DP diagnosed with Crohn's

[BanoffeePie3]

Hi all,
A few months ago my DP of 2 years was diagnosed with Crohn's disease after suffering from severe stomach pains and sickness for months! He had to have a major operation to remove all the infected area and is thankfully recovering from that well.
I was wondering if anybody had experiences that they'd like to share on this as I do worry about the quality of life he'll be able to have in future - he hasn't had to have a bag or anything yet, just the operation.
Some questions running through my mind are whether he'll be able to go about working in a job fine, how we'll have to think hard about this if we decide to have children later on etc etc.
In an essence, I just want to know that he'll be okay and that it won't affect his chances to do well in life.
Thank you.

[Simmi1]

Hi Bannoffee sorry to hear this. I don't have chrons but know a little bit about it as I have suffered from bowel problems. It appears to me that some people with IBDs cope very well with medication and can lead a fairly normal life whereas others are more severely impacted. I don't think anyone here will be able to give you the reassurance you're looking for. Has he discussed the implications with a gastroenterologist?

[BanoffeePie3]

Thank you Simmi, he has spoken with various professionals but as you said it's different for everybody so there's no exact answer as to how he will cope with it. Doctors say it will all flare up again sometime down the line it's just a case of when. I guess I just wanted some reassurance but now will just have to carry on as normal and hope he does okay. I suppose only time will tell.

[Amanda89x]

Hi banoffee sorry to hear about your partner. I was diagnosed with crohns in 2011 and have continued to work full time and just had my first child. There is a lot of different medications and everyone responds differently and you generally find that a lot of people with crohns can all live with different symptoms. i won't lie it's a terrible disease, but it's not the end of the world at all!

Has your partner been given any medications yet?

Please let me know if you have why questions xx

[BanoffeePie3]

Hi Amanda, thank you for your comment. Yes he is on antibiotics and immunosuppressants at the moment and is feeling very tired because of it!
He's been told he has quite an aggressive case of it but hopefully he'll be able to get back to normality soon. It's nice to hear that it's not the end of the world haha I guess it just feels like it at first but it will be okay I'm sure xx

[OddBoots]

My brother was diagnosed 12 years ago, he has had various surgeries including a temporary stoma that was then converted to an internal 'J pouch' and the draining of abscesses with the placement of seton drain stitches.

He is stable now, he is on 6 weekly infusions of an immunotherapy drug Infliximab and some low doses of steroids and chemotherapy that keep him relatively healthy. He is able to work full time (although his work place have to be a bit flexible to let him have the infusions) and has recently married and gained a step-daughter - they may go on to have further children, there is no reason they shouldn't.

There are new treatments coming through so you and your dh have every reason to be positive for the future, it won't always be easy but it isn't a disaster.

[dreamingon]

Hi

I was diagnosed with Crohns five years ago. I was diagnosed via emergency surgery as my gp kept saying I had IBS, hence I became very ill. I had an illesteomy fitted. This was reversed after 6 months.

I work fulltime, live alone, go out socialising, can travel and do lots of gardening and walking an active dog. I take no medication at the moment. Touch wood to all of the above.

If you have any questions happy to answer them.

As per Amanda said it is a horrible disease, I find it embarresing having to keep running to the toilet on a bad day and I also can get anxious if there are no toilets around but you can live a normal fulfilling life.

Make sure B12 levels are checked regularly, I had extreme tiredness all of the time but with 3 monthly injections it is not too bad now.

[BanoffeePie3]

Thank you for your comments Oddboots and Dreamingon. It's good to hear that after a while the tiredness reduces.. He sleeps through most of the day at the moment!
His situation seems very similar to yours Dreamingon, the GP (and even the surgeons at the hospital) thought he had a range of conditions before eventually operating to check out what was going on.
All I can do now is be there to support him and make sure he is taken care of!
Thank you again for all your comments everyone - they've been really helpful and have put my mind at ease a little more. Hope you all continue to do well and everything is fine for you too xx