Crohn's Disease Support Group

Hello, I'll start with 18 months ago when I had a perianal fistula or several actually, I had them opened and they were draining. I then had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Colitis. A few months later I had a surgery and a laying open of the fistulas and a seton placed in one of them. When that didn't heal he sent me to another Dr and I waited and waited and finally saw her a couple of months ago. She did another colonoscopy and an MRI and said that I have Crohn's disease. I am now waiting for the placement of another seton as the fistulas are still open and draining. I have been on cephalex, ciproflox, metronidazole, pentasa, and lenoltec but am not currently on any meds for the crohn's. In the meantime I have been to see a naturopath and she ordered blood tests which ended up with a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease (thyroid) and Diabetes (type 2). The naturopath has me taking prebiotic powder and a vitamin C powder, Vit B12, Calcium, Iron, Omega 3, Multivitamin, and lots of Vitamin D.

I am 39 and have been off work on disability for 18 months now and am getting very tired of being sick. I suspect that i've been suffering from Crohn's for a long while and I think I just accepted and got used to the stomach pains and bowel issues and at this point I'm not really sure what my symptoms are as it has been so very long since I felt well, I'm not sure how that feels.

I am currently on a very low carb diet suggested by the naturopath,but am having difficulty making the diabetes restrictions work with the crohn's diet restrictions.

My Dr wants me to start Remicade after I have my surgery and I'm hoping it works, but I'm also concerned about the side effects etc.

Sorry this is so long, but I would absolutely welcome any comments or suggestions from anyone.

Thank you for having me here.

RJ

RJ welcome to the support group. Having crohns we all wonder what is normal. I am still not sure after 20 years. Every ache and pain I wonder. No answers from our GIs makes it even worse. Or the look like they hve never heard this before and it must be in our minds. Hang in there and do some research here with our members. Ask questions and see what others go thru. We are all the same with the symptoms and not knowing. Its the hardest part of having crohns other then the pain. Finding this support group will at least give you some relief understanding its not just you. We all suffer and look for answers. Stay strong and try to keep stress from your life. I understand when you say I am sick of being sick. Hope it all gets better soon.

Many warm welcomes RJ. this is the place to vent, so don't think twice of writing long posts.I am sorry you have gone through and continue to go through this whole ordeal we call Crohn's. This site helped me understand our disease better than any other doctor has for me. Honestly, i feel like unless you are physically going through it, you won't understand. You will find that many here have experienced similar things you have with this. I do wish you the best and feel free to ask away.We are all here with you with arms wide open.I hope you will be well soon and surgery will be a success. Please keep us posted and I look forward getting to know you more. I completely understand you when you say you just got used to feeling the way you did.For years, I started thinking is it me that is abnormal,or is it others? No one should suffer the way we have and do at times, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Best wishes!