New Member

Hello All,
I am a 39 year old male, and I have had symptomatic (problematic) Crohn's Disease for about ten years now, but I was only diagnosed three years ago. I have had surgery for a small bowel obstruction in 2007, but a resection was not necessary because the tissue was still viable. This is when I received a definitive diagnosis. I've since had Remicade added to my regimen of meds, and have had pretty good success with it. I also had Imuran added at the same time. I lost my spleen in 2009 due to blood clots thought to be the result of dehydration from Crohn's. Apparently 80% of my spleen was scar tissue at the time of my Splenectomy. Besides the chronic pain from the disease in general, and scar tissue, joint pain and fatigue are my biggest problems of late. I have also developed Osteoporosis from Prednisone use. That's about it in a nutshell.
L.A.

I have same dehydration really bad, due to 4 surgeries and having that valve removed, Iam extremly malabsorbtion issues due to all of my surgeries, I go to the bathroom so much in the morning that it seems like all I do is try to recoup from my morning bm's, after one or two very loose bm's in the am, then I usually go 2-4 more times getting rid of bile and mucus. I'm on disability now and have applied for ssdi. but I'm 60 and have had cd for 40 years. I'm on rem and pain med's.I wish you well L.A.

Welcome, LA!

Do you have to take any extra precautions when you're on Rem, because you no longer have a spleen? I'm curious: I'm guessing it would make things even harder for you?

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.

Ivy.