New to site and Crohn's...

I am new to the site and to Crohn's, recently diagnosed in Feb. of this year. It started at the end of Jan. We made chili for dinner, which I love, and in less than 30 min. I was in the bathroom. I thought it was just a virus, and didn't really think anything of it. about a week went by with the virus symptoms, and I started to get a little nervous. Then came the abdominal pain. It was just a few times that it happened, but it was enough to scare my into going to my family doctor. She referred me to the gastro. I am currently seeing, and he got me in immediatly on that following Wed. When I went into see him, he told me we needed to get a scope and a colonoscopy done on that Fri. After the procedure, I was put on Asacol, Prednisone, and Protonix. I gain almost 20lbs. w/ the Prednisone, after being on it for a month! The inflammation has gotten worse since I found out I have Crohn's. I don't think anyone is more concered about this diagnosis than myself. I have 2 small children, and from things that I've read, it could lead to pancreatic cancer, which my mother died from almost 15 yrs. ago. So now that I've spilled my guts, if anyone has any kind words, please feel free!

Welcome to the group! I remember how overwhelmed I felt when I first got diagnosed. I had to remind myself that no matter what 'could' happen, I only had to deal with what was happening that day. I figured a lot of the stuff I was reading probably would never happen. It's been roughly a decade for me. I've been in and out of flares. Though there have been tough times, still it has not been as bad as I feared at first. You learn to deal with it all somehow. It helps being in touch with people here and knowing I'm not alone. I would have to say that stress is an absolute guarantee of a flare for me. So, try above all to keep things from getting too stressful.

I didn't hear of the pancreatic cancer link, but I have heard of pancreatitis developing from the meds. So sorry about your mom; I totally understand why that would concern you. Hopefully being a part of this group will calm some of your fears.

I thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. I am really hoping this site will help me out and also calm my fears. Above all, it's nice to know that there are others out there who are experiencing the same things that I am and that I am not alone! Again, thanks!

Hi YoungMom and welcome to Healingwell. First off I want you to know that while this is a chronic and incurable bowel disease, it is NOT a death sentence. I have lived with this disease for nearly 36 years and I have been able to live a relatively normal life. Yes, there have been bumps in the road, but still have had a good life.

When first diagnosed is when you generally feel the worst. It takes time to find the right meds and diet for "you". Once you get these things figured out you are better able to control the Crohns. I have been at the same job for over 21 years, have 3 grown adult daughters and 6 beautiful grandchildren.

I have never heard of the pancreatic cancer link, so think you may be mistaken. We can get pancreatitis from meds, but its really not that common. Usually when you stop that med, it goes away.

My suggestions for you, is to ALWAYS stay on your maintenance meds. Your current maintenance med is Asacol. Its important that you stay on your meds even when feeling better to help keep the disease under control. You will have to find a diet that works for you. I personally follow a modified low residue diet. This diet is what they usually put you on when your flaring. Now that I am feeling better I have modified it some to add in more items that I can now eat.

Others follow the Makers or SCD diet. This diet are a little stricter and you must follow them to the letter for them to work properly. But some have had success with it. Whatever you do, you should always consider diet and medications as complimentary of eachother.

We tend to be low on. Vitamin D3 and B12. So you might want to ask you doc to test these levels in you. I hope I have helped a little and I look forward to getting to know you more. There are alot of sick people on this forum, and I want you to know that not everyone gets the same symptoms, so don't freak out when you see what some are going thru, as some of the symptoms are less common. Welcome to our little family

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*

Thank you all very much for all of the information and kind words. Nanners, I really did feel like this was a death sentence when my doc. first told me, but he must have seen the look an my face, and told me the very same thing that you just did: It's not a death sentence. So I feel very comfortable here since you said that.

Sometimes I do forget to take my meds, so I will have to get better at that. And I've been on antidepressants for a few years now for anxiety, depression, and mood swings, so I don't really think the diagnosis has really had a chance to sink in yet, as in, I have not had a good crying spell yet. In my opinion, I feel like we have caught this pretty early. I don't recall any syptoms of the crohn's before this year, but then again, you never know. I have had heartburn off and on since I was about 17, but just took Tums or something of that nature. During both of my pregnancies, that was a real issue. I'm not sure I've even expierenced a true flare up just yet, and really hope I don't ever, but that's just silly with having this diagnosis. So far, I've been able to eat like I normally have been. I don't drink and I don't smoke, so that's probably in my favor. I have read others posts where they are not able to eat things like beef, lettuce, dairy, ect. but so far, I have been ok. Now, I am a picky eater, and I don't like spicy foods, seafood, raw tomatoes, pickles, and I could go on and on. My husband says it would be easier for me to tell people what I do eat before I go into what I don't. LOL

I haven't quiet sat down to talk with my kids about this yet as they are only 4 and 6, about to be 7 in two weeks. At that age, I'm not sure they would even understand. They have seen me take my meds before the diagnosis, so there's no change in that. Does anyone have any suggestions for that area of this prognosis?

As for stress... well let's just say my life is probably as stressful as anyone else's. The job is stressful, the marraige is stressful, the kids are stressful. So how does one stay stress free in the world we live in today, and deal with this disease? Like I said, I am on antidepressants, but I am the worry-wort, as my family would call it.

Again, thank you all for your input and information!