Question:
hi, my name is pam and i’ve had crohns for 1/2 of my life. i’m 33 nowand have two kids. My advice to you is to get your girlfriend more medical treatment. There is medication out there that you probably don’t know about. I have been feeling fine for about 10 years and had two kids in that time. Find other doctors that can finally find something that works. Also, surgery is not so bad after all else fails. You need to get her healthy. Keep trying. Once she feels better, her depression will get better pam
Response:
Mingo, First let me say, your girl is lucky to have you..when the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis started with me, I really had no one to talk to…but, that is in the past… If you girl has Crohns in the Colon (not small intestines), there is a medicine that may help, it is called Budesonide. I was on Prednisone (i loved the emotional highs), but it causes alot of side affect. Budesonide is actually more powerful, but causes much "lighter?" side affects because the liver can break it down….You can’t get it in the USA, but there is a Pharmacy in Canada that can ship it to you by mail…you’re doctor has to write a precription, and your insurance probably won’t pay (i pay $200/month). But, it has been worth it to get my life and my body back! Also, there are some posts regarding the anti-depressant medicine…if the Zoloft is not working right, she must change! If there is one about drugs that I have learned in this ordeal its that if your symptoms get worse, or the side affects are too bad (i.e. your quality of life actually decreases because of the medicine) you have got to stop taking it…I quit taking two medications before my doctor said so because I knew what was going on with my body better than him..luckily, he didn’t take it the wrong way..he just said okay, what can we do now? Anyway, God bless you and you lady…. As far as research goes, I’ve read all I can on the internet and I’ve come to the conclusion that its some kind of immune system/allergic response that is just a tad off kilter or a bacteria or virus that our bodies (for some reason) can’t make an antibody to or can’t make the knock-out punch to…. take care… jimmy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Linda, I want to say she is currently on Zoloft. I’m not sure if she’s tried any other types. I think she will join the ng soon, well as soon as I can instruct her how to get on. (she has a very old computer). I’m not sure how she feels about me discussing all her problems on this ng. My main purpose was to help me, help her out. I’m sure she’ll be on soon, and maybe when she’s on – she will let you know who she is. : ) Thanks so much, Mingo Mingo, Another note about the anti-depressant your girlfriend (may we know her few before I really found what works for me. There are many on the market and she may have to try others before she finds the right one. Perhaps you could gently ask her to check this out. Be strong – I know it’s rough. Hugs, Linda Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all
… read more »
Response:
Mingo: This isn’t something you can "fix". But, you are doing the best you can by loving her. I have sufferred through Crohn’s alone. And an ostomy alone. I would have given anything to have someone put his arms around me and say it will be okay, even if neither of us knew it would. Depression is common in this illness. We are weak physically and we know it. We feel sick all the time and sometimes no matter what medication we take, we still feel sick and weak. We want our lives back and there is nothing we can do to make it happen. My thoughts and prayers will be with you both. You cannot imagine what your love means to her. Hang in there. Love & Peace, Connie
Response:
Mingo, Let us try to help you too! We have others on this ng that are the significant others of people with IBD. They have alot of information to give I’m sure. You are playing an important role in her life right now. Please keep us posted on how things go in both your lives. Also, I’d ask about trying other antidepressants. When she finds the one that works, she’ll feel so much stronger and be better able to help herself. Hugs, Linda
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Linda, I want to say she is currently on Zoloft. I’m not sure if she’s tried any other types. I think she will join the ng soon, well as soon as I can instruct her how to get on. (she has a very old computer). I’m not sure how she feels about me discussing all her problems on this ng. My main purpose was to help me, help her out. I’m sure she’ll be on soon, and maybe when she’s on – she will let you know who she is. : ) Thanks so much, Mingo Mingo, Another note about the anti-depressant your girlfriend (may we know her a few before I really found what works for me. There are many on the market and she may have to try others before she finds the right one. Perhaps you could gently ask her to check this out. Be strong – I know it’s rough. Hugs, Linda Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight
… read more »
Response:
Welcome, Mingo. If she can find this newsgroup, and read the messages she will KNOW she is not alone. She will know that she is not the only one going through the problems of this disease. She can read the messages, and if she is comforable doing so, she can sam hello. I believe there are a great many people who only read this newsgroup, and get much support that way. She is welcome. You are welcome. She may also find a support group locally which could be of help. I urge you and her to visit and explore the CCFA web site. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) http://www.ccfa.org/ (click on ‘Medical Central’ to get to the ‘Library’ which has information on ‘Medications’ as well as many other topics.) (click on ‘Chapters & Events’ to locate a support group near you – if you live in the United States.) (click on ‘Links’ to find one of the largest collection of links to medical pages, as well as Crohn’s & Colitis pages.) Stand by her. Support her. She is going through a rough time right now. Howard in Alaska UC since 1995 Peace & Harmony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Linda, I want to say she is currently on Zoloft. I’m not sure if she’s tried any other types. I think she will join the ng soon, well as soon as I can instruct her how to get on. (she has a very old computer). I’m not sure how she feels about me discussing all her problems on this ng. My main purpose was to help me, help her out. I’m sure she’ll be on soon, and maybe when she’s on – she will let you know who she is. : ) Thanks so much, Mingo Mingo, Another note about the anti-depressant your girlfriend (may we know her few before I really found what works for me. There are many on the market and she may have to try others before she finds the right one. Perhaps you could gently ask her to check this out. Be strong – I know it’s rough. Hugs, Linda Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel
… read more »
Response:
RE: Re: Robbed by Chrohns Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel.
- It makes COMPLETE sense. It is exactly the way my wife and I have been for the last two years. See, my wife has Crohns… so I can relate to what you are saying. It is hard to be close to someone who seems to have no feelings. I know they are there, I can see them in her eyes… but only in her eyes. Fortunately, my wife is off Prednisone, losing weight and feeling better. With all those positives, she should be able to cut back on the anti-depressants soon and may soon become "her old self". – In your case, I will pray for a remission, a break in her stress. If she feels better for a while, she may start "feeling" again. – I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much.
- Good! This is the best. You have to realize that you can not fix her. And for us on the outside, that is the hardest. I don’t know how it is for women whose husbands are the ill ones, but for me (and many men it seems) the need to be able to fix your loved one is very strong, and it can be hard to have to sit by and know you can’t fix it. You have to come to terms with this and understand that while you can’t personally fix whats wrong, you CAN still be there, you CAN still love and care for/about her. And if you want her to be well again, you HAVE to stand by her. – I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is.
- That is great! There are a lot of real great people on here!!!!! – I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited.
- Then you must visit her. Make her feel special, by telling her you can come to her. By showing that you can come to her. There is so much more than these words can say to you… Being there for her is the *BEST* thing you can do. It is very hard when you are apart like this, I don’t know how I would be able to handle it if we weren’t in the same house. – I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could.
- Keep that attitude. Don’t give up on her. If you can make it through this, then you will make it through anything! – My only suggestion would be that as soon as it is practical, move "together". Nothing beats being there. You will be her crutch, you will be her strength. – Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys.
- I hope we see more of you and her on here. – – – Doc – – David R Leifheit – Origin: The Wild Wild West * 503-623-0185
Response:
Mingo, As Linda said, there are many anti-depressants. Additionally the drug needs to be "titrated" meaning begin on a low dose and gradually build up to a level that works. It seems that she is over-medicated. I hope you go to the CCFA website and find doctors in the various cities you mentioned. You could also go to the American Gastroenterological Association or the American College of Gastroenterology site. I don’t mean to scare anyone but I have seen several people die of Crohn’s; others have their colons removed. If the disease is in the ileum, or small intestine, her nutrition could be compromised and being deficient in certain vitimins, minerals and proteins can make one weak; being depressed can cause one to sleep all the time. It is vitil that she receive appropriate care. I’m sure you will do all you can to get her to an appropriate doctor. Order the New – People Not Patients. She could see herself in others. I was featured in the first People Not Patients. Remember treatment must be tailored to the individual and initiated at the right time if she is to avoid the worse case scenario. — Pearl. L
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Linda, I want to say she is currently on Zoloft. I’m not sure if she’s tried any other types. I think she will join the ng soon, well as soon as I can instruct her how to get on. (she has a very old computer). I’m not sure how she feels about me discussing all her problems on this ng. My main purpose was to help me, help her out. I’m sure she’ll be on soon, and maybe when she’s on – she will let you know who she is. : ) Thanks so much, Mingo Mingo, Another note about the anti-depressant your girlfriend (may we know her a few before I really found what works for me. There are many on the market and she may have to try others before she finds the right one. Perhaps you could gently ask her to check this out. Be strong – I know it’s rough. Hugs, Linda Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care
… read more »
Response:
What a lucky, lucky woman you have!!! I can assure you that many of us only dreamed of having someone as wonderful as you in the first days of our disease. My advice is to stay on the track you’re on. Search for info to share with her, introduce her to us, always tell her that she’s beautiful and unreplaceable, and don’t ever let her know you think that the symptoms of the disease are grose. Yes, we change. We begin to feel unsexy, unwanted and useless or a burden. And it’s very scarry at first. Hang in there, you’re on the right track. Good Luck, Staci ps have her email some of us if you like.
Response:
Linda, I want to say she is currently on Zoloft. I’m not sure if she’s tried any other types. I think she will join the ng soon, well as soon as I can instruct her how to get on. (she has a very old computer). I’m not sure how she feels about me discussing all her problems on this ng. My main purpose was to help me, help her out. I’m sure she’ll be on soon, and maybe when she’s on – she will let you know who she is. : ) Thanks so much, Mingo
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mingo, Another note about the anti-depressant your girlfriend (may we know her few before I really found what works for me. There are many on the market and she may have to try others before she finds the right one. Perhaps you could gently ask her to check this out. Be strong – I know it’s rough. Hugs, Linda Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Mingo, Another note about the anti-depressant your girlfriend (may we know her few before I really found what works for me. There are many on the market and she may have to try others before she finds the right one. Perhaps you could gently ask her to check this out. Be strong – I know it’s rough. Hugs, Linda
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Mingo- I’m sure it’s very hard to see your loved one go through all this. My husband was so supportive of me through my tough times with Crohn’s. I was very lucky to have a great support system between him and my family. Not everyone is so lucky. I’m sure it’s frustrating because you want to "fix it", but you can’t. Crohn’s (or any chronic illness) can drag you down physically and emotionally. Just try to be there to support her and be there for her (even if it is just to hold her hand through all this). Things can get better. What medications has she tried other than Pentasa and Remicade? Has she tried a round of prednisone? Imuran or 6-MP? Or is if there is no luck there, is surgery an option for her? There is so much to deal with regarding this illness. Possible anti-depressants could help her too. She also needs to realize that she is not alone. This newsgroup was (and still is) the best thing that ever happened to me. Maybe you could convince her to stop on in and receive a great welcome. I know this is getting long, but feel free to email me if you’d like Be well- Tracy CD class of ‘98 my homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html : ) smile – it makes people wonder what you’re up to!
Response:
In addition to what Pearl said you may need to fight in insurance co. and insist they cover an IBD specialist, not just the GI who has no experience but is a GI. 
mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Mingo, I’m sorry to hear that your girlfriend is having such a tough time with her CD. Depression is not uncommon with any chronic illness and it sounds like she is suffering from depression on top of anything else. She should talk to her doctor about it. She may be able to overcome her depression with talk therapy, pharmaceuticals or a combination of both. The best thing you can do is educate both her and yourself on CD, the various medications available, treatments, tests, etc. A great place to start is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s web site, http://www.ccfa.org. I have a web site with both information and links that can help you, http://www.skyweb.net/~mgbio/cd/cd.html. Good luck, mgbio CD Class of ‘99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Dear, Noella, Linda and Pearl I wasn’t expecting a response so quickly, but I appreciate the responses. My girlfriend is on depression medication, and she has been on since finding out about this disease. The only downpoint to this, is that this medication was meant to help the "down feelings" she was having, but at the same time has seemed to strip her from any feelings. I know that they are still there on the inside, but I just don’t see them anymore. It’s hard for her to show me how she feels anymore, cause she’s just "there", so to speak. I think this is the hardest part of the whole thing. I’m trying to hold on with all my heart and I try to be sweet and make her laugh, but it just seems as if it’s "not needed", and so that’s how I’ve felt. I feel that she doesn’t "need me" in her life, only because I’m not getting those emotinos thrown back at me as I used to at one point in our relationship. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it’s just how I feel. I’ve realized that she does need me, and I need to be there for her. I can’t give up on her that easy. We’ve gone through a LOT in our relationship and have fought many of battles before this one came up, but the only thing is that we fought them together as a couple. I can’t give up on this one – and I know this. I love this girl way too much. I have told her about this ng and I will get on her on it as soon as I can so that she can share some of her problems and talk to people that are going through the same thing as she is. I guess I did forget to mention that we carry on a long distant relationship at the moment. We lived in the same city for 3 of our years, and then two years ago, I moved for job purposes and she had to stay behind for school and other issues that would not allow her to move at the moment. That in itself is a struggle, but I know that my love for this girl isn’t seeing her everyday or having to have her in the same city, cause it stems from my heart – and I’ve found out the heart knows no distance. It loves from miles and miles apart. We are only 2 hours away so we get to see each other often, although now with her disease, she gets very tired and I fear of her driving alone, so her visits here are limited. I know there are many doctors here in San Antonio, and I’ve suggested to her to come and try one out. The only thing is trying to figure out which is the best one. Since she was very "neglected" by this first doctor, she’s very scared of just trying another one and she wants to find a recommendation from someone first. We are currently looking for doctors in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio area for her to travel to. Ultimately, it’s her decision, although I would love for her to find one here in San Antonio. I just want her to get better. I continue to try and be her crutch, and her strenght – but a lot of the time, I’m fighting just to be my own. I’m doing a lot more reading and researching trying to understand this disease, but the more I read about it the more saddened I get that she is having to go through this. I would take on this disease for her if I could. Again, thanks for your help and understanding of the pain just doesn’t stop with Chrohn’s victims, but goes all the way through their loved ones. I look forward to reading and sharing our experiences with you guys. Mingo
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf– Good luck. Pearl L Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Mingo, What a bueatiful, caring letter. Yes. I too wish everyone living with a chronic illness had someone like you. Is the reason she can only use the doctor she is using managed care. Most managed care organizations who do not have a specialist that is needed will pay for that specialist out of the plan. In the meantime I suggest you as her significant other educate yourselves by going to the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis website, review the information and if you can, purchase some of the books avialable. Any primary care physician can also go on the internet and update himself/herself on the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities. I suggest that your doctor contact the Deptartment of Gastroenterology at the University of Texas. They are in the Department of Medicine on the website of the University. The webpage below is the CCFA’s listing of GI doctors in San Antonio and as I said a managed care entity must have specialists on its panal. http://www.ccfa.org/medcentral/roster/pdf/Texas.pdf–
Good luck. Pearl L
