• Welcome to Crohn's Forum, a support group for people with all forms of IBD. While this community is not a substitute for doctor's advice and we cannot treat or diagnose, we find being able to communicate with others who have IBD is invaluable as we navigate our struggles and celebrate our successes. We invite you to join us.

Finally diagnosed

Hi,

I'm new to your fabulous Forum. Thank you for having this.
I'm 52 y.o. and have been dealing with IBS since about 15 years old. Over the years my symptoms increased, along with the pain, the bleeding etc... In May 2010 I became very ill with non-stop bowel movements, severe bleeding, decreased energy and massive weight loss, about 30 pounds in 1 month. By July I was driven to the ER because of the bleeding. After waiting around (all the while running to the bathroom every 10 minutes) for 5 hours, they send me home with acid reflux medicine???? Shocked and upset I told them I'd be back tomorrow, which I was. Then finally a nurse who listened to all my symptoms said we have a gastro specialist on site today, I'm going to grab him. After discussing my story with him, he booked me in for a colonoscopy and a scope down my throat (as I have had serious upper GI problems for years).
The results came back as Crohns in 3/4 of my colon, along with a Barretts Esgophogus and intestinal metaplasia in my upper stomach. I have been telling my GP for years that there is something seriously wrong with my GI system, they put it down to IBS.

They first put me on Prednisone, 50mg per day for 7 days, then a slow taper off to 0. I've been on Salofalk, (8 pills per day at 500 mg each pill) now for 10 months which has controlled it for the most part. I also take Iron supplements Liquid form, triple dose of Vit. D, along with massive doses of Acidopholis and a high oxy formula.

I see a blood scientist 2x per year, he looks at my blood and tells me exactly what I need and where I'm lacking. He is the one who recommended the iron, acidopholis, vitamin D and oxy formula. I have more confidence in him, than I do most doctors. I'm just lucky to have someone in my small town who does this for a living.

It's been a whole year of real trial and error, as far as what I can and can not eat, I'm still trying to sort that out a bit, but for the most part it's at least manageable.

Your Crohn's Forum is a great help to all of us. It's very difficult for most people to even remotely understand just how difficult this disease is to control, not to mention tolerating the pain.

Thank you for listening.

BrendaM:heart:
 

xJillx

Your Story Forum Monitor
Hi Brenda and welcome! Wow, I can't believe you went undiagnosed for so many years! I am struggling to figure out my GI issues, so I know how frustrating it can be.

I am glad to hear your current treatment plan seems to be helping. I hope it continues to work well for you. Once again, welcome to the forum!
 

Jessi

Moderator
Hi Brenda. Welcome to the family. :)

I agree with you about this forum being so helpful. It has changed everything for me and given me hope.

I'm glad that you're getting your blood checked and taking vitamin supplements.

Here's a sub-forum where you can chat with others on the same meds as you, and ask any questions you need answers for.

Welcome again. I hope you feel at home here, as I do.
 

Angrybird

Moderator
Location
Hertfordshire
Hi Brenda, really pleased you have found us :bigwave: Glad you finally got a diagnosis and that you are now getting the treatment you need. Let hope you will soon graduate from manageable to fully well. Welcome to the forum and I hope to see you around :)
 

rygon

Moderator
Hi and welcome to the forum, hope it can help you, good youve been diagnosed (finally), all the best in getting better
 
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