First time posting, and wanted to share my story. I've been diagnosed with CD for about 6 years now, but Ive had symptoms since age 9. When I graduated high school, I dropped about 40lbs in a little less than 3 months. I was in nursing school, so I attributed it to stress, of course. When I was 21, I began getting anorectal abscesses with fistulas. I was basically given flagyl/cipro, that's it. They mysteriously drained and healed, so I went about my merry way. Graduated nursing school, and went to work for a colon and rectal surgery group. Ironic right?? They treated me like family. Slowly, I began to lose weight over the next few years, and by the time I was 23, I was only 80lbs. I went to my primary care( I left the surgery group due to moving) and she suggested that I try cutting out gluten. I did, and I began getting SEVERE low back pain every time I had a BM. I went back to my MD, wanted a referral, and she gave me pain meds and a referral for psych. SHE ACTUALLY THOUGHT I HAD AN EATING DISORDER!! And she thought I was seeking pain meds. I was so discouraged. I tried my hardest to cope, but the day came when I was in so much pain, I couldnt talk. My abdomen was distended to about 6 months pregnant, and no BM for a week. I called my MD, no return. I then called my surgeons I worked with a few years prior. Frustrated, one of them actually met me in the ER. At that time I began to vomit stool. Turns out I had obstructions in 3 different area, fistulas into my spinal column and liver, and basically was given 1 week to live.
I was terrified, but I knew my surgeons work, and theyre amazing. I was taken into the OR, with a planned resection and a 1.5 hour surgery. It turned into 8 hours with one code, extreme blood loss and shock and an ileostomy. They basically could not believe that I was still alive. When they opened me up, it was like a war zone. I spent 2 months in the hospital, one of which was in the ICU. They didnt think I would make it, prognosis was very fair.
My disease was so progressed and I was so ill that I couldnt be placed on any oral meds or steroids. I was immediately placed on Remicade and have been on it ever since. My diet is healthy, limited gluten and dairy. Although Its hard to stay on a diet when youre in remission!!!! I do have my problems with fatigue, insomnia and tummy pains due to stress, but who doesn't? I am searching for alternatives in diet and stress reduction which is why I joined.
I am currently an RN and Im working towards my Bachelors to be an Enterostomal Nurse. I want to help my local ostomates
):sign0144:
I was terrified, but I knew my surgeons work, and theyre amazing. I was taken into the OR, with a planned resection and a 1.5 hour surgery. It turned into 8 hours with one code, extreme blood loss and shock and an ileostomy. They basically could not believe that I was still alive. When they opened me up, it was like a war zone. I spent 2 months in the hospital, one of which was in the ICU. They didnt think I would make it, prognosis was very fair.
My disease was so progressed and I was so ill that I couldnt be placed on any oral meds or steroids. I was immediately placed on Remicade and have been on it ever since. My diet is healthy, limited gluten and dairy. Although Its hard to stay on a diet when youre in remission!!!! I do have my problems with fatigue, insomnia and tummy pains due to stress, but who doesn't? I am searching for alternatives in diet and stress reduction which is why I joined.
I am currently an RN and Im working towards my Bachelors to be an Enterostomal Nurse. I want to help my local ostomates
):sign0144:
