Diagnosis Day

As I was looking at the calendar last week, I remembered that the day I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease was coming soon. Although it's not really a day to celebrate, I find that noting this day helps me to keep track of where I've been and where I'm going in life. Share your Diagnosis Day with us and always remember that you're never alone.

Matt the Webmaster: September 1, 1994. 4:17pm EST, during a rerun of Star Trek: The Next Generation (Captain's Holiday).

Rachel: Saturday, September 13, 1997

Jennifer: My diagnosis day was unfortunately March 4, 1997....my 21st birthday...in the hospital...for a week....but I'm not bitter or anything.

Corrie: May 7th, 1997 in Michigan.

Christian: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on January 1, 1997. What a way to bring in the new year!

Kathy: I found out that I had Crohn's Disease on August 23, 1996. I came home from shopping with my mom and there was a note on the table. It was the day before I left to move into my college dorm for the first time.

Trisha: June 12, 1997. Sad about the disease, but happy to finally learn what was causing my pain.

Vickie: I remember that day well. April 1, 1984, no fooling. I was 18 and sick as a dog. I thought I had cancer, I was so happy to find out I was not dying!! I always remember, it could be worse!

McKenzie: I was diagnosed on May 12, 1997. The day after Mother's Day. I woke up on Mother's Day feeling like Crud, then I traveled 80 miles to Portland, OR, and was diagnosed next day.

Kelly Marshall: I was diagnosed on January 20, 1997. Just one exact month after my 19th birthday. This was my 4th day in the hospital!

Sandy: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on April 24, 1997 just a week before I was supposed to play in the 1st World junior championship in Floorball (a very popular sport in Europe). I was depressed all the time during the 3 weeks I was hospitalized and my doctors were really scared that I would do something stupid.

Michael Moore: September 1991. During the start of the school year.

Candi Craven: I was diagnosed November 23, 1994. The day before Thanksgiving and my fathers birthday!

"AofSpades9": I was just diagnosed with UC around October.

Lauren: I just barely figured out my terrible stomach pain and diarrhea was Crohn's on Oct.22,1997. I'll never forget that day.

Jack Estes: October 1967

Matthew Barrett: I was officially diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on Oct. 29, 1997. I was in pain a whole week and didn't even realize that it was this "victimizing disease".

Cedric Wilson: January 1987

Niclas: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on April 8, 1997, two days after my 12th birthday.

Theresa Mills: March 18, 1997 after a Colonoscopy

Jessica: September 11,1995. The day before my 15th birthday. I spent 3 weeks in the hospital and I could not eat my birthday cake till 2 months later.

Cherri: in November 1995 at age 18. For four years before they kept saying I had food poisoning or ulcers.

Lorraine Ramsey: September 1991, after my 2nd colonoscopy and six months of wondering.

Michael Hummert: I was diagnosed on April 14, 1997, after feeling bad since August of '96 and not knowing what was wrong.

Mary: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on November 15 after I had surgery on my small intestines.

Robin Cooley: I was diagnosed with Crohn's while studying abroad in France February 10, 1996.

Lisa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on September 16, 1997. I had spent approximately three years with minor symptoms until I had the worst "flare-up" and finally went to a G.I. After a colonoscopy and endoscopy I was diagnosed with C.D. and subsequently have had three (3) surgeries -- I am looking forward to the fourth and hopefully my last surgery sometime in December 1997.

Trisha Helm: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in October of 1996. I was just beginning my Senior year of high school. I always thought that my last year of school was suppose to be the greatest. At the end everything turned out fine.

Catherine: September 17th 1997.

Brian: January 1991 in Manchester, CT. My Grandmother cried saying she was to blame. She suffered from Crohn's for 30+ years before I was diagnosed. We all knew there was no blame to lie with anyone.

Jihan Ahmad: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on July 21, 1995.

Ryan Miller: August 26 1994

Sara Kingsley: I was diagnosed on October 31, 1996 (at least that's when I was admitted to the ER). Needless to say, Halloween really hasn't been the same since....

Brooke: I am from Michigan and was diagnosed May 23 1993, what a horrid day! =(

Deena Rachel: I was diagnosed in January 1996. I was 8 years old. This was done while I was living in London England.

Christina: I'm sorry but also glad that I'm not the only one with Crohn's. I was diagnosed on June 11, 1997.

Katherine: I was diagnosed January 9,1997.

Denise: The day I was DX'ed with UC was, March 23, 1994.

Jillian: My diagnosis day was April 28, 1995, my 12th birthday.

Kyla Winchester: I went to the emergency room July 25, 1997. The only person I could find to take me was my ex-boyfriend. He stayed with me for an entire 24 hours while the doctors poked, prodded and tested and still had absolutely no clue. Ugh!

Sarah: End Of August 1997 - What a way to end my summer! At least now they realize that it's not "all in my head" like they told me for two years. I was 15 at the time.

Mark : I have just spent 2 weeks in hospital with very painful stomach pains and during the days in hospital I have gone through 2 endoscopes and one scan. I was dismissed from hospital on 22nd December 1997 with a diagnose of Crohn's Disease. What a Christmas present ?

Sharon: I was told I had Crohn's at the hospital on December 9th. The same week my grandfather and aunt had surgery. (Great holiday , huh?)

"JLeo728": I was diagnosed with Crohn's on March 25, 1995. I had been in pain for 6 months when they finally realized that I wasn't just "lactose intolerant."

Jodi: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease In September of 1997. It was a real shock that was hard to believe, Me a little girl who had always been healthy and happy now had a chronic illness.

Bourland: October 31, 1997. All Hollow's Eve was the day the dead rose from their rotting chambers to initiate me into their leperous society. Trick or Treat!

Madigan: July 20, 1996... I found out AFTER they performed surgery... had thought it was a flipped appendix... the next day, I turned 20.

Jennifer: The day I was diagnosed with Crohn's, I was 11 years old, and had been put in the hospital to find out what was wrong. All the doctors kept telling me it was stress, maybe school. Then on February 5, I was diagnosed. The same day my grandmother died, and 5 days before my birthday the doctor came to me and, said" YOU HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF CROHN'S DEAR.

Chrsm13 : September 10, 1996 Washington D.C. I was still under sedatives from the sigmoidoscopy. It didn't really sink in at first.

Monique: April 1st

Tck1098: I was diagnosed with Crohn's April 26,1997 I am 11 years old.

Caitlin: I was diagnosed the summer of 1994, when I was 11. I was thrown onto Prednisone real soon after. I had been experiencing minor stomach pains, weight loss (about 20 lb), & there was a weird bruise/bug bite type mark on my leg. It took a few doctors to figure out what was wrong. At one point, they thought I had Lyme Disease!

Suzy: August 4, 1994

C4miles252: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1992. I was in second grade.

Odette: I was diagnosed on Aug.3, 1994...they first thought I had cancer and I remember kissing the technician when he told me it was Crohn's disease. Of course, I had no clue as to what it was and I thought it would go away! So much for thinking! But it can be worse and I have met some wonderful people since having this disease...they are my "Crohnie" friends and I would not know what to do without them!

Kendra: I was diagnosed Jan. 6, 1992.

Kates Kat: December 23, 1997. At Mt. Sini Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio

Julie: I was diagnosed on my first day of 7th grade, September 14th, 1993. It was an awful school year, with all the treatment, and surgery, but it has made me a much stronger person, and has allowed me to become MUCH more self-confident and out-going.

Jennifer: I was diagnosed after a week in the hospital in January 98. I was bleeding internally and everyone thought I would die. I thought I just had a bad case of the flu.

Kate Markwith: I was diagnosed June 4, 1988. I was 8 years old.

Brenda Ohman: Diagnosis Day for me was May/ 97. After 9 months of grilling tests and probably 15 doctors I finally have a name for this disease that had all but crippled me. Now my Crohn's is at a all time high and for the moment I feel very alone as I feel that I am losing all control over my future.

Chrissy: Two years ago I was put into the hospital with the idea that I had an appendicitis but they weren't positive. They kept me there for ten days and one of those days had been my 17th b-day. I was discharged from the hospital with no diagnosis. Two years later, Jan. 98' I was diagnosed with CD, after going through 2 endo. and 1 colonoscopy. Hopefully no surgery will be in the near future.

Shawn Stutes: 21 years old, diagnosed on Feb. 9, 1998.

William T.-May 28 1996, after 7 months of loosing weight, I was told I had Crohn's, and then spent a month in a hospital getting weight put back on me ( I'm six foot four and I weighed 113 pounds).

Summer B.: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on February 20, 1998. I am 24 years old. I was diagnosed after an upper GI (Barium--YUK). I know that God and my wonderful husband, Jeff, will help me through this. I am a little scared, but have acceptance.

Lisa Gehlich: I was diagnosed on Feb. 12,1998. It took about three years to finally get a Diagnosis. Now I am 15 years old.

Connie Wojahn: After about a year and a half of blood I finally went to a doctor and he said that I had a fissure, so I thought nothing of it. Then I got so sick that I could barely stand up without fainting. I went to the hospital on June 29, 1997, had a endoscopy and a colonoscopy and they said I had Crohn's. I had 5 blood transfusions and was in the hospital for a month. What a way to spend my summer!!

Melody: After four months of excruciating pain, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, 16 to 2400 mg of motrin a day, and an apendectomy, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on Friday, April 4, 1997. Since then, I have been on up to 50 mg Prednisone, 1500 mg Pentasa, 100 mg Cipro, and more!!! Plus I have had about a foot of my small bowel removed at the TI. I know that God's hand has been on me the whole time, so I know there is a reason for the pain. PS-When you have to have Barium, get an NG tube. (size 10) THEY HELP!!!

Sarah: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on October 28th 1992. I was ten years old and in fifth grade. I had a colonoscopy and had to spend my Brownie troop Halloween party on clear fluids. That was the worst party I've ever been to.

Lisa I was diagnosed on March 17. 1994. What a great St. Patrick's Day. I was just glad that they finally found out what was wrong with me after a great amount of pain Karen Herlihy: Diagnosis day: February 26, 1994....I was in the hospital for a month!!! Just wanted to say thanks for this web site =)

Anna: I was diagnosed November 20, 1997-amazingly only a week and a half since my first doctors appointment!

Tim Brenamen: I was diagnosed on Fri. March 13, 1998. I wonder if it was just coincidental that I was diagnosed on Fri. the 13th during a penumbral eclipse and a full moon.

Jennifer: I was diagnosed March 5th 1998. I'm 15 years old, and really love your web page. Help us find a cure.

Jessica: November 28, 1997. I had been in and out of the hospital with turn out to be Crohn's. I spent most of last winter in the hospital after 32 pints of blood 2 surgeries. I have intermittent bouts that keep me out of school for short periods.

Kimberly: November 1,1997......after the doctors got the results from an imaging test I had. Before that, they all said I had hemorrhoids. And I thought hemorrhoids were bad!!!

Pauline: Was diagnosed almost three years ago at age of 24. Have been on many medications, has surgery on peri-rectal abscess (pain in the but literally) but hey staying positive.

Melissa Allen: I was diagnosed when I was 11 the last three weeks of my fifth grade year I spent in the hospital and found out. I am now 16 and in the 10 grade.

Marla: I've been on Pentasa, for the last 6 months. I came out of the hospital ( for my reversal ) in Feb.98. While I lived with an ileostomy for 5 months, I didn't have one flare up. This is a great drug. Since Feb. I've felt a little tired, but no flare up's yet! Two thumbs up for me.

Alison Wilson: I'm 16, and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on Monday, March 28, 1998. I was laying in a hospital bed going, "I'm not going to get to go to the prom! I'm not going to ever be able to play softball again!" After I found out I felt much better. I also had mono at the same time. I think Crohn's is in the genes; my mother's twin sister has Crohn's too.

Ross Schwarzber: Diagnosed on March 24, 1998. One day before my thirteenth birthday. I have been on Pentasa since March 27th. I am glad I was diagnosed early and I hope I can control it.

Lil Fina: September 12, 1997

Tim Aydt: I was diagnosed May 20, 1998.

Nicole: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on my golden birthday--December 14, 1994. I was in the hospital for 4 days and was able to go home for Christmas, but had to return for more tests. Joella: I was diagnosed with IBD, in Jan. 15, 1997. It was in the middle of 8th grade for me, I was 13 years old. I was having pains having pains in my stomach since Kindergarten, and I knew every nurse I ever had really well, because I was always complaining about my stomach, last year I went for a blood test on Dec. 26th, and the told me that I had to go to the hospital. The problem now is that I am on 8 pills a day, and they still don't know what kind of IBD it is. And that was 1 1/2 yrs. ago. I wonder when they will find out.

"K11ish": April 21 1998 that it is defiantly Crohn's. I spent 16 days in the hospital. I don't eat or drink anything because I am on TPN. I am due for sugary May 26th......pray for me....... I keep the faith......... I crave Togo's and Taco Bell. :-)

Michael: I had an operation in Dec 95, they thought it was my appendicitis, it was CD

Liz: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on April 27, 1998.

Jason Cissorsky: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on Monday May 4 1998. Two months after I was first admitted into the hospital with what was thought to be appendicitis. They were the most painful two months of my life. I am only 18 and can only think "Why me?"

Reina: I was diagnosed with Crohn's in March of 1994, my 6th grade year. I had surgery to remove a foot of my small intestine on the first day of spring break, the day my family was to leave for Hawaii. I stayed in the Hospital for two weeks. What a great way to spend vacation!

Waylon: April 28th 1998 - went to hospital today...my life sucks...im doomed...great...

"NitesAngel": I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease just recently, 4-27, and I was wondering if someone could give me some info. on it. My father has it but doesn't know all of the newer details that have been discovered. He's still pretty upset that he gave it to me and won't really talk to me about it.

Monica: I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis on September 27, 1995 one month after my 13th birthday. At first, I thought it was just the flu and that it would go away, but I finally went to the doctor and I was like, " What?" Right now I'm on Prednisone and I try hard not to let this disease get me down. :)

D. Beers: Although I'm not a teenager anymore, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 13 years old, and had an ileostomy when I was a week shy of my 18th birthday.

Jason Hyland: My diagnosis day with Crohn's is April 5th.

Richelle: August 1986 Getting ready to start second grade. Many tests and X- rays

Lisa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's March 23,1998. It was also the day I was supposed to take my 6th grade graduation picture with my whole grade!

"ASBDS": It was September 2nd, 1996, and this was the first day of 7th grade. I had been very ill for about two years, and it had gotten so bad I was sent to OHSU in Portland Oregon for some more tests. I was told that I might get to go school that day but would be a little late. I ended up staying the night at OHSU so the next couple of days they could perform endoscopy. After surgery they found out that it was Crohn's that was making me sick. September 5th, 1996, I was diagnosed with Crohn's. I will never forget that day for the rest of my life.

Fran: April '98 Jamie: It was in September 1997...............i had a colonoscopy and upper GI .....i was sleeping when my mother came in and said the doctor called ...............she then told me i had Crohn's.

Chris: April 1997 - Senior year of high school, when my life was ruined

Audrey: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on February 13, 1997. That just happened to be my birthday.

Lee: It was in the first week of August in the summer of 1996 after my college exams. I had had crohn's disease for a year without knowing what it was and baffling the doctors till they eventually got it diagnosed. Now its 1998 three years later and im just about back to normal.

Collin: My son, age 4, was diagnosed on July 20, 1997 after 3 months of bloody diarrhea and weight loss. He was such a trooper during the sigmoidoscopy and he prowdly shows his "pictures" to everyone who visits.

Marlo Santagata: I remember that day well and how much pain I was in it was July 9, 1993.

Aaron Verber: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on May 27, 1998 Scott: I was diagnosed with CD on October 3, 1997. Four years after my initial pains.

Joyce: May 10, 1998 I was admitted to hospital. I was discharged 3 days after my endoscopy. The results came out a week later and they THINK I have CD.

Daniel Huffman: I was diagnosed June 25th, 1998. 

Lisette: February 3, 1998 in Amsterdam. It was a relieve because I was afraid that I had cancer. Jody: I was diagnosed with CD on June 2nd, in the hospital after I woke up from surgery finding out that some of my small intestine had been removed and that I now had an illeostomy, total shock!

Chad: Found out I had Crohn's on my 19th birthday.

Sarah: I was diagnosed on August 15, 1998. I was sick back in June and they took out my appendix and I never got better after that; I got worse. I had really bad stomach pains and I had lost 30 pounds in two months.... after doing tons of tests they told me that I had Crohn's.

Warren: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on Saturday August 8, 1998 - 2 hours after I had a cat scan.

Scott Phillips: I am 18 years old, I live in New South Wales, Australia and my Diagnosis Day is Monday 10th August 1998.

LAM: I was diagnosed with Crohn's after being diagnosed with Mono and Anemia. It was in September, 1996. The first few days of my 7th grade year....My first year of Jr. High. I couldn't do PE for six weeks.

Caitlin: May 15, 1997 after combination Laparioscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopy. I was formally informed about 3 weeks later, after my recovery.

Christina F.: I had terrible pains for 3 months. The doctors thought I was depressed because I was losing a lot of weight and all I would do was sleep, so they put me on anti-depressant pills. Later I found out that I had Crohn's Disease. I was diagnosed in November 1995.

Amber: I was diagnosed in October/November '91. I was 13 years old.... it sucks.

"Lil' Ducky": September 23, 1998

Jennifer Katz: May 27, 1996 I was happy to find that I had a real problem but scared to death that it was not curable.

Emily Wills: December 21st, 1991... Merry Christmas!!!

Chelsea: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on Oct. 19, 1998 after an endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium x-rays. I was diagnosed with mono a year ago but now they think I probably had Crohn's the whole time. I'm taking 60mg of Prednisone a day. Hope to feel better soon!

Lauren Roseman: January 18, 1998 (I was 18), the day before I was going back up to college for second semester freshman year.

Susan: August 4, 1994 - when I was 9 years old

Daniel: The day that changed my life was March 19, 1997

Hayley: March 12, 1997, three months before my 4th birthday.

Anelle Ocrane: My diagnosis day was the end of February 1995. I had spent two very long weeks in the hospital.

Glynnis: I started to realize something was wrong when I lost a lot of weight which was 10lb.s. And my appetite wasn't normal. On September 24 I had this test done, and that's when they told my parents it was Ulcerated Colitis.

Jenny: I'm from New York, and I was diagnosed with this disease on Friday, December 18, 1998.

"SmileQT": I am not exactly sure when I was diagnosed because that whole first experience in the hospital is a blur, but I consider October 17, 1997 (the day I first went into the hospital) my diagnosis day.

Kellie: I was diagnosed with Crohn's August 30, 1998 - right at the end of the summer. At times it made me strong, but at times it has made me weak.

Margo: I was diagnosed on November 29, 1997..right after thanksgiving...lucky me. However my saga is hopefully going to end for a couple of years since I am having surgery, the docs hope that I will be free from this disease for about 2 years.

"Gusguscom": I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on August 30, 1998. I had found out that I had Crohn's through a series of tests. That day has changed my life and now I see things in a different perspective.

Sohail Ali: I was diagnosed with crohns on October 15, 1998. I was very upset.

Ivy Rose: In late April 1997, more than a year after my symptoms first started. I'd gone through tons of horrible tests in the previous week. My parents called my doctor because I had a high fever and he told them I had Crohn's. I spent the next week in the hospital.

Geraldine : December 11, 1997. I'm still not in remission after a bowel resection and all.

Michele Reinhard: January 28, 1998. It was a full moon.

Derrick: I was just diagnosed Oct 29, 1998; my mother's b-day. Glad to find out why I have been sick for the past year.

Melissa Morden: age 17, diagnosis day was October 15, 1998. What a relief it is to finally know what has been causing so much grief and pain for so long. I now look forward to feeling better. Heather: I was diagnosed with CD the summer of 1990. Jennifer Lynn: December 25, 1993 - an answer to prayer.

Katie Shinberg: I was diagnosed with Crohn's shortly after my Bat Mitzvah. A real blessing, huh?!

Carlie Delpercio: I am 17 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's on August 19, 1998. It wasn't a huge surprise since both my mom and my grandpa both had already been diagnosed.

Haley: I am on Asacol 4 pills 3 times a day it seems to do some good, but I still have frequent flare-ups. I have been on it ever since I was diagnosed in April 98

Iain Chisholm: I found out I had Crohn's on 10/22/98 when I went to see a Gastrointerologist. After 15 min. he said I had Crohn's.

Bryan Kennedy: October 26th, 1995 - The day the family moved into our new house I got to spend three days in the hospital instead! (and it made for a crummy Halloween as well).

Greta: November 20, 1998, 11 years old, spent one week in the hospital.

Sarah Cameron: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on Tuesday the 3rd of January 1994. Dr Dennis Campbell told me after the bowel resection he had just performed on me.

Elisha: After years of constant tests, my diagnosis was in Dec. 96. At the age of almost 10 and a whole 38lbs, in the hospital for already almost 2 weeks, along with a feeding tube in my chest, they finally had a name for what was wrong. 2 weeks later and many other tests 'behind me' they discovered they needed to remove my colon. Then came the bag, I call it, I had it for 6 months, then the grateful day of May 18, 1997 came they were able to reconnect, and no more messy bags. A total of 50 days I spent in the hospital between Nov 96 to May 97. I still have some problems, but at least i have no more excruciating pain, and a lot less medication to take. My mom says I look wonderful, thanks mom for always being there for me, and helping me through those horrible days.

Kari: I was diagnosed on January 10th 1996

Mark Brown: 1/9/99

"Phunkyhead": I was diagnosed 7th of Janurary. I am very confused, but am happy to have figured something out after being sick all these years!

David Weston: I was diagnosed in October 1996 following the removal of a perennial abscess.

Sallie Snow: I was diagnosed on April 12,1998 after 18 years. I was born w/ several of the symptoms and they improved for a while. Finally, after the last episode that began in 1996 a blood test revealed the problem.

Laura: I was diagnosed on January 7, 1998....The doctor told me after I had a colonscopy...After all the pain I was in I was relieved to find out what was wrong.

Misty: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on May 12, 1994. I cried when they first diagnosed me with it because I thought I was going to die, but then they explained that it wasn't like cancer or something.

Christopher: I was diagnosed with Crohn's in June of 98 just a couple of weeks after my 20th birthday.  But I have made it passed my 21st birthday 2 surgeries later.  And minus a colon. 

"Yella01": .  I am in medical school.  I was diagnosed with Crohn's November of 1987.  I am now in remission and medical free.

Nzegwhua: My diagnosis day is Monday, June 14, 1999.

Jamie: around Thanksgiving.

"zacatee": I was diagnosed on January 28, 1999.

Robin :   Got Crohn's disease on 10-15-97.  Went into remission 12-98!!!

Carmen: I was diagnosed June 21, 1990, a week before my 12th birthday. I was happy b/c I finally had proof that I was not crazy and there was a medical term to explain all the problems and pain that I had.

David: My diagnosis was on Sunday 25th of July 1999. I had surgery and was in the hospital for 5 days. I am from Missouri. My e-mail is Dave_78@hotmail.com I would like to talk to someone else that has it. I am 14.

Katie: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on July 21, 1999. Less then a month before my "sweet" 16th. I have no one to talk to about this. My mom can't handle it at all. And I won't tell anyone else. So if you can let me know what to expect or whatever I would very much appreciate it. I am sort of freaked out by it all.

Amie Coutts: September 1992, I have had it for 7 years now and haven't had surgery yet TOUCHWOOD. I am not in remission yet but will be one day!!!

Molly: It was April 24, 1996 when my dad woke me up and told me and then said we had to go for blood tests. 

Heidi Lorainne Curatolo: diagnosed May 27, 1998.

Nichole:  The day was October 27, 1998.  After 5 years of symptoms and mis-treatment, I collapsed during one particular flare-up (didn't know it was a flare-up at the time) and was brought to the ER where a wonderful doctor saved my life and gave me a name for what was wrong with me.  Since then, I have been hospitalized 5 times with partial bowel obstructions and just underwent my first resection three weeks ago today.  Feeling fabulous. Keeping a positive attitude that I can control the Crohn's and refuse to let it control me.

Becky: I was diagnosed on November 2, 1999 after a colonoscopy.

David: The first diagnosis was October 1, just before I was due to go out with my now ex-girlfriend...she left after I told her I had Colitis.. bummer , eh ?

Jen:  December 17th 1998

Samantha: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on June 16, 1999. I was severely sick but was glad to finally know what was making me feel so
bad.

Andrea:  I was diagnosed in May of 1998. I don't remember it to well because I was under a lot of anesthesia from a lot of testing, but I remember thinking I was going to die. I was so scared and I thought I would lose all my friends and my boyfriend but I didn't lose them I only gained them.

Christina:  I  was diagnosed in November 1994.  I think Crohn's was misdiagnosed a lot back then, but finding out I had a chronic disease really scared me at first. Now I just accept it and keep the Lord by my side at all times.

Carlos: I was diagnosed on Dec 14, 1999. I had a upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy. They gave me some kind of sedation. I wasn't asleep, but I don't remember very much much of what happened the rest of the day. I do remember asking my doctor some really dumb question over and over again. He got so mad at me. He finally said that he wasn't going to tell me because I wouldn't remember what he said anyways. He was right I don't remember what he said.

Matt S.: I was diagnosed on Friday Dec. 3, 1999.  I had been having problems for 3 months.  No one knew what was wrong.  I am glad to be able to finally know
how to find relief.

Keri: My Diagnosis day was August 31, 1999

Jodi: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on October 19,1999 just recently, they have me on medicine but it isn't working but I will get through this!!

Barry:  Aug. 9, 1997, after an unnecessary surgery.

Anonymous: May 25, 1995...My 11th birthday!  I was in the hospital for 6 weeks, had my appendix removed.  Have been treated for Ulcer. Colitis the past 5 years, today after a colonoscopy and E G D was told I have Crohn's Disease, reflux, and hernia!!!  Oh Well...Could be worse!

Jared:  December 29, 1999 officially.  Lived through 3 years of pain before that. 

Camarie:  January.5, 2000. Spent 3 days in Doernbecher Hospital, I had to get a colonoscopy. The doctors took pictures of us with the camera before they put me to sleep. What a way to start year 2000!!

Becky: January 27, 1997 on the last day of the semester (needless to say  I missed some tests).

Deanna: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in July 11 1999.  After almost 5 years living with it.. without knowing.. I am glad now I know what was causing the pain!

Anne: Jan 10, 2000

Lacy: The doctors had to send me to another hospital, b/c they  didn't have the machines to run the test.  When they told my parents and I what was wrong with me,  we all freaked.  None of us had ever heard of such a thing.  I was diagnosed on May 1, 1997.  Its been a hard ride but I am getting through this with the help of my friends and parents.  Its really not as bad as people think it is.  Thank you so much for listening and building this site. 

Trevor: Thursday, January 20, 2000 after a four hour Upper GI and small bowel follow though. 

Jodi: I was diagnosed with CD on February 6th.  What a great Valentine's Day. I was so confused.

Maddie: August 25th 1998

Nicky: Tuesday January the 18th.

Danielle Kruper- Age 20, diagnosed with Crohn's disease on July 31st 1998.

Daniel Cunningham: Diagnosed January 3, 2000.  Happy New Year!  I was in the hospital for 12 days, came home with TPN and Lipids.  Today I am going back to the hospital.  I have Crohn's disease in my esophagus, my stomach, my small intestine and my large intestine.  Mom says we are going to be okay.

Blair:  I am writing this for my daughter, Blair.  She's still in the hospital  She went in for, what the doctors thought was a ruptured appendix.  After surgery she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, January 28, 2000.

Emma: May 8, 1997!  It took a 2 years to diagnose so it could be considered a happy day!

Allan: 2/2/00 after a three years.  A month from his 18th birthday.

Serenity: September 25, 1999

Heat1: October 30,1999 after a colonoscopy and endoscopy showing that now my stomach was worse than my colon. I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days!   (what fun!! note the sarcasm in my voice) However, I had symptoms from 15 months till about 30 months. then another flare from 5 years old for about 3-5 months. And now a flare from January 1999 - (symptoms started in November but didn't tell my parents till January) now mid-February 2000!!!! And it still keeps going and going ............

Kimberly - February 1, 2000 -- I am 23, but have endured this pain since 17 yrs old.  I was diagnosed almost a month after having my beautiful baby girl!

