The diagnosis is in

[Ghostwind]

It's definitely a permanent condition. The challenge is keeping it under control.

 

[DaveStebbins]

Steve, I'm so glad to hear that you have a diagnosis, and that your doctors think your Crohns can (largely) be controlled. That is, in many ways, the best news you could have hoped for.

Looking forward to seeing/meeting you at GenCon.

-Dave

 

[Treebore]

Yes, controlling it is the best news you can hope for. So I am hoping and praying that yours is controllable.

 

[Ghostwind]

I'm working on the control thing. This weekend has been hell and I've reverted completely to the "safe" diet recommended in the pamphlets. The thing I really hate about all of this is the listed side effects of the meds mimic the exact symptoms of the disease. So am I getting sick from the meds or just a flare up of the disease? If I stay on the diet for a few days and things remain rough or grow worse, then I'll probably call the doctor and see if they think it's the meds and want to change prescriptions. Either way it's frustrating.

 

[Treebore]

Tell me about it. In all liklihood it is the meds on top of not doing the safe diet. The safe diet should improve things noticeably, but your going to still feel like crap. You are going to ask yourself many times, "Is the cure better than the disease?" In this case it is treatment, not cure.

If it gets "under control" you'll be able to taper back on the drugs and get close to feeling human again, but you'll always feel "off".

If you don't get it under control the "cure" will be painful, and dangerous, but once you recover you'll feel pretty good again.

 

[Ghostwind]

Well, I've cancelled my Gen Con reservations and plans. Given how I'm feeling I think I need to sit this one out or just drive down for a day if I'm up to it.

 

[DaveMage]

I'm sorry to hear that, Steve.

Best wishes to you....

 

[Treebore]

That sucks. Unfortunately most people don't react well to the drugs, so it is probably a wise but depressing call. As for the flip side of the coin I'm still fighting to go to the Con, but finances haven't swung in my favor yet.

 

[Steve Jung]

Aw man. That sucks. I hope you can feel well enough to attend, even if for a day.

 

[Truth Seeker]

Still Strong...in the mind, spirit and the Heart.

And my

are with you.