G
GoBucks26
Guest
Hey all!
I stumbled on this site last night and am very impressed with the amount of concern/caring etc etc shown by all- so I figured I would open up and introduce myself.
I have had GI 'issues' for the past 14 years, however, I would just suck it up and deal with it rather than go to the doctor. My family and friends got used to me sometimes being unable to participate in things I planned with them (concerts, dinners etc) due to the stomach problems. My Grandfather had Crohns and a colostomy...I guess I was afraid that if I went to the doctor I would find out that is what it was.
I had to relocate last November to a state I did not care for due to work. Next thing you know- February rolls around and I am pretty much unable to function due to all the symptoms (D, Pain, fatigue,a 33 lb weight loss in 3 weeks). Sooo- I sucked it up and went to the doctor. After all the blood work and 'scavenging' for samples, I was referred to the GI. Next up was a colonoscopy. Let me rephrase that: the colonscopy from HELL. The meds to sedate did not work so I was wide awake feeling everything and crying for them to stop or put me out. I went into shock. The drs. wanted to admit me but I signed myself out AMA (against med. advice). There was NO way I was going to remain under the care of those people when they could of prevented the whole situation from getting THAT out of hand.
I was dx with Crohns during the scope and I quickly took my records to another GI group in town.
I was started on pred, imuran and changed my diet. The new doc scheduled a small bowel follow through. This test went MUCH better than the scope- though I did have to drink more barium because it went through my system too quickly. Then we found out it affects my small bowel as well.
I finally seemed to get out of the flare and return to a more normal life.....until Memorial Day. I was doubled over in pain, vomiting, had a fever- so I called the doc who told me to get to ER ASAP. Turns out I had appendicits. While in the cat scan, the radiologist came over the speaker to ask 'when did I do a barium swallow'. Turns out, the barium from the follow through had hardened inside my appendix and sat there for 6 WEEKS festering. Needless to say, I am a happy woman to be without the appendix.
All seemed pretty well- I did take a transfer back to SC- I had had enough of being that far away and not at the top of my game health wise.
All was well until 3 or 4 weeks ago when I began having bloody bm's. I saw my doc here and was put back on Prednisone, plus cipro, flagyl, cortenema and vicodin. My blood work at the time showed low hemoglobin and 'high normal' WBC.
I was blood free for 5 days- and on Thanksgiving began bleeding again. (I am starting to think I am hexed on holidays
Fast forward to today, STILL having bleeding, abdominal pain, and off and on D, and beginning to feel really run down, and generally not looking too hot. I am TERRIFIED at the thought of having another scope done (since it is a new doc) that I don't want to go back to the doc for more treatment. I know this is an irrational fear, but I can't help it.
So, I guess you can call me- Really Stubborn Crohnie
So I guess that tells my story from the past 10 months. I will say that I have now have even more respect for my grandpa. As a kid, I just remember him running back and forth to the bathroom (pre-stoma). Never once did that man complain about any of the other symptoms he was probably having. I asked my mom and dad if they remember him ever complaining and they don't. Amazing. Unfortunately, he is no longer here to be my fellow crohnie/sounding board/advice giver.
Now that I have written what could be termed a small book I will stop typing
Thanks everyone for listening!!!!!!!!!!
Happy colons to all, and to all a good night!
I stumbled on this site last night and am very impressed with the amount of concern/caring etc etc shown by all- so I figured I would open up and introduce myself.
I have had GI 'issues' for the past 14 years, however, I would just suck it up and deal with it rather than go to the doctor. My family and friends got used to me sometimes being unable to participate in things I planned with them (concerts, dinners etc) due to the stomach problems. My Grandfather had Crohns and a colostomy...I guess I was afraid that if I went to the doctor I would find out that is what it was.
I had to relocate last November to a state I did not care for due to work. Next thing you know- February rolls around and I am pretty much unable to function due to all the symptoms (D, Pain, fatigue,a 33 lb weight loss in 3 weeks). Sooo- I sucked it up and went to the doctor. After all the blood work and 'scavenging' for samples, I was referred to the GI. Next up was a colonoscopy. Let me rephrase that: the colonscopy from HELL. The meds to sedate did not work so I was wide awake feeling everything and crying for them to stop or put me out. I went into shock. The drs. wanted to admit me but I signed myself out AMA (against med. advice). There was NO way I was going to remain under the care of those people when they could of prevented the whole situation from getting THAT out of hand.
I was dx with Crohns during the scope and I quickly took my records to another GI group in town.
I was started on pred, imuran and changed my diet. The new doc scheduled a small bowel follow through. This test went MUCH better than the scope- though I did have to drink more barium because it went through my system too quickly. Then we found out it affects my small bowel as well.
I finally seemed to get out of the flare and return to a more normal life.....until Memorial Day. I was doubled over in pain, vomiting, had a fever- so I called the doc who told me to get to ER ASAP. Turns out I had appendicits. While in the cat scan, the radiologist came over the speaker to ask 'when did I do a barium swallow'. Turns out, the barium from the follow through had hardened inside my appendix and sat there for 6 WEEKS festering. Needless to say, I am a happy woman to be without the appendix.
All seemed pretty well- I did take a transfer back to SC- I had had enough of being that far away and not at the top of my game health wise.
All was well until 3 or 4 weeks ago when I began having bloody bm's. I saw my doc here and was put back on Prednisone, plus cipro, flagyl, cortenema and vicodin. My blood work at the time showed low hemoglobin and 'high normal' WBC.
I was blood free for 5 days- and on Thanksgiving began bleeding again. (I am starting to think I am hexed on holidays
Fast forward to today, STILL having bleeding, abdominal pain, and off and on D, and beginning to feel really run down, and generally not looking too hot. I am TERRIFIED at the thought of having another scope done (since it is a new doc) that I don't want to go back to the doc for more treatment. I know this is an irrational fear, but I can't help it.
So, I guess you can call me- Really Stubborn Crohnie
So I guess that tells my story from the past 10 months. I will say that I have now have even more respect for my grandpa. As a kid, I just remember him running back and forth to the bathroom (pre-stoma). Never once did that man complain about any of the other symptoms he was probably having. I asked my mom and dad if they remember him ever complaining and they don't. Amazing. Unfortunately, he is no longer here to be my fellow crohnie/sounding board/advice giver.
Now that I have written what could be termed a small book I will stop typing
Thanks everyone for listening!!!!!!!!!!
Happy colons to all, and to all a good night!
