Hi all. A friend was just diagnosed with Crohn's--after being

[coffeenap]

misdiagnosed with a ruptured, yet self-healing appendix (ARGH!). She has two kids, one is 8 months old and nursing. Any BTDT for us? Thanks in advance.

[WestHoustonDem]

1. Start here

http://www.ccfa.org/

What medications did they put her on? Is she happy with her gastro?

I was the single mom of an 8 year old when I was diagnosed and parenting can be very tough when you're ill. PM me and I'll give you my email address if you think she might want to correspond with me. I've been in remission for about 3 (years with boatloads of medication)

[coffeenap]

3. Thanks so much--the good news is the doc at the hospital where

she got the laproscopic exam told her the gastro dept there is terrible and is recommending a doc that writes textbooks on the subject! Thanks for the link--believe it or not, I found it yesterday and sent it to her mom, who had already found it too!!! I will keep your message and your very kind offer. Many thanks.

[mopinko]

2. it is a very treatable disease

few people diagnosed today will ever have to have surgery. just about everyone that i know with it has it well under control. the only one that i know that has trouble is stuck with a shitty gastro by his hmo.

[coffeenap]

4. Thanks--it is good to hear about the surgery thing. She has already

been through so much--loss of a child, loss of a brother, various other illnesses. I appreciate your reply--optimism is our creed! m.

[REP]

5. BTDT!

I too was initially diagnosed with chronic subacute appendicitis, then Mediterrenean Familial Fever Syndrome and then finally Crohn's in the terminal ilieum. Mine's rather mild (though active now - doesn't feel so fucking mild!) and I manage with Lomotil, additional opioids, and low-residue diet. Many people take steroids, but I have a lot of other more serious things wrong with me that make taking steroids a last-ditch resort, thanks be, since I LOATHE taking them.

I'm having yet another ass'copy soon .., maybe I'll have ANOTHER diagnosis for why I sometimes crap blood!