My introduction

Hi everyone! It's great to see such a large support community! I am a 36 year old female diagnosed at 23. I have taken about every medication under the sun. Currently on Lialda, Nexium and VSL#3. Have been in a pretty bad flare for about a year now. Been on a soft food diet for a few months. Have never been so miserable in my entire life. I have had multiple fistula surgeries, but no bowel surgery yet. Most of my pain is in my terminal ileum. I'm ready to take drastic measures and have it removed. Am I jumping the gun? Any advice? I'm sick of being sick!Thanks
P.S. Don't know why my avitar is sideways!

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum!! You'll find a great many wonderful members here with loads of experience! It seems you have alot of experience yourself and I am sure you could contribute a wealth of advice to our members as well.

Hi Vkramer
Sorry you are suffering so much right now and hope you will soon feel a bit better,
Have your gastro specialists ever mentioned trying Remicade or Humira.
Might be worth discussing with them before more surgery.
It is awful having to endure all the pain and discomforts we go through.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

Hello!
I don't know very much about what youhave been through, but I wanted to let you know that I was listening. Are you able to work? Have you thought about SSI if you haven't already done so. I imagine that flaring for a year is starting to get to you. Try to keep you chin up (easier said than done, I know) but use this site for support, we are all ready to listen and offer advice if we can

Vkramer. Welcome to the Forum. Trysha brings up a good point about Remicade and Humira. Remi has been great for me but it doesn't work for everyone. Same with Humira. Surgery in most cases should a last resort IMO. But it is always a case by case decision. I have been able to hold off on surgery for 26 yrs though I know there is always the chance in the future.
Good luck and I hope whatever direction you go, that it helps you.