Community Forum

I was diagnosed with UC which has now turned out to be Crohns in May right before my college graduation.  I was getting ready to celebrate by one year wedding anniversary and start a teaching career.  I also planned on going to grad school as soon as possible.  After my diagnosis I decided to take a year off to get well.  I am working full time, but am not teaching as I had intended.  While I am sure I could one day teach I am not so sure I want to as I am very anxious about my urgency and the inability to use a bathroom right away when in the classroom.  My friends are all off to grad school or teaching and I should be taking it easy and concentrating on getting well but all I can do is beat myself up over not being able to physically do what I had planned on doing.  I would love to hear from others who feel disappointed in the way things have turned out because of their IBD and any advice.

 Reply posted for mirandaann.

Hi,

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 16 years old, and I am now 39.  I understand how you feel about the diagnosis of your Crohn's disease. 

Don't let your illness control your life.  That's what happened to me, and I regret that I didn't force myself to live my life.  I still have not dated or had a job because of my fear of what might happen.  I have seen a therapist, but the therapy has not helped. 

Even though I am still struggling, I don't want you to.  Please, don't let your illness control you.

 Reply posted for mirandaann.

I know how you feel.  I was so depressed when I first found out I had crohns 6 years ago and actually felt a bit of denial because I had no problems until having my first child and that is when the problems started.  I swore I tore something during child birth and that was the problem.Things seemed to finally get better and I was managed on Meds well, but ever since my 2nd child in 2007 I have not been able to find anything to control my urgency and pain.  I have lost 93 pounds and my inner body is in an anorexic state.  I have had to have iron infusion in hopes to get my system back to a normal state.  I am on Potassium because they can't keep that normal either.  My physicians are concerned, but nothing helps and all I feel is angry about why I can't seem to plan anything for fear of having an accident.  It's embarrassing to work, go out to shop, dinner, etc because I'm always in the bathroom.  I know what you are feeling and I even saw a therapist for my feelings which she advised me are normal, but I need to focus on the positives in my life.  It has caused a lot of strain on my relationships with my husband and children because I can't do anything unless I know a bathroom is close by so a lot of things I used to enjoy I can't do.  My husband has to do the fun parent things with the kids like walks in the park, bike rides, sports, etc because they don't have restrooms readily available so I can't participate.  I try to not eat all day to make it easier to get through work, but it still flares up.  I do sympathize with you and hope the best for you.  Definitely follow your dreams and don't let it beat you - I try not to for the most part, but it does limit your abilities until you are controlled. 

Good luck,

Trina

 Reply posted for mirandaann.

I have indeterminate colitis (which means they can't decide if I have ulcerative colitis or crohn's) and I teach. When my symptoms are under control it's not a problem, but when I'm having lots of bathroom urgency it can be stressful.  I always have an activity or thought I can leave with my students to work on while I run for the can.  It's not perfect but it works.  I also teach at the college level so my daily teaching load is pretty easy compared to something like a high school teacher has.  It can be done, but it can be rough at times.  Don't give up on your dream.  At the very least you should try it.

Definitely work with your school to be sure you teach in a room that's close to the rest room. If they are not cooperative then you may have luck playing the disability card.  The americans with disabilities act should cover us, especially now that the house and senate have passed a bill that helps people like us claim a disability.

 Reply posted for mirandaann.

i'm sorry you're disappointed with the way things have turned out, but I'll be the first person to tell you, life DOES NOT stop once you're diagnosed with crohn's. you have to be optimistic and keep living you're life. granted, it's hard to do some things when you're really, really sick, but you have to consider those times short-term detours on your journey...

if you want to teach, teach. if you want to go to grad school, go. whatever you want to do, set your mind to it and do it. don't be disappointed about having crohn's....it's not cancer! your house didn't burn down! and hopefully your husband and family are there to support you. life is not easy with crohn's, but it's definitely liveable!

i was really sad when i was first diagnosed...i wasn't sure if my boyfriend would still want to date me, but now he's my wonderful husband, so that obviously worked out. i was a college student at the time, and i didn't know how i would balance class and remicade treatments, but my professors were understanding and I graduated with honors a semester early! i wasn't sure how my publisher at the newspaper i work at would like me visiting the doctor monthly, but he has been very understanding!

since being diagnosed, i have taken several mission trips to mexico, a road trip out west, my husband and i literally built our own home board-by-board, i adopted three dogs, one cat and two starving horses, and i have developed a much stronger relationship with God!

crohn's has made me a much stronger person, and for that, i am thankful. please don't let having crohn's stop you from living your life to the fullest!