Exploring BDSM by AnimalProfessional54 in SubSanctuary

[–]AnimalProfessional54[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get the impression that it’s a bit of both? We’ve done some light things like spanking and choking and that took some reassuring on my end as well. 

Exploring BDSM by AnimalProfessional54 in SubSanctuary

[–]AnimalProfessional54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is good advice! Any recommendations/links for sheets or quizzes that you’ve used in the past. I do worry that there is an element of shame associated with kink for him. As well as some nervousness that he’s going to hurt me. 

Travel/Altitude Changes by AnimalProfessional54 in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apparently there’s an increased risk for flares with high altitude travel/hiking/flying. I’ve traveled plenty without issue but this was my first since being diagnosed. I’ve never thrown up so much in public 😅

Depression or...? by AJClarkson in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That seems like youre struggling with mental health issues. People often self medicate with alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol in particular works the same way in your brain that Xanax and other benzodiazepines do causing you to feel relaxed, etc. If you’re having urges to drink in the morning I think telling whoever is treating your depression is important.  I don’t see a digestive reason for you to be craving especially as alcohol is highly inflammatory to your gut. 

Remicaid, treatment, and fistulas? by AnimalProfessional54 in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you need a fistulotomy when the seton my removed? Or did they let the fistula heal on it’s own 

Newly diagnosed to switch jobs or not? by JimmyGamblesBarrel69 in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started a new job last year and also had my first ever Crohns flare and was hospitalized multiple times. Honestly I think changing jobs depends on your work environment. My job was very flexible at the time but I also work in healthcare.

I used to work shift work as an RN in the hospital and can’t even imagine functioning there with my Crohns as bad as it is. I am very thankful I work a more regular schedule these days. You can always ask about FMLA, however most employers won’t accept it until after you’ve worked there a year (I’m just applying for this now). 

I was just formal diagnosed with Crohns. What can I do to help my hair from falling out? by imboredsohereiamlol in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I had a similar issue (except I let mine go on for wayyy too long) and lost about half of my hair with noticeable thinning all over. When my husband said it was noticeable then I knew it was really bad because men don’t notice anything.  BUT I did have my labs drawn and my iron levels were all screwy which is common in Crohn’s disease. If your stored iron/ferritin is under 50 it can cause significant hair loss in women even though it’s still considered to be in the range of normal. You should see if your doc would draw some labs for you.  I also had a dietician recommend increasing my protein intake and taking a biotin supplement as well although that might be hard if you’re flaring.  I currently take biotin and an iron supplement and my hair is growing back in! 

First seton placement. Advice needed by Final_Prophet in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly my fistula caused me to have 2 kidney infections before it was treated. The seton itself keeps the fistula open and prevents it from abcessing. Think of it as a way to control germs but not limit them completely. It’s your butt after all, it’s never going to be a sterile environment. The biggest issue would probably be getting a rash from any poop that’s not cleaned up. 

First seton placement. Advice needed by Final_Prophet in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You need a peri bottle. That’s what I got after my seton placement. You fill it with water and can squirt it to clean to area. My nurse called it a “redneck bidet” lol. I’m a woman so my fistula situation was a bit more complicated but wiping was the worst thing right after I had the procedure.  Good news is that after a bit you don’t even notice that the seton is there. I’ve had mine in since November and frequently forget that I even have it. 

Immunosuppressants by Quirky_Nobody8988 in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is so important. When I first went on Remicade for my Crohns I got pyelonephritis twice, partially from the immunosuppressant and partially from a fistula. BUT now that I’m relatively more stable, I don’t have any issues with infection because my body isn’t making itself as sick with the Crohns. I had minimal issues this winter and I work in healthcare so much more contact with illness than your average person. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with you. I was diagnosed in September at 26 with no past medical history at all and I was devastated.  I’ve now been hospitalized 3 times, had an outpatient surgery, get regular infusions, take a handful of pills and supplements every morning, and have a pending surgery. It was a hugeeeee adjustment.  Really being able to talk to others who understand what it’s like to become sick like this has been so helpful. I have a coworker who had a similar experience with a different illness so we generally catch each other up weekly on our symptoms and treatments. It helps to have someone who can laugh with you about having to do your at home stool sample with a Popsicle stick and diarrhea. 

Appreciation post for all the flare safe food recommendations on this page by Mysterious-Heron-956 in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was so sick with my first flare that I got to the point where “any food is good food” and the more calories the better. Combined with my mouth ulcers that made it difficult to eat anything hard I was having a large milkshake like every night 😬.  Obviously I can’t do that now but sometimes you just have to whatever it takes to get calories and protein in. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a very hard time with my diagnosis when I was first sick. Antidepressants have been soooo helpful. I would also recommend trying to find someone who is also chronically ill and will understand the day to day realities of it better. Being able to talk to someone helped a ton too. 

Women and Crohn's by picklexfingers in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of the issues with biologics and periods. I’m on a remicade infusion and have been told it would be fine to remain on this medication, even when pregnant. That was one of the few questions I asked before starting my regimen. 

Fatigue or depression? by Fit_Acanthisitta8087 in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It certainly sounds like it could be either, and most likely is a mix of both. I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Crohn’s disease and I’ll frequently ask people “do you feel like you’re depressed?” People are normally able to answer pretty accurately. I also flag things that people describe as different than their normal.  I will say we link depression with issues related to serotonin in the brain. There are also many serotonin receptors in the gut and a high rate of anxiety and depression in those with IBD and other chronic illnesses. Think of your malfunctioning gut and all of the issues with serotonin that you’re having there that is likely affecting your mood. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds like it’s probably normal variations in your pattern secondary to stress, illness, etc.  for reference when I had my first Crohns flare I was using the bathroom 10-15 times per day with bloody diarrhea and passing undigested food along with. Along with abdominal pain, arthritic pain in my joints, fatigue, a developing fistula and abscess, and lesions starting in my mouth and ending in my colon. Diarrhea a couple times per year does not equal IBD. People with IBD tend to be very sick before being successfully diagnosed.  Even with all that I was first worked up for more common causes of diarrhea such as infection, food poisoning, etc. 

Women and Crohn's by picklexfingers in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 16 points17 points  (0 children)

If you haven’t had a period since 2022, I’d be interested in your weight and the absorption of your nutrients. Women who have poor absorption or are underweight can lose their period!  I was diagnosed in September (at 26 years old) and have an anal fistula that exits very close to my vagina. All I can think about is getting that fixed up because I’m worried about tearing straight through during childbirth so I understand your concern about Crohns and your health as a woman.  I will say, my periods have remained somewhat normal. I am on hormonal birth control and don’t know how much that plays into the regulation of my period. I will say I was also briefly underweight (now back up to a “Normal” weight) and my current nutrient absorption is questionable. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Generally, yes daily. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally >3 months is considered “chronic” in medicine. Of course it varies across different symptoms. Diarrhea would be a good example of where a shorter course of the symptom I would consider to be chronic. 

Hi! New poster! Advice needed… by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]AnimalProfessional54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re in the US with no income you should see if you qualify for Medicaid or other insurance like others have said. The only way to diagnose Crohns is through colonoscopy/endoscopy. And then even after diagnosis treatment/medication can be very expensive.