At the age of 24 I began experiencing changes I knew were not normal.

Normally slightly overweight, I began to lose weight at an alarming rate. At first, this was great. I was actually  slim. But as I began to experience other symptoms, I knew this was not so great after all. Foods that I had
eaten before with no problem would cause me much discomfort. Pain, diarrhea, nausea, and extreme fatigue  became a way of life.

I was raising 2 children at this time and, as young as they were, they were my support. I depended on them for  so much at my worst times When I remarried I couldn't have picked a more patient and understanding person.
He not only was some one to lean on, but turned out to be very instrumental in my after care.

It wasn't easy getting a correct diagnosis, I actually was referred to a psychiatrist, as the Dr. was sure these  symptoms were in my head. But he recognized that I was in need of good medical care and referred me to a  Gastroenterologist. Finally, the diagnosis came, I had Crohns Disease. I was relieved to find it wasn't cancer,  but knew nothing about Crohns.

In the 28 years since my diagnosis, I have learned more than I thought possible and been through more than I  ever imagined I would. But every day I am learning more about this Disease and its complications.

Two serious complications I have developed are Osteoporosis and Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS).
 

Crohns Disease
 

Crohns Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It causes ulceration's in the small and large  intestine, but can be found anywhere in the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. It is found in men and  women, even children.

There are many drugs and treatments for Crohn, but the best we can hope for is complete remission. The cause is believed to be related to abnormalities in the response of the body's immune system to the bowel  contents, Although this is just speculation. There are only drugs to help put it in remission, no cure has been  developed.

Some of the symptoms are pain and tenderness, generally on the right side. This is due to the terminal ileum  commonly being involved, and it is located adjacent to the appendix. This can mimic appendicitis. It is often that  the Dr. will remove the appendix, therefor it wont be questionable in the future. Diarrhea is common and may be   the result of a partial bowel obstruction. Blood in the stool may be found. Weight loss and nausea are also  common.

There are many complications of Crohns. Bowel obstruction, abscesses, fistulas, cancer of the bowel, bowel  perforation, inflammation of the joints, spine, eyes, liver and bile duct.

There are various treatments and medications used in treating Crohns. Dietary changes may be necessary. Low-fiber, even a liquid diet to let the bowels rest when symptoms are severe. TPN may be used as a  nutritional supplement. This is An Intravenous feeding. Some of the drugs used are: Asacol, Entocort 6-mp,  flagyl, Imurel, Azulfadine, and Prednisone. Imodium, Colestid, and Questran are a few of the drugs used
to treat diarrhea.

My Struggle with Crohns

I can only relate my experience with Crohns.

The first serious complication I developed from this disease was a Bowel Blockage. To say the least, it was  extremely painful. I would not be able to keep foods down at one time, then another time I would have serious  bouts with diarrhea.

I was put on, Azulfadine which I later developed an allergic reaction to. Then I was put on Prednisone. This was  the Steroid I was to be treated with during most of the flare ups with Crohns. I was fortunate to have Dr's. that
believed a person should be kept as free of pain as possible, so pain medication was not a problem to get.

For the Diarrhea I have tried Imodium, Colistid and Tincture of Opium, Tylenol/Codeine, and none have been  effective, although Tylenol/Codeine does "slow" the bowel some.

I was operated on for the Blockage and at that time a section of my Small Intestine was removed. Since that  time I have had 5 surgeries resulting in having all but 27 inches of my Small Bowel removed. At one time I had  an Illeostomy but chose to be reconnected. I regret that decision now,  as I can see my quality of life was much   better then. As a result, I have developed, fistulas, skin tags,  abscesses, Osteoporosis and Short Bowel  Syndrome.

I also lost my teeth to the disease and have joint pain on a daily basis.I have been on TPN (total peripheral  nutrition), 3 times and developed severe infection from the IV line. But that is the past, there is still the future. 

Each day I can remain in remission is a step forward.

The End Results