Hey All

Hey guys,

My Crohn's story starts in September 2008. I was in my first semester at college and I found a bump around my anus. It turned out to be an abscess. After several doctors appointments and antibiotics my abscesses werent going away. Somehow I managed to get through the entire semester with this anal pain (as well as rushing a fraternity) and still made deans list. It was quite an accomplishment.

Anyway After 2 failed surgery procedures to get rid of my recurring abscesses I was forced to medically withdraw from college and seek medical help elsewhere. Eventually, a colorectal specialist suggested me to get tested for Crohn's. I had to drink barium and go through a colonoscopy before I was tested positive for the disease.

I spent the rest of the spring and summer in misery. I needed setons in my anus and I had a huge wound due to the surgery. I was in moderate to severe pain constantly.

About a month ago from today my wound had healed and I got my setons out. I started to feel better almost immediately. The pain, however, has fluctuated recently.

Now it is a day before the Fall Semester at college. I want to return to life but I am starting to have anal pain yet again. I went to a doctor and he said that my bottom was looking healthy but I am still afraid that there is something new. I currently do not have a lot of draining, swelling or fever (symptoms of abscess) but I am still worried about something new. I am also terrified of having my fall semester sabotaged by this cruel disease.

Anyway, this whole process has been tough on me and I feel I need a lot of support. All I want is to have a happy semester, why is that so much to ask?

Thanks for your support, Live Forever

Welcome to the forum!!!

This group is full of support & a ton of knowledge!!!

Sorry to hear about your pain issues. I think we can all relate. Sometimes the pain is at a 2 & other days it's at a 10. Good luck with Fall semester. Let us know how you're 1st day goes.

Hey LF-
Welcome to the forum. Sorry you are having such a painful time of it.
Are you antibiotics for the abscesses? Are you on any other meds for your Crohn's?? What are you majoring in? Good luck, and I hope you make it through this semester pain/problem free!

Hi there,

Don't take this the wrong way, but do you think the pain may be psychological? I ask this because I have definately experienced this myself. It's amazing how powerful the mind is, and its effect on us when we are under stress -such as starting back at school.

I wonder if it is hurting because you are going in to the new semester worried about your disease making it difficult or making you fail?

My best advice is to just get stuck in and do your best and try not to focus too much on your bum.

I have found, since my recent diagnosis that if i worry, then I get pain. For instance, my problem was being blocked up, also had abscess and inflammation in ileum. First day I didn;t manage to poo (about 2 weeks out of hospital) I really allowed myself to worry and then ended up with quite a lot of pain, which made me worry more. Once I just let it go and tried not to focus, it went away.

Not saying you don't have anything actual physical going on, but something to think about eh?

Good luck

Shaz :Flower:

I am currently taking Remecade infusions once every 8 weeks. I also have recently starting taking flagyl and cipro just for protection.

Shaz, you have a point there and maybe this is psychological. I haven't been worried about getting good grades, but i HAVE been worrying that my Crohn's will interfere with my life.

The fact is, I have had an abscess before and I know what it feels like. Even though I feel uncomfortable now, I am not displaying any symptoms of abscess. So perhaps if I calm down the pain will go away and I can return to life.

Hello LF and welcome! Stress is a big factor for Crohn's and bowel related illnesses so anything you can do to keep yourself calm...a little exercise, venting here, getting enough rest all help me. Good luck and take it nice and easy and try not to get overwhelmed! We are here for you