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6mp, Antibiotics, Emotional Stress and side effects

Thu, April 09, 2009 9:05 AM

Im 27 years old and have been diagnosed with Crohns since about 2000/2001. I went on and off Asacol/Pentasa throughout the years, but never was told by my Dr. to change my food habits/lifestyle. This past fall, I began getting severe cramping, distended stomach almost daily, and horrible bouts of diarrhea. The swelling of my stomach got so bad I went for another colonoscopy and more GI scans. I have Crohns of the Ileum, and my Ileum was very narrowed, lots of scar tissue and pretty blocked. At that time, I also learned I have a fistula, intestine to colon. I was on Pentasa and Entorcort.

I have begun to see a new Dr. at one of the top Hospitals/Centers for IBD in New York. She has put me on a low-residue/no-fiber diet, along with Levaquin and Flagil. I was not feeling well after a few weeks (tired, emotional, dizzy, nausea) so she changed my Flagil to Tindamax. After doing much research and being hesitant for many years, I am taking 6mp daily, as well as the antibiotics, Pentasa and vitamins.

Although my stomach has not swelled nor have I had stomach pain, I am an emotional mess. My anxiety levels are extremely high, and the smallest thing really sets me off, which causes bouts of diarrhea. I am constantly tired. I have a very stressful job - am getting married in a few months - and can not seem to control my emotions. This affects my job. I feel guilty for coming home after work so exhausted that I just want to cry. My fiancee is wonderful and tries to calm me down, but I just cant shake this.

Has anyone experienced these side effects from any of the meds I mentioned, and how do you deal with anxiety/stress?

pix607
Joined Apr 8, 2009

Thu, April 09, 2009 2:02 PM

Reply posted for pix607.

First of all, you are very fortunate to have a caring and understanding fiance. I too have a wonderful husband, but sometimes, this makes me feel worse for everything he has to go through. I too suffer from Crohns and colitis and I am on 6mp. It is unfair, but I also am tired a lot and don't seem to have the patience I use to. I'm not sure if it is the side effects of the 6mp or is it one of the symptoms of crohns. When my husband looked up some information about crohns, he found that chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia can be related. Along with the fatigue, my joints ache and I get migranes. My family Dr. put me on Cymbalta. This medication helps with anxiety, depression, and nerve pain. I have been on it for about 6 mths., and it has helped out a lot. Maybe this is something you can talk to your Dr. about. Hope this helps and good luck.

mhl3610
Joined Mar 7, 2008

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