Hi there

Hey Everyone

My names Sam, From New Zealand.

Been diagnosed with CD for about 6-7 years now. Ive experienced 3 stays in hospital (first time for a suspected appendicectomy when i was first diagnosed) due to this lovely disease and been on a variety of medications to keep me in remission.

My current level of treatment involves 40mg of prednisone, 100mg Imuran (Azathioprine), A calcium supplement, multi vitamin all taken daily.

Over the passed 3 weeks have had a colonoscopy for the 3rd time, MRI scan for the second time, and in a few days time i am due to have a Gastroscopy to investigate a possible tumour at the beginning of my intestinal tract which has been causing major restriction, nausea and vomiting.

Up until about a month ago i havnt really taken this disease seriously, eating bad foods and when suffering a flare up avoiding them when things get really REALLY bad.

I suppose this is really the wake up call i have been needing. Total change in my lifestyle, diet, saying goodbye to some of my favourite foods and a complete halt in drinking alcohol.

For about the past 5 years i was only being treated with Pentasa which seemed to do the job and never really experienced any major problems. But this latest flare up has really kicked my ass. Have been only able to manage a day at work then 2-3days dying of pain on the couch during the day and sleepless nights in bed.

Its really cool to see a forum like this, The level of support and advice from people with similar conditions and the recommendations of Good foods to help and Bad foods to avoid has been an immense help.

Look forward to meeting and sharing experiences with people on here.

Welcome Sammas! Hope everything goes well for you and hope that you feel better soon

Welcome Sammas

We are glad you found us...There's a feisty kiwi running around here who will be very happy to welcome you. The first 5 years of my disease were pretty good as well. I did the same things as you. Don't blame yourself for eating bad etc...When your feeling good, it's hard to change normal everyday habits. I hope you start to feel better. This is a great place with a ton of caring and knowledgeable people.

Welcome Sam - you've found a great place!

Hi Sam, I'm Sharon the 'feisty Kiwi'! Nice to see a fellow NZer on here
I have found this to be a great place for support, advice and even company with people who understand what it is like to have Crohns.
It's all relatively new to me as I had my first bad experience/hospitalisation in July and it is still sinking in that I have this thing.
I totally understand the eating bad etc as I sometimes slip when I just want to be 'normal'. My bowel symptoms are completely in remission with tapering prednisone at the moment and I hope they stay that way!
So, where abouts in NZ are you?

I live in Auckland. Just recently got back from Living in Tauranga for about 4 years. I was born and raised in Auckland though. Kinda hard being so far away from my specialist but didnt really experience many problems except for a 2 day stay in hospital when a flare up got really bad.

Thanks for the kind welcome and support everyone its nice to know there's others out there that can help. Especially another Nzer

Well, definately join on in and ask any questions and stuff you want. We are a very friendly bunch.
I'm in Dunedin but make regular visits to Auck as I have two brothers with kids there. Heading up over Christmas and can't wait!

hi Sam, welcome to the forum.

sorry to hear you're going through this painful and worrying time i hope the results come quickly and the docs can help you get your quality of life back.

looking forward to seeing you around the forum - keep us updated!

Hey Sam, I went for many years on just Pentasa not worring about what I ate or anything, like you I got a wake up call last year and had to have surgery. Sounds like you got your wake up call earlier than what I did so you have a great chance of getting this back under control quickly.
Welcome and jump right in here with us! We like Kiwi's! LOL

Hi Sam, and welcome. We all have been in your situation sooner or later. I for one, know how important diet is. After my first surgery, because I was sick for so long, I ate a terrible diet and though I am fine, no problems. Stupid thing to think I could go my merry way and eat and drink (not a drinker, just once in a while) :angry-banghead: . I wish I could go back and redo it , I may not have had to have my second surgery. You wouldnt be human to eat things we really shouldnt. I am still not perfect with eating the right thing but have come along way. We can't fool our bodies, I tried 17 years and can't do it. So hope you feel better and get back into life as you know it. Good luck.

:welcome: Sammas!