My Story/ Question??

Hello My names Amy i'm 17 i'll be 18 in a month... I have recently been diagnosed with Crohn's after a very long 2 years of testing and emergancy room visties... This past November I had a Colonoscopy done they found 4 ulcers in my small bowel.. This came has a shock to me because after 2 years of testing I really didn't think this last test would show anything.. But now has I read more about Crohn's I see that all the signs are there.

I'm wondering how you frist deal with it mentally?

I find myself crying a lot especially when the joint pain get's to the point that I can't move. When my friends ask what's wrong I can't tell them with out getting emotional. I go up and down with my mood it has gotten so bad I had to take medical leave from my job because it was affecting my co workers.

Anything that you could tell me I would appreciate

First of all, I am glad you got a diagnosis. That is the first step to getting better. It is good that you are aware that you mentally need to address the disease as well. That is key to getting better. I would suggest you also join a local support group, where you can talk to people (in person) and get out the anger, frustration, etc. and feel like you have vented. Get angry at the disease and keep it in your head that you WILL overcome it! I found anger can be quite healing, when directed properly. You are probably still grieving over the shock of having a "disease" diagnosis. Realize there are things you can do to overcome it and get better and jump on that. Keeping a focus of looking for the answers to heal your body can be quite motivating and uplifting. Think of it as a hurdle, not a roadblock.

An eastern doc once told me that foods are a more dangerous drug than pharmaceuticals; they can cause many side affects to your body and inflammation is one of them. I found out, the hard way, that corn (specifically popcorn) will make my knees and other joints swell to the point it was quite painful to move. Once I eliminated the corn from my diet, joints went back to normal! How odd is that? However, it makes sense. Think of how turkey will make people want to sleep shortly thereafter eating it....so, you may be having a reaction to some food(s) you are eating or drinking. I eliminated all grains, dairy, most meat (only have on rare occasions), corn, gluctose, etc. and feel great! You need to be good to yourself and play around with your diet and give it some time. It took some time to get where you are and it will take some time to get back to feeling better. Reduce the inflammation and you will reduce or eliminate disease. This is your wake up call, so do not be dismayed...it is only a hurdle! Keep your spirits up, you can do it! You are a young lady and your body can heal much quicker than if you were much older, so keep reading up, learning, listening to your body and feel better soon! There IS a light at the end of the tunnel! (hmmm...no pun intended)

Hi Amy,

I wanted to write back to your post because I went through a very similar situation when I was your age. I was in high school and was sick for a few years, underwent all sorts of tests and saw specialists, until finally I was diagnosed with Crohn's. When I got the diagnosis, my mom said "Isn't that great?" I thought, "Are you nuts? What's great about having a disease?" She was just glad that we found out what was wrong and we could treat it. I was not so happy though. I wanted it to be a flu or some virus or something where it would go away soon. Getting diagnosed with a lifelong disease was devastating, and I felt that I didn't have the support I needed to deal with it at the time.

My symptoms got so bad I had to go down to half-days at school, quit my job, and eventually I ended up getting surgery. Those years were tough, I was asleep for most of them (or in the bathroom), and don't remember much.

Now here comes the good part:
1) You have us! Even though my Crohn's is not nearly as bad as it used to be, I have still found this forum to be SO invaluable. I only discovered it a few months ago. Everyone here has gone through all the ups and downs of living with this, and can offer tremendous support, as well as knowledge based on their experiences. Take Mickey's response above as just one example!

2) Crohn's research has progressed a bit since 10 years ago, and you can find a lot more information online. Use the opportunity to arm yourself with knowledge!

Remember, we're here for support. Cry to us / with us as much as you need to. The initial time of figuring out your diagnosis and determining which treatment works best for you is usually the toughest. Once you find what works for you, it gets a lot easier.

I plan on going to suport groups in my town but to have a place online to vent and talk freely about daily living with crohn's and to have people that understand what it's like is so helpful.

I can completely relate to you glory I had to drop out of grade 10 half way though the year then I went to home schooling i'm so close to graduating but still have a bet to go.

When i read about your Mom I just smiled cause that's exsctly what I thought "she must be nuts to think I should be happy about this". But i know she was just releved to finally know what was wrong. I feel like i have support cause my parents are willing to do anything to help me. I just don't feel the understanding is there and i can't expect them to understand it. That's why i'm so happy to have found this site it's like a comfort blanket.

Thank you both so much! <3