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Dear Mingo, Your post breaks my heart!! What a lucky woman your girlfriend is. The very best piece of advice I can give you is from my own experiences with my husband of 33 yrs and fighting CD for 32 years. You are doing the most good by being there for her and I applaud you for it. Just knowing my husband understood (as well as anyone could) how bad I felt and how I felt like there was no future for me to have to live like this, was the most important thing for me. He was my security, reassuring me that he would always be there for me, taking me to my dr appts and listening as I was never very good at remembering everything the dr said (I believe too many meds affected my memory ;o) ). If you love her as you say, and I don’t doubt that for a moment, YOU will have to be her hero. Let her know she can count on you for anything. Crohn’s is a very nasty disease that can make day to day living very difficult. I too was deeply depressed and spoke to my dr about it. He put me on an antidepressant and it has helped me immensely over the years. I strongly suggest you check into this. Many IBD folks are being treated for depression; it just seems to go with the territory. When you feel bad day after day after day, there doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. Just be there for her Mingo. Reassure her of your love for her and wanting to be an integral part of her healing. These bad times will pass and there will be good times ahead. It might also be a good idea if you could interest your girlfriend to read this ng. We’re really good at helping folks smile and forgetting, if only for a little while, that they don’t feel good on that particular day. I’m very happy you posted and if there’s Hugs to you and your girlfriend, Linda ~~~~~~~
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Hi Mingo, There are many things you can do for your girl friend. first be as strong, loving and caring as you can. It really help to have somebody you can count on when you’re in a bad shape. But don’t let her feel sorry for herself. She has to learn to be strong and to cope. You can help her do her own research on Crohn (as a start you canshow her this newsgroup for example). We can’t only relate on doctors with this disease. We have to be educated. It’s good psychologically too. It’ll help her persuade herself she is the one who is in charge, not the disease. There are some treatments that work for people here in this group: The SCDiet (www.scdiet.org). A carbohydrates free diet. The RMAT treatment (www.shafran.net). An antibiotic treatment, based on the theory that Crohn is triggered by a bacteria ( MAP: mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis). Dietary supplements can also help. I use chinese medicine (herbs and acupuncture), a restrictive diet,and homeopathy with great success. For each of the treatments I told you about, there are some people inthis ng that will be able to give her some advice. As for your girl friend being depressed, well this is normal considering what she is going through.. It will slowly fade away when she sees any improvments in her condition. If she can’t handle it, there are meds to fight depression. I can’t counsel you on this, because I always refused to take any, but I’m sure there are several persons in this ng who would happily give you some advice. There are many things to be done for her to get better. Take care Noella – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Hello All, This is my first to ever use a newsgroup, but I think at this point I’ll try and do just about anything. I’ve been reading all the past posts and issues that each of you face, and I just want you to know that I hope each and every one of you has a great family, friend, or significant other that loves you as much as I love mine. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Chrohns. She’s been sick for the past 4 years or so, with various symptoms but a doctor never put the disease with the symptoms. She is from a small town and the even works in the medical field, yet her medical attention has gone un-noticed. Since she’s been diagnosed, she’s gone through trial after trial, each bringing a new challenge to her plate. Her doctor isn’t a Chrohn’s specialist, and doesn’t know much about the disease, but it’s the only doctor in the town that she can see. She’s tried various medications like the Pentasa, but it didn’t help matters worse. Just recently she decided to go outside her insurance network and see a doctor at the Scott & White clinic in Temple, TX. She found a doctor that was very caring and helped her get some questions answered. He even suggested that she try Remecade (sp). She convinced her doctor to let her try it, and she had her first treatment in _____. She had an allergic reaction to the medication and a case of temporary arthritis. I guess you guys are all familiar with this stuff and I don’t need to go on…but let me get to the purpose of this post. I am talking about someone that is MY LIFE, she is everything to me and I love her so much. I’m struggling every day to figure out what "I can do", cause through this whole process, I’ve felt helpless. She’s very sad and very depressed, and I’ve lost touch with the one person I care about the most. It’s hard to tell her everything is going to be OK when I don’t know that it will. She’s a different person now, and I feel I’ve been robbed of love by this disease of Chrohn’s. If anyone out there has a loved one, or any advice they could give me on how I can support her and help her fight this disease, I would appreciate it. She is a weak person by nature, and now with this disease, she is fighting for her life. She is letting this disease take control of her life and mental attitude and I feel I need to step in and fight it for her. Please please if anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks for your time… -Mingo Gonzales San Antonio, TX
Response:
Categories: Chrohns | 
No Comments »
/ Hugs, Linda There is no reason why we should not be taking a calcium supplement to help prevent boneloss with our IBD. If you take prednisone for longer than a few weeks, calcium supplements alone will not prevent bone loss. You also need one of the bisphosphonates, such as Actonel or Fosamax.