Crohns

[Insepiddeception]

Just figured I would throw it out and see if anyone has it or knows someone who has it to relate.

 

 

Since I was a teen I had these crippling stomach pains that lay me out for weeks. I would let it fester for days before dragging myself to the doctor. It was pretty much a checklist of questions the doctors would ask and then their pretty diagrams would say your patient has <insert random gastro disease> without any tests. Gastritis, GERD, acid reflux, ulcers etc. Never once did I get a test, just medicines. No medicine worked, just it went away and then life kicked in and I didnt think about it. Finally three weeks ago (about 20 years after the initial pain started) the pain was so unbearable my fiance took me to the hospital. They performed a CT scan that found major thickening in my bowels. The doctors said I have Crohns and it was left untreated for so long they want to do a colonoscopy March 5th to rule out cancer, etc. Its been a grueling 3 weeks trying to juggle not being fired, physically unable to do my job as a machinist, trying not to want to put a gun barrel in my mouth. I really do like keeping my personal business out of a game I enjoy to escape the drudgery of day to day but I wanted to see if others suffered from it and maybe gain some insight or tips to make it a less dark journey. 

 

 

[disgai]

I love how they say because it was "left untreated", maybe if the doctors you went to all of those times had DONE something about it instead of just throw a diagnosis at it, charge you for the visit and send you on your way, it WOULD have been treated. I went to the doctors for headaches, knee issues, stomach problems and theyd just say some random crap to me, give me NO medicine and send me on my way. Healthcare is the only "Business" where they treat you like crap, charge you a fortune and instead of appreciating your business they act like they're doing YOU a favor. We're like 32nd in the world in Infant Mortality. If our healthcare is SOOOO amazing why is that? Pretty sure CUBA is higher on that list than we are. Everything in this life is about $$$$, besides FL haha, the IMMs aint makin' jack.

[Aulian]

Actually Im pretty sure the health care in Cuba is better.... Its also free isn't it?

 

Seek outside the 'spectrum' help. My friend studied osteopathy - which included courses on homeopathy, exoskeletal massage, accupuncture, nutrition and a whole range of out of the norm fields for modern medical fields.

 

He's cured a lot of my friends through diet alone - from migranes to chronic bowel illnesses.  Its pretty insane and runs of medical teachings thousands of years old instead of what have found in the last 100 years since penicillin.

[-red-]

Chron's is a nasty disease. The reason it's so widely misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals is because they simply don't know a lot about it. In fact, it was only recently accepted as a thing, and because stomach issues are inherently difficult to diagnose it was/is often overlooked. As a healthcare practitioner myself I agree that the modern system of medicine has it's flaws - serious ones - but in this case it's a lack of information and not just doctor apathy. Even specified tests are largely inconclusive.

Chron's is pretty insidious, and it sounds like you've got a significant case. I haven't had any experience with it myself but have known a few who have. As far as I'm aware, currently there are only quality-of-life measures available in the way of pills and - if the case is extreme - surgery. I'm sorry to say it's just one of those things that we aren't up to speed on right now. The good news is, though, that they ARE actively involved in research to find out the hows and whys. New drugs are being made available and clinical trials are in the works. If you don't mind being a guinea pig you might want to check them out.

As Aluian mentioned it may be worth it to check out 'alternative' forms of therapy. I I am a practitioner of oriental medicine and can attest to it's limited efficacy in managing symptoms. A regimen of chinese herbal remedies to regulate hormone release/organ function and acupuncture to focus your body's natural regulatory responses and immune reactions may help reduce the length of episodes and help manage pain to a degree.

Please understand though that it isn't magic, it isn't a cure, and it isn't an alternative to modern medicine for things like this (despite it's condescending name in the west). Find a doctor you like, get him to communicate with your other health-care professional and work as a team to find the best treatment methodology for you.

Good luck, I'll pass on any research or news I find to you.

[disgai]

Sucks when you have stomach problems, I haven't logged in at all today and won't log on a Pinn because I can't risk having to run to the bathroom when I can't log out. It's pretty distracting trying to fight when your stomach is constantly gurgling. Much of my family has Cholitis, I think my aunt has Chron's or other things like IBS. It sucks. Trying to work with stomach problems and/or headaches is the worst. As a Hair Stylist you can't just stop in the middle of doing someone's hair to go spend 10 minutes in the bathroom.

[Insepiddeception]

Thanks for the input I'm considering trying yoga and exercise my muscles have atrophied from being in the bed for weeks. I feel like I'm letting my family down but I'm going when I feel like I'm ready to go back to work I'm up at 3am wanting to ram a semi truck through my midsection knowing I have to be up at 5. I'm going to seek alternative possibilities as well because the current makes me unemployable.

[f0xx]

Back when I was at university, we used to have a common joke when studying for exams:

 

"Knowing what engineers we are going to become, I should be afraid to go to the doctor."

 

 

Seek outside the 'spectrum' help. My friend studied osteopathy - which included courses on homeopathy, exoskeletal massage, accupuncture, nutrition and a whole range of out of the norm fields for modern medical fields.

He's cured a lot of my friends through diet alone - from migranes to chronic bowel illnesses.  Its pretty insane and runs of medical teachings thousands of years old instead of what have found in the last 100 years since penicillin.

 

[disgai]

Medical Care is the third leading cause of death in America I just heard the other day, after cancer and heart disease.

[Ellwyn]

I am currently in school to become a medical practitioner and I can only echo -red-'s comments. I don't know much about Crohn's outside of textbook info you could probably also find on the web. However, I am a strong supporter of promoting good overall health. Good diet + excercise like you mentioned could go a long way.

 

There is a place for medicine (some things are clear cut beneficial and helpful), however it is not always the end all be all. From having studied it, there isn't always a definite answer for every case that presents. It is important to be a strong advocate for your own care because medical practitioners are far from perfect.

 

Stay positive and know that you have a lot of support and encouragement from the people around you.