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Hi, my name Jennifer, I'm 31 years old and I have had Crohn's for about 8 years, but was just recently DX this past Monday. I know I should have gone to the Doctor alot sooner, but I always blew my symptoms off as stress related issues. Well in the past few weeks I have not been able to eat anything with out being really sick afterwards, and when I had 2 weeks of D. I decided that it was time to see a Dr. I had my colonoscopy last monday and the Dr. knew right away that I had Crohn's. It really wasn't a surprise that I had it, I kind of always knew. But now that it has all sank in, I scared out of my mind. The depression has kicked in and I don't know what to do.... I'm trying not to get stressed out and worry about it, but it's hard to do. This is all new to me and I'm really confused and afraid things will go bad.... I know I'm not alone with this and I really need the support of people dealing with the same issues. It will help me alot if I had the support from those who know what's it's like!

I hope that I can make some new friends on here, I really do need the support...

Thanks for Listening,
Jennifer

Just DX this week!!Hi Jennifer, sorry to hear about your diagnosis with Crohns, however, if it wasnt for your Crohns and the rest of us with Crohns/Colitis; we would have never crossed paths :) Allow yourself time to fully understand what having Crohns is by reading your reading materials. Ive learned that Barnes and Noble has many, many books to choose from as well as the Clinic. CCFA is a great source too!!! Once I did that; I learned to quit being so "secretive" about it and involve those around me. Another important thing Id advise is stay with your meds!! I am known to quit taking meds when I feel like I have "it" under control. Ive learned that does not work. Once youve understood what Crohns is all about and youve involved those around you; youll be able to take the next step of acceptance :) Thats a hard step for me!! If Im having a good Crohns day, no problem; Im happy. If Im having a bad Crohns day, well, you know how that is... Never once, in all my years, imagined that Id be a "toilet" user...LOL Hang in there, we all have and it does get easier with time if you continue to reach out to those who "get it"... (((HUGS)))   

 Reply posted for jennybeth60.

Aw!  I am SO sorry you are feeling ALONE!  It is the worst.. I have an AMAZING support system and sometimes it doesn't help.  I am 29 and have been dealing with UC for 7 years.. this website is both a help and scary at the same time... Sometimes I just have to stop reading because it stresses me OUT!  Keep your head up and feel free to email anytime you want a sympathetic ear!

-Amanda

Just DX this week!!Jennifer ... I sure know how you feel.  I went from being 100% healthy one year ago to a medical mess now.  I have about everything that goes with UC and it was all diagnosed way out of order.  June 2008 I got diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, September 2008 I had a blood clot in my lung, December 2008 I got diagnosed with the UC, and I just got out of the hospital for 3 weeks due to a bad UC flare.  I have it even worse because I was on coumadin for the blood clot.  The doctor took me off it for a while because I had a massive bleed and he felt it was better to be off until the flare was done.  The medication combinations that work for most people are not working for me but the doctors are still saying I have mild UC.  I started Remicade and I am hoping that works well for me.

If I have another flare I plan on trying to get a second opinion.  I am about 3 hours from Chicago and the GI doctors here said that Chicago has an excellent program.  I pray every day that I dont have another flare like the one I just went through. 

I do know one thing ... all of this medical stuff has opened my eyes and brought me closer to the one healing GOD.  I have never been a very religious person but I am really trying to put my faith in the Lord.  I hope all goes well for both of us.  Just know that you are not alone and there are always people here that will help and talk.  I consider myself fortunate that I found this site.  I cant wait to get on here every day and see what is new.

Gina

 Reply posted for jennybeth60.

I know how you feel.  I am 4 months into this and I still am trying to wrap my brain around this.  Sometimes I just sit at the computer and read and read anything and everything on UC then next thing I just can't even stand to think about it without crying.  I would go from strong gonna deal with this it isn't going to beat me- to crumpled in bed sobbing.  I can say as time as gone on and I am feeling better and am able to do some "normal" things again I am feeling more hopeful and positive.  I also decided to take a antidepressant that has helped take the edge off.  The people here are so informative and supportive- it is so helpful to know you aren't alone.  In fact I am surprised how many of us suffer- it is such a silent disease!  As the previous poster said- day by day.  Hang in there!

 Reply posted for jennybeth60.

Just take it one step at a time, one day at a time.  When you're ready, read through the disease information on this site and go through the forum listings.  You can definitely find support here from people who understand.  Sorry to have to welcome you to our club, but you are not alone.  Hang in there!