Nathalie: My Diagnosis Day was yesterday (2/16/00) and I am still not realizing what all that means for the rest of my life. But I am happy that finally, after two years of depressions and all that, someone was able to tell me what's wrong! I am sure I will visit this page a lot in the future.

Jessiekate: My diagnosis day was August 25th, 1999. After numerous accounts with doctors and many visits to hospital I was diagnosed with CD. My family and friends have been really great with me and I am currently in remission!!!!!

Ashley:  I am 12 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohn's only two days after Christmas December 27th 1999 (Not a good Christmas present, huh?)

Elyssa: I have gone through struggles with food, and my digestive system for a couple years now, and finally through testing, and with the all the symptoms indicating it I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on February 18, 2000.  I am currently on Salyfac and a high dose of Prednisone.  I don't feel too great, but I know I'll get through this.  Good luck to everyone!          

Ebony: April 6, 1996

Lisa: January 1990 

Susie:  Diagnosed February 1st, 2000.  I was in the hospital for 15 days and am now feeling much better. 

Jeff:  I was diagnosed on the March Break of last year, went for surgery in June, missed my High School Graduation. (Also had appendix removed in Grade 4 on Christmas morning!  No luck at all)

Jen: I was Diagnosed with Crohn's disease on February 10, 1998, the day after my 12th birthday. What a birthday for me. All I could eat was chicken broth and plain bagels and after 12:00 noon I could only have liquid drinks. It could have been a lot worse though.

Addam: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on August 23, 1999

"Kennedy0709":  Diagnosed with Crohn's March 9, 2000.  I was scared too death, but my family and God are helping me through all the pain.

Kat:  My diagnosis was made in January 1997.

Kendal: 15, diagnosed 3/4/00 after appendix removal. I'm his mother, and he has been suffering for two and a half years undiagnosed. We thought it was just bad gas. His teachers have been less than understanding. Poor kid. I'm so glad we now know what is the matter! I'd like apologies from all of his teachers!

"Haygbug": July 1999, after failed repeated test by stupid primary doctors.

Lisa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on Jan 11, 2000...and my life hasn't been the same since.

Faye  I was recently diagnosed with CD on January 26th, 2000.  I am 19 years old and was forced to quit my sophomore year of college b/c of this.  I was in the hospital for an entire month and got out just a week ago.  I have been through two surgeries and had my appendix and adhesions removed.  A foot of my small intestine was removed and part of the tissue from my colon was used to resection my intestine.  No bag, yes!  As I look back at incidents in my life, I realize that I have had this for a while.  The infection in my wound is slowly healing and maybe I will be able to return to college this summer.

Belinda: 6th January 2000, after a colonoscopy, barium scans and various diagnostic procedures in the previous month.  Finally I knew what was wrong with me.  I had just turned 17.

Natalie: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on Monday, March 13, 2000. After 9 months of wondering what I had, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's disease after being told I definitely did not have it in November. In fact, they insisted I was fine while I kept saying I wasn't normal. Finally, a diagnosis. 

Danielle Miller - I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on April 14, 1999 after my first love and I had broke up.

Lauren: I was diagnosed March 20th 2000 after being told I had appendicitis, although I am happy to know what I have I don' t know anything about it.

Stephanie. I'm 17. I was just diagnosed with Crohn's Disease March 20, 2000. I started getting bad stomach aches during soccer practice, and had to have a colonoscopy done. That's when I found out. I also have a cyst on my left ovary to go with out. I still have to have tests done, and possibly surgery. I can still play soccer, and I am on medication. ANYONE WHO HAS THIS, DON'T WORRY!  WE ARE ALL GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING, AND WE CAN DO IT TOGETHER!!

Heather:  I was diagnose with Crohn's Disease in December of 94.  I got to miss out on that whole month of school.  I was 14 then.  I am now 27 days away from my 20th birthday. 

Emily K: I was diagnosed with Crohn's just 2 and a half days ago after being told I was lactose intolerant, then had an ovarian cyst... then they thought it was my appendix... so after a night in the hospital, my blood taken numerous times, a pelvic exam (oh what fun!) and 3 BIG glasses of Barium (EWWWW) I was finally told after 8 months of pain and BS the I had Crohn's.  It helps to know!!

Brady: Monday February 14, 1995 - what a day to say I love you?

Brandy:  Life with Crohn's stinks (literally).  I was diagnosed on June 8 of 1997.

Justin: Diagnosed in November of '99, a month before my 16th birthday. 

Helen: Went to the doctor wish suspected appendicitis, but after 2 days of tests Crohn's was diagnosed.  That was December '99, and since then I have had surgery and 6 weeks later I was back at school.  

StephW : Unofficially 30 November 1999 ... you know how they change their minds!!   Officially January 14, 2000.  A second opinion ... I cried for hours.  And maybe when I think long and hard, I've had it for a few years.  Accepted I had it January 14, 2000.  

Shelly: I was diagnosed in September of 84. I was 17 years old and a senior in high school. It's been a long 16 years. I've come a long way and I'm doing fairly well now.

Clairebear: I was finally diagnosed on 23 March 2000 after 5 years of being made to feel like I was imagining all the pain and I was going mad. Like I couldn't find something fun to imagine.

Kendal:  I was diagnosed on March 3, 2000 after over 3 years of suffering without knowing what was wrong with me. The worst part was that my teachers thought I was faking. I had my ileum removed and part of my colon. I feel pretty good right now though and I'm gaining weight finally! 

Ana T.:  Around October 1998 but it took a  year  to find out what was really wrong with me. 

Andrea: I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis Thursday April 6th 2000.

"Croc1414": I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on November 28, 1999.  The day after Thanksgiving.  I was having terrible pain and could not sleep the night after Thanksgiving.  I went to Loudoun Hospital, only a few minutes away and was admitted soon after.  After a lot of X-rays and blood work, the doctor decided to do a laperoscomy (I don't know how to spell it).  After the surgery, it was confirmed that I had Crohn's.

Laura: I was diagnosed right before Christmas on December 10, 1999.

Jess: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on March 28, 2000. My case started off very mild with just Pentasa as my Rx, but after 2 months my symptoms have jumped through the roof. I just got out of the hospital because I lost 2 Pints of blood after fainting in the shower, due to my flare up. Now I'm on Remicade and 6MP. I pray to God it doesn't get worse. 

Yael: April 27, 2000 towards the end of vacation.

Daniel: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on November 1, 1999. I got out of the hospital a few weeks later, but was later reinstated a couple of months later...I actually spent valentine's day in the hospital.

Kerri:  I was diagnosed February of 1999.  I was in the hospital for two weeks during my first spring break at college.  Yuk!

Tim: I was diagnosed on April 26th 2000, 4 days after going into the hospital on Easter Sunday. 

Brandon: August 10, 1999,  I was just happy to find out what was wrong with me.  First strong symptoms occurred on December 19, 1998.

Lisa: Wow! I'm really surprised that all these teens have IBD/S. I've had either Crohn's or colitis since I was two (I still don't have a diagnosis), but I don't know a date...it's not something I really want to find out about. but, I would love to be added to the list. Kudos to you for putting up this page, I've always wanted to meet people with the disease, but it's not something I usually talk about (I'd like to forget it). Oh yeah, I would have been diagnosed in 1987..lets just say Feb 6, that sounds about right!

