New to Crohns

I was diagnosed with Crohns in April of this year, although my doctor said its the mild verison.

Im on Pentasa (two tablets three times a day) and Endocort (i think thats what its called its a steroid) once  a day (have been reducing my dosage each month as per docs instructions). I also take calcium supplements.

I dont really know much about this disease and would be glad to know what other people are going through, how it affects them and if they use alternative medicine.

I originally suffered with severe diaherria and fatigue and after a colonoscopy my diagnosis was made.

Since starting my medication the diaherria has stopped. However i still dont feel Well. I get really bad aches in alot of my joins, have a horrible rash across my stomach, chest and parts of my leg. I get night sweats and am constantly tired.

My doc said i have mild crohns but could all of the above be caused by that??

I just feel really lost at the moment.

 Im sure my boyfriend is sick of listening to me complaining.

To be honest im nearly sick of myself complaining at this stage.

Im from Ireland also. Dont know if its relavent to say that

Hi Roxette, just wanted to also welcome you to Healing Well. I read the posts here everyday and it is very comforting. I admire and learn from everyone. Feel free to ask just about anything, not much here goes untalked about!!!

Everyone here has such different experiences. What works for one person doesn't mean it will work for the next. Alot try different elimination diets to see what works for them. Keeping a food journal helps quite a bit to help figure out what aggrevates your intestines. Specific Carbohydrate diet, Maker's Diet  and low residue diet are a couple to mention that people have had good results with.  "Breaking the Vicious Cycle".com is good source of info and the book is very good. (I can't figure out how to turn off the bold font!!!)

I am on the same medications you are on, except I just weaned myself off of the entocort. I felt it was not helping. I do not suffer from the "D" anymore (since being on Pentasa) but now my stools are quite pencil thin and I go every few days. I also am extremely fatigued as you and have some joint pain. Unfortunately these are quite common symptoms with this disease. I cannot help much with the rash you have but maybe some else will be along soon to comment with their experiences.

Calcium is a good supplement to take as it tends to have a constipating effect to help you with the "D". Probiotics might also be something else to consider adding to your daily meds. Just type in Probiotics in the search site and you will find alot of good threads to read.

Please keep posting and take care,

Shelley

Hi & Welcome,

I, too, try to get on every night and at least read what others have said.  Sometimes I will ask a question or comment on what someone has said or try to help.  I think that the emotional support that is given here is so important.  We get a lot of help from the doctors for our physical symptoms but we need a place to turn for our emotional stuff.  After a while my family just didn't seem to want to hear about my Crohn's symptoms any more since I look perfectly fine on the outside, work a full time job, and do most of the work around the house it is hard for them to really truely understand what I feel on a day to day basis.  So, although my disease is in the early stages as well, I can come here to vent and get support....for that I'm extremely thankful!!!!!!!!!!!  I've also found that stuff that would embarass the casual listener doesn't embaress the people here.  You can feel free to bring up just about any symptom no matter how gross it is!

Welcome!  Welcome!  Welcome!