Overwhelmed - how to cope?

I go thru what you explained everyday, my work I have what is called, an ongoing medical, meaning I can call in sick up to 6 times per month without being fired. I'm a table games dealer at large casino and I have an art business that makes the money I loose from calling in sick. my dealing job give my family and I insurance. I've had crohns since 1970 4 surgeries and 2 resections

Minou, I think lots of people go through this, I know I definitely do - some days I want to leave my job or change careers or do SOMETHING different, and I still can't tell if that's something I should be considering or if it would just be easier to start over someplace else. No matter what decisions you make, take extra "me" time. No matter what. Take a weekend retreat, stay in bed for a movie day if you are feeling like you need more rest, start a journal and write down your feelings - these are all things to help keep your head focused so you don't become overwhelmed by your emotions. I know I definitely become overwhelmed with my emotions and am trying not to make decisions based primarily on them. Crohn's is a lot to take! If you have trouble expressing yourself to your husnad & family then write down what you would want to say and maybe don't give it to them - just keep it for yourself so you can get your thoughts straight.

Good luck! Hang in there!!!!

You Said,{ I want to be present in my life and right now I'm just existing}. Boy do I understand that statement! I tried work and being sick for alot of years, finally I went onto disability but always wanted to get back to work. So when I felt a little better, off to work I'd go and get sick again. This last time 2 weeks after I went on disability my plant shut down permanently, so I sayed on disability, It's been 14 months now and just lately 1-.5 months I've been feeling the best I have in over 6 years! I think just having the pressure off and steady mealtimes and sleeptimes seems to have made a huge difference in my health. I can closely monitor how I'm doing and how different drug therapy's are working. I know eventually I'll have to go back to work, the money can't last forever but I'll find a job that allows me stability in my lifestyle, now that I realize just how important it is. If your able to go off work and get your health back I'd recommend you try, possibly like me it'll be a God send for you. Rob

I am not sure how much more incouragement I can offer, but I will try with the Husband thing...

Jesse and I have been together for 10+ years and are "practically" married. When I was so sick before being diagnosed, 3+years he saw me being "lazy", not going out with friends and a day at the beach....i would try anything tho get out of. Work was also a struggle, as I work at a very busy dr's office, everyone saw me as anti-social.
After my dx and starting treatments, symptoms settling, and new symptoms popping up seemingly out of nowhere, I have started telling my mom, jesse, and my two best friends some of the things that I have a hard time dealing with on my own. We have since started calling them "pitty parties" cause I just need to get some things off my chest. I am not looking for anyone to solve the problems, or concernse, just to listen. My mom has gotten really good at helping me B#@$& and get everything out. My two best friends know that there "duties" at the parties are to help me find some humor in any given situation. Jesse is of course the shoulder that is closest and strongest. As for guys they tend to want to fix things and they can't fix this, but you need to express things that are bothering you, you are worried about, or just venting. I have found with Jesse that telling him I Just need to vent, let him know why am scared has help alot in his understanding of CD, he now helps watching my food and remembering to take my meds on busy days...
I hope that you are able find the right mix of support with in your group at home, but if not you are always welcome here!

Dear Minou,
I was laying in bed last night - feeling miserable and I came across your post. I just laid their and cried. I guess I felt your pain. I am sorry you are having a rough time. Hang in there. Even though most days it feels like it you are not alone. You don't have to have a reason to tell your husband. Just tell him that you need him there. It is scary to go sometimes by yourself. Other times I know that my husband thinks of things that I don't while we are there. Some days I cry and feel sorry for myself and other days I laugh about it because my kids are laughing at me as I make a mad dash to the bathroom. Hang in there. Here is something to think about. A co-worker of mine's father was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer. He had his first chemo session yesterday. He went with his dad and while he was there a guy walked in early in the morning smiling and whistling. When someone asked him if he was a morning person, he said, "No - but I have cancer and God let me wake up this morning. He didn't have to do it." It doesn't make how you are feeling any better or your troubles go away, but when he told me that this morning, it just made me stop and appreciate what I do have. I am thankful to have such a great family that helps me through this the best that they can.
I hope you have a good day.

I am self employed and working part time, and it has been a godsend. Every once in awhile I feel guilty about not working more hours, because we certainly could use the money, and my hubby reminds me about how important it is to take care of myself. If you have the option to work part time, then go for it; if not, then make sure you take time for yourself.