Flaring is no fun

Sorry for the longish post, but I need to rant a bit:

I am about to begin my second year as a PhD student and am 98% confident I am flaring again after nearly three years in remission (more or less), as I have seen a return and increasing presence in a number of symptoms over the last month. It's amazing how quickly the mind tries to forget the pain and hardship you went through during a flare, because right now I feel like this is the first time ever.

Things are a little different this time around too. Although I am experiencing what I refer to as my triumvirate of symptoms (pain, nausea, D), this time I'm also having joint issues, mainly in my hands, but also in my knees. This time around I've also had to deal with some constipation, where the only thing I could pass for days was mucus.

At this moment, I'm not sure how concerned I should be, but I am definitely not feeling well. I had an appointment with my PCP at school yesterday and he is going to refer me to a GI doc in the area, but who knows how long that will take (my PCP is calling the GI office today to try and expedite the process -- yay crappy university healthcare). Since yesterday afternoon, I have not been feeling well at all -- a feeling of pressure more than pain across my lower abdomen, D, and quite a bit of nausea. I was able to sleep for about five hours last night but woke up because the nausea and urgency was getting pretty bad. Now I'm sitting with a trash can next to me just in case -- in the past I have rarely (if ever) actually thrown up from the nausea associated with my Crohn's, but at the moment I think it might really happen this time. Not knowing yet when a doctor will actually see me is making this even scarier, especially with the semester starting in less than two weeks.

I'm hoping that this latest incident can be blamed on some popcorn I ate yesterday. I was able to eat it while in remission, but I'm guessing it's not such a good idea now. I also began taking Pentasa again on Wednesday after being off it for about 20 months, and part of me is concerned the meds might be causing this (even though I had no issues during the 18 months I did take it).

What sucks the most is that I don't have a support network aware of my Crohn's in the city where I am attending school. I do have several friends here, but even those I'm closest to don't know about the Crohn's yet nor are they back in town yet. And even though I have multiple ways to talk with other people who do know, the lack of physicality sucks at times. Of course, if things continue down their current path, I'm probably going to have to tell quite a few people so as to explain why I'm not getting work done!

Okay, I think I'm done for now. Man, do I hate this disease. But a big thanks to all of you for providing such a supportive community. You have helped me in the past and I'm sure you will be a great support as I go through this flare.

If you take your meds and watch your diet very carefully (no more popcorn!), you may make it through this flare unscathed. If your stricture is composed mainly of inflammation, rather than scar tissue, it can come and go. Try a really really gentle diet: Ensure, and maybe some mild soups, mashed potatoes, or even babyfood (some of which actually tastes pretty good), to give your innards time to rest and recover. Take some nice, warm baths (with a good book or magazine in hand) to relax you and soothe your painful abdomen. Be as nice to yourself as you possibly can be. Sometimes all of this is enough to put a flare into reverse. Good luck!

Try to think positive, now you know popcorn isn't good for you. Yes what you are going through is difficult, but try to think about what worked in the past and try it again. I understand you may hate to have to go back taking old medication but if this will help you for the time being, then do what it takes. As far as the pain, talk to your GI doctor about seeing a pain management physician, someone who can keep a close eye on you. As far as the nasusea, most nausea medication will make you sleepy so ask your family physician for something for nausea which will also help you sleep. Your biggest goal right now is to get through school, so do whatever it takes to make it for now. Be patient and take it day by day. BE POSITIVE AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE FUTURE.

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Post Edited By Moderator (Nanners) : 8/22/2009 7:25:40 AM (GMT-6)