Julianna: I was diagnosed in May of 1995, at the age of 10. For years prior to diagnoses of Crohn's Disease I was in a lot of pain and very ill. Although I am in remission it is still hard living with a chronic illness that can come back at any time. If any one would like to email me my address is giggels623@hotmail.com I can not wait to here from other teens with the same problems.

Melissa:  I was diagnosed with CD on October 15, 1999. I was sick for about 6 months Intel my 3 doc that I went to put in the hospital. I was there for about 5 days.  Ever sent then school has not been the same.  I missed a lot of school.  I almost did not pass 11th grade.  But the sad thing about all of this is that my family thought I was lying about being sick.  They said it was all in my head.  But everything is ok now.  

Vicky:  April 4, 2000.  There was one thing that my surgeon said to me about 12 hours before they found out that I had Crohn's and that was that there was two things he hoped never to get: renal failure and Crohn's... and guess what I have!

Alan: January 25, 1999.  The doctors ran many tests to diagnose me.  I now have a colostomy and a draining fistula.  It really sucks.  I had to stay on Prednisone for months and months until it finally messed up my bone mass and gave me 4 fractures in my spine and osteoperosis.

Brenda: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on June 1, 1999. I was diagnosed through an Upper GI, endoscopy, and a colonoscopy.  Before the doctors finally found out why I was having stomach pain, fevers, and mouth ulcers, I was feeling pretty lousy.  But now that I'm doing Pentasa, herbal pills, and tons of vitamins, I feel much better.

Johnny: I had two abscesses in Sept. of 1996. We were in one of the best places to be treated for Crohn's (Primary Children's in SLC Utah) and nobody could diagnose me with anything. We moved in January and I have had a hard time with the doctor here. I wasn't diagnosed until March of 1997.

Melissa:  I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in July of 1999. I had gone through three years of pain and agony.  I have had four colonscopies, two endoscopies and two barium enemas. I was taking 26 pills a day to help my Crohn's but nothing was helping it. I had surgery in November of 1999 but now my Crohn's has came back. I have traveled hundreds of miles to find someone that can help me and I know there is someone out there that can.

Matt:  I am 14 and I was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease on April 21, 2000.  I had been going though 9 months of crap before I finally told someone what was going on.  I had lost around 40 lbs. and had gotten really pale.  Finally after a month I found out that I had CD.  Now I am trying to find a medicine to work since all the others haven't.  Thank-you for setting up this page.

Kyle: Hello i was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on February 16, 2000. I am 14 years old. I am so glad that you have made a page about this weird disease because it is pretty hard to talk to my friends about it when they don't know anything about it. So, thank you.

Robby: I was diagnosed on April 14, 2000.

Holli: I'm 17 years old, I was diagnosed with UC on August 17, 1999 after a colonoscopy, endoscopy and a year of tests, what a way to start my Junior Year in High School!

Mitch: May 17, just after my birthday after a couple of years of pain.

Jhedy: I was diagnosed on November 4, 1997 after lots of pain and suffering.

Pedro: 14 of February of 1998 at 19h00, In a private doctors, after 2 months of suffering in the ignorance of some public doctors that said that i had cancer or worse...but I'm fine know...but i give all my gratitude to my doctor.

Pascale: My first operation was 17/12/99. But my actual diagnoses was 3/02/00. I was then on oral steroids for about four months.

Sair Jane: I think I found out about 1995, although I'm sure I was in pain and losing a lot of weight for about a year before. It annoys me that I am so embarrassed by my ILLNESS that even my Boyfriend of 5 yrs only knows I'm Sick because I don't eat well and I'm skinny.  I'm glad to see all these people understand, THANK YOU! 

Wendi: I was diagnosed April of '95 after six months of being told it was all in my head, at the age of 16.

Kari: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on October 23, 1997 after 6 months of tests.  I was 18 years old.

Curt--My diagnosis wasn't until I was in my Thirties. It was July 4th weekend, '99. I had this terrible pain in my gut. I already had an appendicitis, so I didn't know what it was.  I'm writing this in the teen site because I have had symptoms since my teens, but was never fully diagnosed with CD until now. In college I had a fissure, an appendicitis, and constant stomach discomfort.  I'm writing this hoping that teens are not afraid to talk to a doctor about the possibility of this if you are having similar symptoms.  So far I have been lucky. After a short stay in the hospital and a month on Prednisone, I take pentasa every day with little discomfort and thankfully, no surgeries. I did spend my birthday last year drinking go-lytely preparing for my colonoscopy, and am looking forward to eating real food on this birthday.

Dominique: I was diagnosed Friday, July 21... after my colonoscopy  (some reward!).

Chris: I was diagnosis May 26, 2000 in Maine and my e-mail is btarheel00@yahoo.com if anyone wants to talk.

C.B.: I was had Crohn's since April 15, 1999.

Amy Smith: Friday, August 11, 2000.   I have been dealing with the symptoms for about 5 weeks and they could not figure out what I had. After many tests they finally figured out that I have Crohn's Disease.

Ryan G:  August 31 2000  Do I really have to be sick for the rest of my life?

Meredith:  I was diagnosed with Crohn's May 29th my mom's b-day. It will be a birthday she will never forget (spending it in the emergency room).

Kevin: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on October 19, 1999.  I had to get a scope done and they found out what it was. 

Kyra: October 1995. I was 9 years old at the time and we had just wasted the whole summer trying to find out what was wrong with me! Lots of blood tests, stomach scans, and X-rays. I also had a biopsy and a colonoscopy. Ugh!

Shaz:  I was diagnosed on September 2nd, 2000, after 2 days in the  hospital.  I was supposed to be in Dallas with a lot of friends, but instead I spent Labor Day weekend in a hospital bed.  At least I finally know what was causing all of that pain.

Nikkei:  Well after 2 months of pain and seeing an eating disorder specialist I was diagnosed on November 12, 1998.

Lexie: I was diagnosed on June 20th, 1999 after surgery to reverse my colostomy that I  had due to colitis 8 years before. After 8 years of being healthy and planning on waking up from surgery without a bag, I found out that once again I was sick. Well, I didn't actually become symptomatic AGAIN until this past may. What a wonderful way to wake up from an anesthetic nap.

Kate: I was diagnosed January 1999 after my colonoscopy/endoscopy.  They still haven't found any medications that help my pain.  I think I'm just going to have to deal with the pain myself and stop complaining to the doctors.  In a way I was happy to learn that they finally found out why I was having pain but sad that it was a disease that has no cure.

Ashley: I am 13... I was diagnosed with Crohn's, June 30 2000... during an appointment at the IWK.

Mary: I was diagnosed November '99 after having an appendectomy and the wonderful series of tests.  The docs kept going back and forth if it was Crohn's or just an infection from the appendectomy, but then finally 6 weeks later following a small bowel follow through they diagnosed me with this wonderful disease.

Anonymous:    I found out I had Colitis 2 weeks before Christmas 1994. I had to spend those 2 weeks in Children's Hospital of D.C. I was 15 at the time and they treated me like I was 5. My boyfriend wasn't allowed to come to see me and I had to be put on Prednisone and I gained like 90lbs. and got all fat and ugly. My
boyfriend finally broke up with me for another girl because he said I was too sick and never fun to be with. Now he is married to that girl and they have 2 kids...
I had surgery in 1997 to get rid of the Colitis and I am now Colitis free and healthy!

