My Husband and Crohn's Disease

Now for a little bit of information as to why I have been away from my blog for so long. Last August my husband went for a routine colonoscopy that we all are supposed to get when we reach our fifties. From that exam he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He had no idea that he had a problem at all. He has now been introduced to Crohn's and all that goes with it in a very big way.

About 6 weeks ago we started getting our medications by mail order, instead of the pharmacy. When his digestive doctor was contacted to authorize his medication, for some reason he didn't sign it. So we had to contact his office and get that straightened out. By the time he received his meds he had been without for at least a week. We think this is how it all got started. Then we went away for a weekend and he missed some of his meds because we were not on our usual schedule.

So about 4 weeks ago he started having diarrhea. He was in the ER twice and then finally admitted to the hospital when it was as bad as it could get. He has lost 23 pounds as of today. He is taking tons of medications and trying other treatments.

His digestive doctor failed him in a major way. Even after seeing him in his office, one week later talked to him on the phone, and then went to the ER to have him not admit him when the ER doctor said that he should be admitted. The ER doctor told us that he had two days before his organs would be effected. So we went back to the ER two days later and he was admitted by the ER doctor immediately. He didn't even contact the digestive doctor. I am thankful for that. Even when I got home that night he had left a message saying he wanted to change the meds and if he had any problems or questions to contact him. I was furious when I heard that message. At the time of the message he had already been admitted.

My husband was in the hospital for eight days getting fluids, blood and all that he needed. We immediately found a new doctor who was very concerned and did what should have been done at least a week earlier.

I suggest that when you are appointed a doctor that you know nothing about, and at the first hint that they may not be doing all that they should be doing, find a new one. We now know how serious Crohn's can get and to not always trust your doctor, but trust your instincts when they tell you there is something seriously wrong. My husband today for the first time showed signs that he is finally getting some of his strength back. His symptoms have not all went away, but he is going in the right direction.

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.