in your classroom and in public. I have endured the same thing. I have gone out to eat and had accidents. My fiancé  and I travel at least once a month and I have had accidents in the car, in the hotel rooms, out walking doing our touring.  My fiancé, now carries a backpack with us wherever we go, with extra clothes and supplies with us.  I too never thought I would find someone that would except me with a colostomy, but my fiancé was 50 when I met him and I was 45.  Now he is almost 52, and I will be 47, in about 3 1/2 mos. so my point is there are good men out there.  I hope we can build a friendship. I saw your email address on down the discussion, and would like to give you my email address. My name is Gail and my email is gailbrazell29073@aol.com.  Feel free to email me anytime. I hope you read this soon. Best wishes to you, Gail.

FPO gail67
Joined Sep 4, 2013

Wed, September 04, 2013 8:00 PM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

Hi Mirta, it is nice to meet you. Feel free to email me at sdmason@texanscan.org. 

FPO sdmason
Joined Jul 18, 2013

Wed, September 04, 2013 7:58 PM

It is nice to hear from someone that knows what I am dealing with. I would like it very much to keep in touch with you. My email address is sdmason@texanscan.org. Please feel free to email me at any time. I am learning to deal with my situation, and might I add it is not easy. I am still trying to recover financially from last year's surgery. I have my kids and my mom who are my source of strength. I look forward to hearing from you and I will surely be praying for you and your speedy recover. 

FPO sdmason
Joined Jul 18, 2013

Wed, September 04, 2013 7:51 PM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

Hi, I wrote to you earlier, and then I continued reading, and I also understand about the accidents.  I am so sorry you have had them in your classroom and in public. I have endured the same thing. I have gone out to eat and had accidents. My fiancé  and I travel at least once a month and I have had accidents in the car, in the hotel rooms, out walking doing our touring.  My fiancé, now carries a backpack with us wherever we go, with extra clothes and supplies with us.  I too never thought I would find someone that would except me with a colostomy, but my fiancé was 50 when I met him and I was 45.  Now he is almost 52, and I will be 47, in about 3 1/2 mos. so my point is there are good men out there.  I hope we can build a friendship. I saw your email address on down the discussion, and would like to give you my email address. My name is Gail and my email is gailbrazell29073@aol.com.  Feel free to email me anytime. I hope you read this soon. Best wishes to you, Gail.

FPO gail67
Joined Sep 4, 2013

Wed, September 04, 2013 7:13 PM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

I understand exactly where you are at.  I have had a colostomy bag since 2000.  I was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn's disease in 1984, when I was a senior in high school.  I have had two surgeries on my colostomy since I have had it. Like you once in 2001 for a parastomal hernia.  Again in Oct. of 2011, for another parastomal hernia, and 9 mid line hernias. I now have to have my colostomy rebuild cause it's malfunctioning per my Surgeon.  My surgery is Sept. 12, 2013, in Greenville, S.C. I live in Lexington, S.C., about an hour and a half from my surgeon.  I have had 25 surgeries since 1990, and I have been disabled since 1993.  My Crohn's has been in remission since 1998, and I am on the 6 mp treatment.  I never thought there could be someone out there, that was as bad off as myself.  My heart goes out to you, because I know exactly what you are going through and have been through.  Just know you are not alone. I hope we could become friends or pen pals, etc. My prayers are with you.  I am like you, I could go on and on, but I have NO girlfriends, (they don't understand), and the only emotional support I do get is from my 25 year old son, and my fiancé. I wish you the best and hope that I hear back from you.  Hopefully a new friend Gail.


FPO gail67
Joined Sep 4, 2013

Wed, September 04, 2013 7:13 PM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

I understand exactly where you are at.  I have had a colostomy bag since 2000.  I was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn's disease in 1984, when I was a senior in high school.  I have had two surgeries on my colostomy since I have had it. Like you once in 2001 for a parastomal hernia.  Again in Oct. of 2011, for another parastomal hernia, and 9 mid line hernias. I now have to have my colostomy rebuild cause it's malfunctioning per my Surgeon.  My surgery is Sept. 12, 2013, in Greenville, S.C. I live in Lexington, S.C., about an hour and a half from my surgeon.  I have had 25 surgeries since 1990, and I have been disabled since 1993.  My Crohn's has been in remission since 1998, and I am on the 6 mp treatment.  I never thought there could be someone out there, that was as bad off as myself.  My heart goes out to you, because I know exactly what you are going through and have been through.  Just know you are not alone. I hope we could become friends or pen pals, etc. My prayers are with you.  I am like you, I could go on and on, but I have NO girlfriends, (they don't understand), and the only emotional support I do get is from my 25 year old son, and my fiancé. I wish you the best and hope that I hear back from you.  Hopefully a new friend Gail.


FPO gail67
Joined Sep 4, 2013

Fri, August 09, 2013 11:36 AM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

Hi this is mitra. And I newly diagnosed with IBD they are still not sure if it is IBD I'm going through infertility treatment and it's very. Stressful time of my life any one like to contact with me I would like to make new friends thank you Mitra

FPO morva000
Joined Aug 9, 2013

Mon, August 05, 2013 2:46 PM

 Reply posted for tjones.

I would be very interested in forming a friendship with you. Do you live in Texas? Do you have a personal email account? I have the same reservations that you have as far as the the bag and being in a relationship. I just do not think that they would understand unless it was them. I will never be able to fully accept it myself so I can't expect others to. It is more of a mental challenge for me than anything. I am a teacher and at times I have had accidents in front of my class and have had to leave work. There have been times that I have been out eating and I have had an accident with my ostomy bag and have had to leave. My personal email address is sdmason@texanscan.org. Email me and I will give you my cell number.


Thanks for reaching out:)

Sherry

FPO sdmason
Joined Jul 18, 2013

Fri, August 02, 2013 12:18 PM

 Reply posted for sdmason.

Hey there,

You sound just like me.  Living with this disease is not easy... let alone a bag connected to your hip.  I would love to continue to communicate with you.  I've been dealing with Crohn's since I was 13 years old. I'm now 36 years old.  I've been in a 2 year relationship and it's been a struggle.  My partner has been very accepting, but it's been tough on my part.  I'm just not comfortable with my body.  *sigh*

Anywho -- I would love to connect with you. 

Let me know if you're open to a building a new friendship with stranger.

Best,
Tia

FPO tjones
Joined Aug 2, 2013

Related Topics

Total Proctocolectomy
Author Image rams01
Joined Jan 18, 2023

Hi, I'm a 21yr old female with Crohn's. I ....

read more