Young adults and Crohn's Disease

Hello everyone, came across this forum and thought it might be just what I need. Right now I am a stage 4/5 Crohn's disease patient. A year ago I starting going to the doctor for severe back pain, 4 months later; after a few procedures I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I am 18 years old, at first I thought "oh this is nothing, no big deal"... But later on I started having severe internal bleeding in the intestines and that's when things got more serious. I have failed treatments for the past 9 months and have been through multiple procedures this year. My last colonoscopy was a few weeks back and if you live with crohn's disease you can relate, I woke up in pain after the procedure because I ended up not only having to have biopsies taken but also a Polypectomy. My doctor says I will be starting injections(biologics) soon and i'm not scared at all, I just wish to be better and be able to start my life being so young.
I graduated from high school a year early; hoping to go off to college and become a Fish and Game warden. Everything has been put on hold and it has sure taken a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. The biggest thing I have learned is no one can relate unless they have Crohn's disease and know the toll it takes.
I am hoping to get any advice I can take on what I should do or how to deal with the disease...

Thank you for any support I can get, and any advice.
Hope everyone had a blessed and happy holiday!
-Aimee

Hi Aimee and welcome to Healingwell.  I like you was diagnosed at 18 yrs old and I am now 54, so its been 36 years for me.  When first diagnosed I was at my sickest.  At that time I am sure they considered me severe, but since then I would say I am considered mild to moderate.

I think once you find the right treatment for you, you will start feeling much better.  It might be hit and miss for a bit, but keep working with your docs till you are back on to the road to remission.

Since diagnosis I have had 3 daughters all adults now, been at the same job for almost 23 years, and married to the best guy in the world.  I tell you this so you can see that there is life with Crohns.

Its not been all easy peasy, and there have been bumps in the road from time to time, but I have been able to enjoy life and so will you once you find the right treatment for "you".  For diet you will need to find what works best for you.  I personally follow a low residue diet all the time as this works best for me.  You can google the diet and get ideas to help you.

I hope the meds work well for you and you start feeling better soon.  Also, this is a chronic and incurable disease that must be treated at all times, so don't stop your meds cuz you are feeling better, or else you could wind up back where you are or worse.  Good luck and big hugs! 

Hi Aimee,

I have a daughter your age with Crohn's. She was diagnosed at 13.

I just want to reassure you, that once you get the right treatment going for you, you will be able to return to a very normal life.

Most of the difficulties you'll read about here revolve around trying to find something that works. The biologics have a proven track record at fighting this disease. 

Also, you've come to the right place. Please keep posting questions and updates. There are alot of experienced people here that can give you a great deal of support and help. 

Hi Aimee

Sorry your having to deal with this DD like the rest of us, However you did come to the right place for support and some good info. I agree with crohny83 when I was first DX with CD 2 years ago I ran across this site and within mins i was feeling a lot better after talking to other ppl that know what your going thru/ dealing with.
Keep your head up and remember your Not alone...Smile