Kristy:  I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease a day before my 21st birthday. How's that! Great.

Anna: I am 16 yrs old and from New Zealand. I was diagnosed with CD on September 6, 2000. Because there is no man made cure for the disease I believe that God will heal me. I have met 6 people in the last few weeks that have been miraculously healed so believe for it!!!!!!!!!!  God Bless. This is an awesome site you have set up.

Mich: July 28, 2000. But I've suspected for about 4 years now, since I started college.  I read your college experience page, and was really sad that I hadn't found it sooner.  It could have saved me much pain, both emotional and physical.

Nerissa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in May of 1999 after missing a semester of college, spending 2 and a half months in bed, and losing over 20 pounds.  I was 19 then, now I am 20 and back in college for my junior year after gaining back 30 pounds.  I have been on so much medication since to feel better along with a special diet, but I praise God everyday it was not something that would have taken my life.  Good luck to all who have it and I hope that someday we find a cure!!

Thomas:  I'm from Australia. After spending the last eight years with this thing that I thought was all in my head, I finally decided to see a specialist, who wishes I came to see him years ago. Wednesday 19th July 2000 after a colonoscopy, we know. Now the next couple of weeks are going to be very interesting, not really but hey!, life goes on!

Jessica:  I was diagnosed with Crohn's on September 29th, 1999, at the age of 19 after living in pain for 7 years and wondering if I was dying of some kind of cancer.  My brother at the age of 12 was diagnosed with Crohn's after eight months of tests and weighing only 58 lb two years before I was finally diagnosed.  Because of him I was diagnosed after going through only two tests since the doctors had an idea of what to look for.  I'm struggling with this disease a little and trying to get use to such a drastic diet change, but if my younger brother can survive through this I'm determined to survive too.

Elizabeth: I finally found out I had Crohn's disease in November just before Thanksgiving 1993.  I was 8 yrs. old at the time.

Niccole:  I've not officially been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, but I've been told that it is a form of it. After 2 endoscopies, and 4 colonoscopies and 4 weeks in the hospital, my Dr. calls is Williamson's disease. But to put an actual date to it, it was the 12th of January. My little sisters birthday. nicciwilliamson@hotmail.com is my email address if anyone wants to talk.

Mary Kate:  I was diagnosed in August 1997, after 6 months of hiding my symptoms (mostly bleeding and pain).  To everyone, please tell your doctor immediately when you see symptoms, it gets everything over faster.

Lisa:  I am 26, but I haven't found a site that has been more informative that yours.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  I was diagnosed yesterday September 22, 2000.  The team at the hospital was great, the gave me several tests (yuk) but diagnosed me in one day!

Laura: My diagnosis was July 6, 1999, but I think I've had it since 1996. Since 1996 I think I have grown maybe, if I'm lucky, 3 inches, and I'm thirteen right now.

Tim:  I was just recently diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on September 12, 2000.  I had a series of blood tests, colonoscopy, endoscopy, biopsy, Upper and lower GI, and also the small bowel follow.  It wasn't until the biopsy and the colonoscopy that they knew for sure what it was!

Kimmey:  Sept.18th 2000

Becky: August 1992. I was diagnosed after three months of pain, listlessness and severe weight loss the summer after my freshman year in college.  I remember crying from sadness when they told me it wasn't lyme disease, because i then knew it had to be worse.  One colonoscopy later, I was saddled with Crohn's Disease.  I cried when i saw how young some Crohnies were when diagnosed!

Amanda:  I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis on August 17,  2000.  I was months pregnant at the time and I had to be in the hospital for 11 days.  I am taking Prednisone and Asacol.  I am going to the OB/GYN  tomorrow to find out if my baby is a boy or a girl.  I pray for everyone on this page and I hope ya'll do the same for me and my unborn baby who is due Feb 6, 2001.  God bless us all we are strong and we can get through this if we take it one meal at a time and one day at a time.

Ian: August 20, 2000... the first word of Crohn's came when I had a side-effect of it, when I didn't even knew I had it, I had a peri-anal sysct, (a pimple times like 20) in a not so nice place. They gave me a sigmoidoscapy while I was out cold. Nothing was found, actually that was on July 3,2000 and the next day I was out and went to a party to light fireworks. But when the Pains continued, and losing 20 pounds in 1 week, I had an upper GI, not fun, and in case you didn't get it, they added chocolate syrup to the barium it wasn't that bad. Then came the dreaded COLONOSCOPY. Ugh! August 20... 2 days after my birthday. I'm now 14.

Matt H: June 27th, 2000. I spent six months of my freshman year in college afraid to eat for fear of pains, then we finally figured out what it was. As unhappy as the news made me, at least it's under control now...

Samantha:  I was diagnosed March 2000.

Haley:  I was diagnosed with IBS just in time for my moms birthday.  I gave her a great present!  We spent the day together in the hospital while I had my colonoscopy! That was last years  b-day though, this year I went to the doctor the day before my b-day the big 17 and he had the most wonderful news, I might need surgery and we were going to have to redo all my test all over again.  You know the Upper and Lower GI with a small bowel series and of course another colonoscopy.  I just can't wait to see what 18 has in store for me!

Karen:  I was diagnosed on January 1, 1992.  This was after 8 months of weight loss and pain, 3 months of which I was in Australia, half a world away.  My host dad, also a doctor told me I was anorexic.  I came home shortly after that. It was still 2 more months before I knew I didn't have cancer (my biggest fear).  I am writing this to let teens know that you can have a (somewhat) normal life.  I am now 26, married to a very understanding man, with a perfectly healthy 15 month old daughter.  I pray that this is not hereditary and that she will never experience this.  Take care!

Amber: It's kinda hard to remember, I was six and I'm now nineteen, I believe it was late fall of 1987, a long time ago.

Anonymous:  I was diagnosed in June of 1995 after a year of horrible pain. I had tons and tons of tests done but nobody knew what was wrong with me. One night I finally went to the emergency room because the pain got so intense and they found a perforation and an obstruction (!!!) so I had to have a resection of my ileum. It's been five years and I haven't had too much trouble until recently, it's like we're starting all over again, they can't figure out what's going on but it's the exact same thing as before. I don't know why us Crohn's victims were blessed with such luck but it seems that everybody with Crohn's has had the same problem...the doctors can't figure it out!!! Ugh, how irritating and frustrating!!!

Ian: He was diagnosed early June of 2000. I (his mom) am typing this for him. Our family has gone on a macrobiotic diet to try and help him get well and stay well.

Chris: I got Crohn's May 26, 2000. If any one would like to talk please write at btarheel00@yahoo.com

Sarah:  I found I had ulcerative colitis on April 15, 1999. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks.

Mark:   I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on Tuesday September 10th 2000.  I hade my colonoscopy done on the same day and I could not eat anything on Thanksgiving day!  I kept throwing up the liquid they made me drink to clear out my system so instead of having 2 doses, I had to have 5!

Josh:  After 3 weeks of vomiting up food poisoning tablets my parents took me to the Adelaide Children's Hospital, and after a week I was diagnosed with Crohn's on the 16th of June 1996. I was eleven at the time and am now 15 (2000).

