HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Diagnosed 3 weeks ago with Crohn's Diaease

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/1/2010 7:32 PM (GMT 0)

I'm scared, confused, mad, worried and do not know where to turn. My doctor gave me folic acid and sulfasalazine 500 mg twice a day. I also have high blood pressure, acid reflux,

hypothyroidisum, depression. I'm always cold and feel like I have a low grade fever. Of course I'm always tired. I have started drinking Aloe Vera Juice. Does anyone have any advice for me? smhair

Posted 5/1/2010 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Give it time. The diagnosis time is kinda scary and confusing. If you're in a flare, I'd say get some Ensure or Boost just for a little while. It'll help keep you on a low-residue diet until the flare calms down. Most of us kind of always have low grade fevers during a flare as well or even before the flare occurs. Stay clear of salt for the high blood pressure. Um, and the Ensure/Boost should be calm enough for the acid reflux. Also, call your therapist. There are usually tons of help for people coming to terms with having a chronic illness. Even groups that meet monthly/weekly.
Posted 5/1/2010 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
It's understandable to be overwhelmed at first with being diagnosed. As time goes on, you'll learn more what works for you. Each of us is different, and unfortunately, you have to figure out how things affect your body. Maybe starting a food diary would be a first step for you to help you figure out what foods affect you the worst?
Also, maybe you could look over the posts that you think apply to you, and get yourself a little educated.

You have to remember you're not alone in this though. As you have specific questions, post and someone will be there to help! This site is so helpful and everyone here is so compassionate and helpful. I'm glad you found the site (though I hate to hear of another person with crohn's)
Posted 5/1/2010 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
There are many places that can help you learn more about your disease.
Take it slowly at first, it is overwhelming.

You are off to a great start, just by being on this forum, there are many helpful, and friendly people here.

CCFA.org is a great start. www.ccfa.org
They help organize crohn's meetings, where you can go and meet other people with Crohn's disease.

Many books out there to help too. I suggest Kitchen Table Wisdom, by Naomi.
www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Table-Wisdom-Stories-That/dp/1573226106

Take Care
Posted 5/2/2010 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PL and welcome to the best Crohns forum out there. You will find alot of support and kindness here. When first diagnosed it is usually when you are the sickest. Once the doc finds the right treatment for you you will start feeling better, but remember sometimes that takes some time.

I think your always being cold is from the Hypothryoidism. I have a SIL and 2 nieces with it and they are always cold too. Sulfazine is a good starting med to help quiet things down. I am surprised he didn't put you on a short course of steroids with it to help quiet it down a little quicker.

Start a food diary and keep tract of foods that bother you. I follow a low residue diet all the time as that works best for me. Its generally a diet prescribed when you are flaring. Now that I am in remission I have modified it a little, but it still is the best diet for "me". Good luck!
Posted 5/2/2010 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto on the diary...use if for food and to track your general health and activities. That way you'll be able to see if something causes you to feel worse during the day.

Hang in there and welcome to the forum!
Posted 5/2/2010 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
I think everyones already pretty much covered everything, but just wanted to say hi and welcome to the board!
Posted 5/2/2010 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell, so sorry you have to be here..
Its going to take time & you are going to go through the stages of Grief ( all of them)for your lost health. I'm afraid that cannot be helped. But understanding them & learning about your disease should be your priorities now. This is a great place both for info & support, utilize it.
It will get better, but no one can tell you when. Plus, your likely to join us on the CD rollercoaster. Flare, Remission, Flare. Burt you might be lucky & go into a permanent remission. That happens to some.

Sincerely,
Matthew
Posted 5/3/2010 7:47 AM (GMT 0)
Dr. should check your vitamin D levels and B-12 absorbtion. We tend to not absord these well. You need to immediately start calcium and d to ensure your bones remain strong.
Posted 5/3/2010 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Anemia is another thing that can make you feel cold, so you might ask your doctor to check your iron levels. Also, the aloe juice might not be the best idea. It can irritate the GI tract and cause diarrhea—it used to be used as an ingredient in laxatives.
Posted 5/5/2010 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Pink: are you seeing a gastrenterologist or a general practitioner/internist? You should be under the care of a GI with a lot of experience w/crohns.
Posted 5/8/2010 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to everyone for your welcome! Actually the first thing I did was a diary of what I eat
and that did help a lot. I'm seeing a GI doctor. Her office called me for a follow-up appt.
Maybe she can give me some resources to check into. I will surely look up the Kitchen Table
Wisdom. Thank you all again for your support. Pinklady445
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply