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This Is All New - Just been Diagnosed

Hello,

Firstly let me start off by introducing myself. My name is Jack Whiting, I'm from England and I am 20. I have been suffering from symptoms of Crohn's for several years but it has never been diagnosed so I've shrugged it off. Recently it has been getting a lot worse with all of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • No Weight Gain/Weight Loss
  • Abdomain Pain
  • Poor Stool Movements
  • Blood

Now I have been through several tests and I have just, two weeks ago, been officially diagnosed with Crohn's. It's incredibly new for me and I can say I am scared of what is to come. I was given medication of 40mg Prednisolone daily and 400mg Asacol (Mesalazine) daily. I've been on them for 10 days so far and have had no improvements what so ever from the medication. In fact I've been getting worse due the side effects I have been getting - Insomnia, Bloating, Aching, etc.

I sort of feel like a lot of things have been turned upside down and I'm wondering how it's going to effect me. I'm due to go into my second year of university in short of two weeks and the way I'm feeling I'm unable to get out of the house and do every day things. I work from home a lot so that's not much the problem but socialising is a big part of what keeps me going at uni and makes it more enjoyable.

So that's me. Just starting out my journey with an official diagnosis.
 

Angrybird

Moderator
Location
Hertfordshire
Hello Jack and welcome to the forum :)

I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling any improvement from the meds yet, are you able to get in contact with the GI doc/nurse to have a chat with them about this? When are you next due to see a doc for follow up? Also do tou know if they have done any checks on your vitamin levels?

There is certainly a lot to take in and adjust to when first diagnosed but you have come to the right place for lots of helpful info and support so do have a good look around. With the right treatment regime and maybe a few lifestyle changes it is possible to feel well again.

AB
xx
 
Hey. Thanks.

Yes but I'm not able to contact them till Monday now - which is when my next appointment is. I am in weekly for checks and tests on my blood sugar but not vitamin levels.

I think they said that if I don't see any improvement in the two weeks I'll have been on the medication they are going to get me to change course and see about a different solution.

I've had what I thought was a pretty healthy lifestyle as I eat balances and exercise by at least walking daily (I don't drive so have to walk everywhere, or bike).

Any advice you can give for a newcomer to what seems a big challenge?
 
Hi Jack, I'm just as new to crohn's as you are. I was diagnosed with crohn's just over a month ago now. I'm also having similar side effects and it has been a bit of a bummer. I got really sick the last week of my summer session and had to take incompletes in my classes. I tried to go back for my senior year of college, but I was sick the whole first week that I ended up dropping my classes. So I'm at home, feeling pretty awful and lonely. I hope that you feel well enough to return to school.
 
Hey. Ohhh sorry to hear. It's not great! How are you coping with the news? Oh thats a shame to hear. Oh are you not able to get back to college then?. It must be horrid to be stuck at home and lonely! I am not quite there yet and fortunately I do have my girlfriend moving in a week! Thankyou. I hope your symptoms die down and everything gets better!
 

Angrybird

Moderator
Location
Hertfordshire
Hey. Thanks.

Yes but I'm not able to contact them till Monday now - which is when my next appointment is. I am in weekly for checks and tests on my blood sugar but not vitamin levels.

I think they said that if I don't see any improvement in the two weeks I'll have been on the medication they are going to get me to change course and see about a different solution.

I've had what I thought was a pretty healthy lifestyle as I eat balances and exercise by at least walking daily (I don't drive so have to walk everywhere, or bike).

Any advice you can give for a newcomer to what seems a big challenge?
I would say get as educated as you can and always take your time at appts, do no hesitate to ask questions on things you are not sure on - you need to be happy and clear on what the doc is telling you. Already having a healthy/active lifestyle helps and getting the right meds (some trial and error can occur here unfortunately) should lead to getting well again. Always keep an eye out for the slightest change on how you are feeling in yourself - catching any potential flare ups early is always good.
 
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