Hi Guys!

Hi guys,

My story really began back in March/April this year. I started feeling sick all the time and getting stomach pains. I went to my GP who sent me for a couple of tests where the ultrasound diagnosed me with a gallstone that wasn’t an issue as it hasn’t done any of the evil things gallstones do

In May I had my husband take me to the hospital and they discovered that I had appendicitis and needed to have my appendix removed. After my surgery the doctors sat down and had a talk with me. The doctors mentioned Crohn’s and I thought they were being overcautious and overreacting a bit.
They referred me to their Gastroenterologist and she referred me on for a bunch of tests.

A few weeks later I started experiencing stomach pains and nausea on and off all the time. It slowly got worse as I was due to have my final tests completed.

After my colonoscopy (my final test) the doctor who performed it visited me and advised me that they found evidence of Crohn’s. She arranged for my results appointment to be brought back earlier so I will be having my appointment where I get officially diagnosed next Tuesday 2/09/2014.

It goes to show how sick and scared I was that it was a massive relief to have a name for it. I have altered my diet and the last two days have been the best days I have had in weeks. I have read the information booklet I was given, but still feel that I know very little about Crohn’s.

If you had read this far. Thanks. I appreciate it.

I don’t know what else to say so I’ll sign off now. I tend to be a lurker on most forum websites, but I want to try to be different here. I don’t have much to contribute yet, but want to participate as I can.

If you would like to help me out, could you please suggest what questions I need to take to my specialist next week. I never know what to ask and often think of the important questions after the event. I would be ever so grateful.

Cheers,
Dianne

Hey Dianne

I would ask exactly what the evidence was - inflammation or ulcers or narrowing or...
I would ask where the evidence was - eg colon (which part) , terminal ileum, ...

I would ask how severe the crohns is and what then plan for treatment is.
I would ask about the possible side effects of any treatment.

Also - At what point do you you come back and see him or contact him - If your symptoms get worse, if you need follow up blood tests, the best way to contact him? email or phone - what about emergencies, What to do if you flare, Follow up colonoscopy in how long. Review of situation at what point?

Sorry this is a bit garbled - short on time! But wanted to answer - best f luck with your journey and welcome

Gotumtum thank you so much. Your post really helped me prepare for my appointment. My GI was great and answered the majority of the questions before I could ask any. I brought along both my husband and my mother as I thought they would both have questions I wouldn’t think of.

So I’ve made it past the first appointment and am on the adjusting to medication stage…I just hope the side effects I’ve had over the last couple of days settle down soon. They’re not bad, just a bit frustrating.

Thank you again!

Welcome Diane. Everyone's journey with this disease is different. What meds are you currently on? You may find some comfort in reading about it and the common side effects and ways to control them, by searching by the name of it. Sometimes it helps just to know you aren't the only one experiencing the side effects.

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.

I'm on Azathioprine. I've checked out some of the posts in these forums regarding side effects which is why I'm not panicking over having them. I just have some fatigue and nausea. Not enough to be really bad, but just enough to make life difficult.

I'm busy sitting here at my desk eating all day so far because it helps with the nausea. I honestly think whoever created cruskits is my new hero as it works amazingly well at settling the nausea!

Hi and welcome.

Try and take things a day at a time. There is lots to learn. That will come over time.
If your not already doing it, keep a food and symptom journal along with a note book for Q and A.

Sending you my support. Knowledge is power.

Thank you.

I expect that there will always be a lot to learn.

I started a food diary last week when the doctor who performed my colonoscopy advised me that they found evidence of Crohn's. I make notes of any symptoms I experience and what times it happens so I can compare it with what I have eaten and when to try work out what caused it.

My hospital is fantastic. They have a nurse at the IBD clinic who all the patients have her direct number, so if we have any questions we can call her and ask. She's been great and so supportive.