for the Australians

Did anyone else see this week's rerun of All Saints where they diagnosed a girl (who later died) with Crohn's?

I wasn't sure what to think of it, so wouldn't mind having someone to share thoughts with.

Ivy.

Hi Andorable,

You're right; this patient died of blood clots, but not before:
* a very doom-and-gloom description of Crohn's from Charlotte, and
* a subplot that seemed to suggest that the girl's constant drinking of coffee was more than partially responsible for her illness. I wonder about the AS scriptwriters, as the last time I saw a Crohn's patient on the show, he was on the verge of a colostomy and was constantly being told by the doctors that the illness was his fault, as he was a lawyer and the stress had (they said) made him sick. For some reason, we always seem to be held responsible for our illness - not sure if they would do that for cancer or other serious diseases.

There were some good things, though. Even if the doom and gloom was a bit excessive, I thought it was a nice change to see this illness being taken seriously, and that it might be helpful if our unsympathetic friends & relatives saw that episode. They also had a very graphic scene where the girl was doubled over with pain and needing a nurse's help to get to the toilet in time, as the pain was too debilitating for her to move by herself - again, I thought it might provide outsiders with a good insight into our lives.

btw, I want Charlotte for a doctor!
"This patient needs a colonoscopy."
"But what about the bowel prep?"
"When she's just had three weeks of d? I don't think her bowel needs any more aggravation, do you? We'll do the scope without the prep".

Ha.

Hang in there with your bag. I don't blame you for getting weepy while changing it... but I have heard that it gets easier with time. You're being amazingly courageous - go, Andorable!

Ivy.

I wouldn't worry too much, Andorable, I'm sure it'll be repeated one day (or maybe you could find it in a video shop?)

Eva, this one was an old repeat... from earlier this decade, I think. One of our tv stations replays an old episode most afternoons, and I watch it during my rest time. It's worth keeping an eye on AS - they do have a Crohn's case from time to time, and their treatment can be upsetting and / or thought-provoking.