Diagnosed in 1970, Still Suffering

By chronie

1 min read

Diagnosed in emergency surgery in 1970 at age 22. I have been through hell and back for 51 years.

The toll of Crohn's

I have Crohn's disease and that name did not exist when I was diagnosed. I have 3 feet of small intestine including my stomach, duodenum, and less than half of large bowel.

I now suffer from multiple illnesses ALL related to Crohn's. Retinal hemorrhages, cataract surgery, osteoporosis (very painful), stage three kidney failure, skin problems, and dentures.

I have lived and been treated in California, St. Louis, Minnesota, Illinois, and now NE Medical Center.

Crohn's is challenging, but hang in there

I am a retired RN. I have two grown children who have allergies. One with IBD.

I do ok. I live at home and do all activities but in pain. CBD not helping.

Hang in there everyone. There were no good drugs when I was young. I have had 9 bowel resections. I am still hanging in there. Depressed? Yes, I have bad days. That is my story.

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RHall Community Admin
Hi Chronie! Thanks for sharing your story. It's inspiring to know even though you've battled the complications that can come with Crohn's, you still offer a note of support for others to hang in there and to embrace life. Do you have any advice about how to live a full life for those new to living with Crohn's or (IBD in general)? -Reggie (InflammatoryBowelDisease.net Team Member)
thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
Wow, what a journey you have had. And despite it all you were still able to be a RN and mother. That is pretty remarkable and shows your strength and determination. I hope you get relief from the pain soon. I'm wondering if you are on any medication at the moment to treat your Crohn's? Thank you for sharing your story with the community. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
Matt Nagin Moderator
Yikers. Nine bowel resections. That is quite a bit. It sounds like you have endured quite a bit, but that you have survived for 51 years and are still active is inspiring. I've had this for more than 30 years so I can relate to the long-term problems and hardships and also to the changes in treatment/improvements (although Crohn's existed when I was diagnosed). Thanks for sharing...I learned from your story. Best, Matt (Team Member)
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford Moderator & Contributor
Thanks so much for sharing <inline-mention user-id="2282803" username="chronie"/> ! You've definitely been through the wars! It's so hard to imagine what it was like back then. I was diagnosed in 2007, and even from then to now, the changes in treatment options have changed so much, as have things like ostomy bags! Glad you're still with us <3 - Sahara (team member)