I wanted to update everyone who read my post Friday.

[Rainbowreflect]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=1261873

My friend had surgery to remove a portion of her small intestine and a "infectious mass". They are running test for possible Cohn's disease.
We spent most of the weekend at the hospital. I hate hospitals.
My friend is in a lot of pain, but had the stomach tube removed yesterday and is moving around a little.
Thanks for everyone's prayers, good karma and positive thoughts.

[REP]

1. I May Be Facing The Same Thing Soon

:scared:

Hope your friend continues to do well!

[Mnemosyne]

4. very best luck, prayers & thoughts go out n/t

[Rainbowreflect]

8. I'm sorry to hear you are having health problems.

Keep us informed on how you are doing.

[REP]

12. Long Story Short:

I have a laundry list of things wrong with me, so if the abnormality in my small intestine is still there next month, it looks as though a resect is in my future. I can't do traditional NSAID therapy due to failing kidneys and steroids are out 'cause I'm diabetic and really really really hate hate hate taking steroids!

But enough about me! While I'm sorry your friend had to go through that, it's encouraging to hear she's doing so well so far. All my best wishes to your friend.

[flamingyouth]

13. I'm sorry

That's a lot to deal with. I hope the doctors can give you some relief with the minimum of discomfort. :hug:

[UrbScotty]

2. Best wishes................

<crosses fingers>

[Mnemosyne]

3. hope all is well n/t

[soothsayer]

5. How come everybody's getting Crohn's disease these days?

Young folks. Older folks (like my dad, who for reasons unknown to me won't see a doctor and is really suffering).

Seems like everyone who doesn't have crohn's disease has acid reflux.

What is it? The GM food? The additives? Air pollution? Water pollution? Something else? Seems like an epidemic.

On edit: hope yer friend does well...!

[chelsea0011]

9. I don't know that "everyone" is getting it but

my son's doctor has said he he seeing a large increase in pediatric cases for Crohn's and UC. And reflux is completely different and can't be included as part of the IBD group.


Cause is still unknown but they are beginning to think it is a clitch in the immune system. It is getting the wrong message about bacteria in the digestive track and begins to attack itself. It is beginning to make sense to me as I wonder about the lack of reasons for flares of the disease. They will prbably find a faulty gene of some sort.

[FizzFuzz]

6. I shudder at the mention of Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis

and will send prayers to all those who suffer, and I do mean suffer, with it.

I grew up with Ulcerative Colitis. Symptoms started age 7. Nineteen, emergency surgery after a few years of trying to do college while severely debilitated (and trying to hide the humiliating consequences of the disease), 21 more surgery....46 now, been mostly good since then, but it packs a psychological wallop too.

Stress influenced? I know stress was a factor for me, growing up in an abusive environment.

There is a website called www.ibdsucks.com. Its support and info for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Lots of stuff there. Strange, but when I type in the name I gave, the website comes up but the address that shows is http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/webx?15/
Weird. I have no idea what that is about.

But anyway, I've been there--I know how very awful and misunderstood this disease is. Message me, anyone, if you need to talk.

Cindy

[chelsea0011]

7. Crohn's and UC are tough diseases. I hope she doesn't have Crohn's

But if she does, she must keep informed. There are many and some new treatments. Being informed means asking your doctor about other treatments and whether they may be better for her. Good luck and best wishes for her.

[livetohike]

10. Thank's for the update Rainbowreflect

I hope the diagnosis will come soon so your friend will know what is happening and will be able to manage it.

Having a good friend like you will help! :-)

[flamingyouth]

11. I hope she is feeling better soon

Crohn's disease is very painful, from what I understand. You're a good friend to have stayed with her so much. I think most of us hate hospitals. :hug: