my friend has crowens disease. advise needed

[Jasminesmommy]

She has been in the hospital since March and has had 2 operations one to remove most her colon. She can;t get it under control and has 2 small children ages 5 and 6 (same as mine) who miss her terribly. I want to know what others have done to get it under control It just hit her in Oct. What would bring it on so fast? I feel so helpless for her.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Crohn's disease? I was recently diagnosed with this... I am thankful to be responding, so far, to Remicade treatments and have not had to entertain surgery quite yet. I assume hers was too far gone when they found it.

Usually, it does come on very quickly, but often, damage is there much longer than symptoms. They think I've had it for years, based off previous lab reports, but it wasnt' caught until I was unable to heal a surgical wound AND I developed intensive pain almost overnight that prevented me from eating for 2 months. It took awhle to diagnose, as well, so it takes time to get tests and such done.

I'm so sorry she's struggling so much... I pray I never reach that point. I hope she has a great team of GI doctors that can get things under control. Many many Crohn's patients have most of all of their intestines removed and are able to live active lives... So sad for her children.

Let me know if you have any Crohn's questions, I'll try to help! You're a good friend =)

 

[SpecialK]

My DH has been living with Crohn's since he was 11. He leads a very normal, active life. You can get more info at the Crohn's and Collitis Foundation of America website - www.ccfa.org.

If I was in your friend's position and I had been in the hospital for 3 months, I would definitely be seeking out more medical opinions to make sure I was being presented with the best treatment options. There are well-respected medical centers in Chicago (I notice you're in IN) that I would consider.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

SpecialK, She is actually in Chicago at Rush. She lives in Chicago anybody know of ant Chicago hospitals that specialize in this?

 

[tinaluis]

The University of Chicago Hospital at 5839 South Maryland specializes in the treatment of Chron's and Ulcerative Colitis. We've seen a Dr. there named Dr. Barbara Kirschner who is WONDERFUL. Her office number is (773) 702-6152. Crohn's is a very hard disease to control and I have heard of patients spending long periods of time in the hospital, but her hospitalization seems very lengthy. Perhaps a second opinion is needed.