Hi My name is Jennifer and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in May 1976 after many years of pain and diarrhea throughout my childhood and all through high school years. Saw doctors but they didn't seem to know what it was. Finally had exploratory surgery at the suggestion of my gynecologist.Thats when I was finally diagnosed. At that time they removed 1 1/2 feet of my small intestine. I was on Prednisone and Azulfidine for 18 years and various other medications as well throughout this time.Ultimately had to have surgery again in January 1997. I now have a permanent ileostomy and have been mostly healthy and able to do many more things than I could prior to surgery.Also at the present time I take no medications for Crohn's disease.Well thats my story.