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My name is David and i am starting to have trouble with depression about living with crohn's.  i have been living with it since '97 and have been having alot of trouble with it the past couple of years.  i really need people to talk to.  if you want to contact me, my e-mail is wolfman712001@yahoo.com. thanks.   David

 Reply posted for wolfman712001.

Dear David,

    First off, I am a old grandpa...but I have a dear grandson, 24 years old who has suffered for many years with Crohn's. He, like you, sufferes fits of depression and disappointments going from one treatment to another. He is currently on HUMIRA, but the effects seem to be minimal. We pray constantly that something will show up. I have encouraged him to get on these support groups and talk with folks like you and others who suffer...finding common ground will help you and him to confront your enemy. Mainly, never give up. Always find some reason in your daily walk to be positive and pursue this challenge with great effort. When you stop ...that's when you problems really mount up. So, I urge you, as I urge my grandson Kip, to always stay poisttive...to keep your faith that something will happen to heal you. Stay as active as you can ...keeping busy takes your mind off your problem. Anyway, I wish you well and if you would like to exchange notes with my grandson, please reply.

Grandpa Joe in TN...w5aoe@bellsouth.net

 Reply posted for wolfman712001.

join www.wearecrohns.com

A lot of good info on this site. Plus you can meet some great people that might be in your area.

You can vent, share and meet other people that are dealing and understand what you are going through each day.

Hope to meet you there.

Best wishes!

 Reply posted for Jillgibson.

Hi David....I am a 34 year old living with Crohns since 1992 (actually I think I was born with it but I wasnt diagnosed til 1992). I have 2 young children and I have had my ups and downs trying to live day to day in constant pain and trips to the bathroom! I have had a rough 5 years and just in the last few months it seems the Remicade may be working (YEAH....I have tried every other medication and was running out of options)I have had PICC lines put in just so I can leave the hospital to be home with my kids....it is a tough disease and sometimes I feel like I am crazy and it is in my head since so few medicines work on me. I understand how depression can play a big part in coping with Crohns and at one point I was taking Lexapro for a short time to help me get through a tough time.

Good Luck!

 Reply posted for wolfman712001.

Have you tried to locate a support group near you?  Check the ccfa regional chapter directory and see if there's one in your area.  They can be a tremendous help.  Good luck and hang in there.

 Reply posted for wolfman712001.

HI David, I too have had Chrons since 92, and it is a long long road to travel. Have you tried to find a support group? That might help, I take paxial for my depression, it does help. good luck

 Reply posted for wolfman712001.

Hi David,

I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1991, at the begining of my second semester of college.  The lowest point for me emotionally was the diagnosis and then hearing my paternal grandmother (who suffered for 30+ years with it) blame herself for me being sick. I was fortunate that my parents and family were there to support me through all the pain and adjustment to a new lifestyle.

I think that the single most important thing in coping with this illness is having people around you who not only understand first hand what you are going through, but people who care enough to get informed so they can go through it with you and be able to offer informed advise.

After I was first diagnosed, I joined my local branch of CCFA and regularly attended support meetings.  I met many wonderful people who were long time sufferers and that  had a wealth of ideas and support to share. 

Having a support system in place can go along way toward keeping yourt spirits up and your outlook positive. Feel free to contact me directly at whytwolf@comcast.net if you want to chat some more.

Cheers!

 Reply posted for wolfman712001.

Hi David, The best thing I've found is to try and look at the postives in your life, which is hard at times when people don't understand what it's like to deal with this every day. I have been dealing with crohn's since 92 and have had my up and down moments. I am lucky to be surounded by people who understand my disease and offer great support encluding my new husband. I find that on the days I feel good I enjoy life to it's fullest and on the days I don't I accept there isn't anything I can do about it. I had to completly stop working 2 years ago and that was a difficult thing for me to accept. But rather than dwel on what I can't do Just enjoy what you can and just take each day as they come.None of us asked for this terriable disease and know that you are not alone