AmandaH, welcome to the forum! It sure sounds like you're having a rough time right now. I hope you can get lots of support here and from friends and family.
I am new to Crohn's as my son was diagnosed last June, but I'm not new to scoliosis! I have it too, and it's pretty severe. Feel free to email me personally if you ever want to discuss it--just click on my name. Unfortunately, due to the nature of scoliosis, it nearly always progresses during pregnancies, so it's understandable you are having issues with it.
I can only imagine what having both scoliosis and Crohn's must be like. You definitely need support! How about
a local church or mom's day out kind of program? Please take time for yourself; it's the only way to handle either one of your diseases, let alone both!!!
My son and I have often discussed the fact that his disease, like mine, are basically "invisible" to the vast majority of people. By that I mean that no one really knows you have Crohn's or scoliosis unless you tell them. (I disguise my disfigured back with years of experience--I'm very self conscious about
it. Even some of my closest friends don't know.) Unfortunately, unless people see outward signs a physical problem, they assume you are lazy or at the very least unmotivated if you aren't doing every thing THEY think you should. It is tough because both these diseases can really zap your energy.
With what little I know a little about
prednisone I know it causes mood swings and muscle weakness--just to name a few. With scoliosis, the muscle weakness is bound to cause more than the usual problems. You are probably experiencing muscle spasms that are unreal. I remember those when my kids were little and wondering how I would pick them up when my back was screaming. And the mood swings from the prednisone--that may be the reason you are feeling so depressed. Please seek out help for yourself in some form or another. Maybe your mom or some family member could come stay with you for a while? Just a thought.
Flaxseed oil helped my back issues immensely and thankfully, it also has benefit for Crohn's. You might want to look into it. There are also lots of other beneficial things you can do supplement-wise for Crohn's, so stick around and read read read and post more questions! That's why we're here!
Oh! Also, if you've been taking ibuprophen (Advil) for your back pain (I have to on occasion), you will need to find an alternative. Hopefully someone will jump in here and explain why, but ibuprophen is NOT recommended for folks with Crohn's.
Best wishes sent your way!
