After many months of visiting my gp with symptoms of diorhee( I can't spell that word!) no appetite, sores on my legs, exhaustion, mouth ulcers and pain my GP decided that maybe I didn't have gastro and he would refer me to a gastroenterologist. The public health system in Australia being what it is, I had an appointment about 3 months into the future. I was 17 and living with my parents. They were always complaining about my smelly poo, about me not eating and about me sleeping all the time. One day I came home from work and just collapsed on my bed crying. Mum said "That's it I'm taking you to the hospital now".
I had never been to hospital, oh except that time my brother dared me to swallow a bottle of perfume and I had my stomache pumped. The gastroenterolist looked at me for about 3 minutes and said " Looks like Crohns Disease to me" I stayed in the hospital for about 3 weeks during which time I has numerous tests and treatments. I left weighing 45kg (I'm 168cm tall) but feeling heaps better.
I hadn't heard of Crohns Disease before. My parents knew of only 1 other person who had it and they had died. We were all pretty scared and confused.
My I initial treatment was Prednisolone and sulphasalazine. It made me feel better so I took it and asked no questions.
Since then I have had 3 bowel resections in 1990, 1994 and 1997. Each followed a stressful time in my life..the first 2 returning to work after giving birth and the last after my brother died in a car accident.
I have had numerous abscesses around my anus and massive skin tags there too. I would love to have them removed..one day.
I rebelled and stopped my meds many times and my specialist was like a dad to me. He retired about 8 years ago and I was so upset. He referred me to a new guy but he never seemed to care..he was always telling me it was my depression.
Earlier this year my pain became unbearable and I now take oxycodone regularly. I got myself referred to a new specialist and within 2 months I have had a MRI and been scoped. I have strictures so bad that they can't pass a wire so I am now on the waiting list for surgery. In Tasmania, where I live, the public hospital system is stuffed. So it could be anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months before I have what they refer to as urgent elective surgery.
I have learnt to live with this disease but I hate it. I wish I was normal. I get very depressed and suffer anxiety.
I haven't worked full time for close to 20 years now and have left jobs because of my Crohns. I'm currently on a government pension and do casual work when its available and I feel up to it.
I have a pretty warped sense of humor and try to stay upbeat. I have 3 lovely kids and a pretty wonderful partner although it took me 40 years and 3 husbands to find him!
That's my story so far.....
I had never been to hospital, oh except that time my brother dared me to swallow a bottle of perfume and I had my stomache pumped. The gastroenterolist looked at me for about 3 minutes and said " Looks like Crohns Disease to me" I stayed in the hospital for about 3 weeks during which time I has numerous tests and treatments. I left weighing 45kg (I'm 168cm tall) but feeling heaps better.
I hadn't heard of Crohns Disease before. My parents knew of only 1 other person who had it and they had died. We were all pretty scared and confused.
My I initial treatment was Prednisolone and sulphasalazine. It made me feel better so I took it and asked no questions.
Since then I have had 3 bowel resections in 1990, 1994 and 1997. Each followed a stressful time in my life..the first 2 returning to work after giving birth and the last after my brother died in a car accident.
I have had numerous abscesses around my anus and massive skin tags there too. I would love to have them removed..one day.
I rebelled and stopped my meds many times and my specialist was like a dad to me. He retired about 8 years ago and I was so upset. He referred me to a new guy but he never seemed to care..he was always telling me it was my depression.
Earlier this year my pain became unbearable and I now take oxycodone regularly. I got myself referred to a new specialist and within 2 months I have had a MRI and been scoped. I have strictures so bad that they can't pass a wire so I am now on the waiting list for surgery. In Tasmania, where I live, the public hospital system is stuffed. So it could be anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months before I have what they refer to as urgent elective surgery.
I have learnt to live with this disease but I hate it. I wish I was normal. I get very depressed and suffer anxiety.
I haven't worked full time for close to 20 years now and have left jobs because of my Crohns. I'm currently on a government pension and do casual work when its available and I feel up to it.
I have a pretty warped sense of humor and try to stay upbeat. I have 3 lovely kids and a pretty wonderful partner although it took me 40 years and 3 husbands to find him!
That's my story so far.....