Renee: I found I had Crohn's on October 11th, 2000. I was always sick and going to doctors. Finally my doc didn't know what to do so she did some tests. Next thing I know I'm in bed and can't move for weeks and they had to move my procedure days up because I was getting worse everyday. I'm glad to have found out before I get worse. But I wish not to have it.

Kirk: September 18, 2000 in California.

Julie: October 11, 2000 - after many tests, exams, and needles I have finally been diagnosed.

Helen- I was diagnosed June 6, 2000 on my second stay in the hospital. I missed my high school graduation and was unable to give my class president speech, but I was so glad I wasn't going to die!

Fawn: after much pain and 20lbs lost...I found out I had Crohn's Disease February 25, 2000, the DAY before my mom's birthday and a week and 3 days before my 15th birthday. Kinda odd but my mom was more upset than me, I was just happy that I could get some medication for the pain to stop!

Tracy:  August 1, 2000 at age 12.

Joni: Mischief Night Oct. 30 1999.  After 10 long years of pain and misdiagnosis.  Had emergency resection on Dec 20 1999.  Went home Dec 23 two days before Xmas. That's something to smile about :)

Katie:  I was diagnosed on September 26, 2000, with Crohn's Disease. After having symptoms since May of 2000, an Upper GI and two colonoscopies. They thought it was just the cyst on my right ovary but it turns out it was much worse. What was even better is that I was hospitalized for 4 days only a week before
homecoming. Luckily I was still able to go. Now I'm on major doses of medication but I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of the pain.

Brian: Oct. 28, 2000--5'5 95lbs. They thought I had an eating disorder, I saw a psychiatrist and he gave me anti-depressants. I'm happy to know its Crohn's.

"Groverbomb": The day I was actually diagnosis with Crohn's was Sept. 20th, 1988.  Which at the time I was only 7 years old.  I was having massive problems since I was 5. My doctor's at the time said I had a milk allergy and just kept on cry for attention and it was more or less "all in my head."  It wasn't till I past
out from the pain and taken to emergency and hospitalized that they found out I had Crohn's.  The only feelings that I remember from that day was I was scared that I actually had something wrong with me but at the same time happy that I knew that it wasn't "all in my head" and crying for attention and they I would get better.

Emily:  My D-day was sometime in March of 2000 after an upper GI and a colonoscopy.  I was in the hospital for five days and missed seventeen days of school.  It all happened when my mom was being tested for breast cancer.  She's fifty and I'm fifteen.  At least we never have to worry about leaving the house with no eyebrows.  Sometimes it is easy to forget what it feels like to feel good.  Don't let this stop you, it's not going to hold me back.

Fatih:  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on July 24, 2000. I had four Surgery until diagnosed as CD. Now I have been using Salofalk, but I am not feeling so good yet.

Mike:  Diagnosed with UC on October 24, 2000.

Jessi: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on November 10, 2000 after 4+ years of people telling me that my pain was all in my head.

Jim: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on September 14 shortly after my b-day. I am 19 years old and pretty certain that I have had this disease for quite sometime. (since I was 14, which is when I started losing significant weight). The doctors kept on saying that I was just built that way, and that there weren't any health reasons why I was skinny, but I guess doctors aren't always right!! Thanks for this website; I never even knew how common Crohn's is.

Elizabeth: October 24, 2000 : after lots and lots of pain and yucky stuff with colonoscopies I finally knew what was causing all my pain. No more milk for me.

Joshua Dykes : My diagnosis day was November 2, 2000 after a colonoscopy.

Chris:  I was diagnosed on Oct. 27 2000 after a colonoscopy.  I am 21 and have been going to doctors for a year and a half and them telling me something different every time.  They first thought it was in my head, then it was acid reflux, and now finally they have figured it out Crohn's.

LynnAnn:  Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis Jan 14, 1996. I was 14 yrs old. The worst day of my life!!!!

Christopher: 1975 - Diagnosed at 3 yrs of age with Colitis (later to become Ulcerative Colitis) Surgery in 1993 & 1994.  August 4, 2000 Diagnosed with Crohn's - surgery Aug. 10, 2000.  I love this disease, I have lost or had to quit three jobs because of these diseases. 

Matt: I was diagnosed on March 13, 2000. Those words "You have Crohn's Disease"  have changed my life.  I had no idea how it would matter, but it really does.  God is good, though, and He gives me strength to face each day.

Ariana (submitted by Andrew):  My daughter, Ariana, was just diagnosed with colitis on 11/13/00. She is 14 months old. After more than a year of being told she had an immature digestive system and she would outgrow this, it is comforting to know she will get the help she needs, and relief from the pain she has experienced.  I myself have IBS and know what a long road she has ahead of her.

Brian (submitted by Brian's mother):  My son Brian is 20 and went to the hospital  and he got that disease... I will get him to share this with everyone .....Crohn's at that age will be hard ...Well like he told us his life got to change .. He was diagnosed on Saturday November 30, 2000.

Helen: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on May 4th 2000, after suffering from the symptoms for over 12 months.  I was so relieved to find out the cause of my pain.  My only regret is that I didn't seek help sooner. 

Carrie: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in the fall of 1987. I had been getting ready for Kindergarten and the doctor who had given my medical exam prior to
entering school noticed something was wrong. A few short weeks later I was tested, and eventually diagnosed with Crohn's. I was in Kindergarten then, now I'm a senior in high school, and still going strong!

Steven: The first sign of symptoms was on Dec.7, 1997.  I wasn't diagnosed until July of "98".

Pat: I was diagnosed with Crohn's November 9,2000. They think I had it for three or four years before that though. That afternoon I was supposed to sing (in the school chorus) for 1/4 of the school (about 300 people), but I had to cancel for a last minute doctor appointment.

Connie: I have Crohn's and I am 12, they found out that I had it last year, and was sick for two years before that, and I am glad that you have this website for us to use.

James: At the age of 18, I was diagnosis with Crohn's Disease on November 14, 2000.

Michelle: Diagnosed with Crohn's April of 97 after three years back in fourth in the hospital, surgery is what diagnosed me, taking out three feet of intestines.

Genevieve: I was diagnosed on Monday, September 14, 1998 really late at night. It was just a few days before my 18th birthday. Since I was recovering from
the flare-up, I had to miss my first quarter of college. 

Melissa:  I was diagnosed with Crohn's on December 1, 2000 six months after the pain got so bad I couldn't even move. 

David:  Diagnosed the 17th of Oct. 2000.  It took about two years and 5 doctors to finally point the finger on CD.

Helen: After 3 years of symptoms and no end in sight to the chronic pain I finally collapsed and was admitted to hospital on the 15th July 2000.  I had emergency surgery and was diagnosed on the 17th July 2000, after 10 days in the hospital I was allowed home and have never felt better !!! I thought that I had cancer and was dying so I was relieved to finally find out what was the route of all the agony I was suffering from.  Am still recovering slowly but surely but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in a long time.

Leesa: 11/8/97 - nothing special about the day.  Diagnosed by colonoscopy with Crohn's & Perianal Disease.

Andrea: I was told that I had U.C. in August of '89... I was 8 years old.  Over the next six months (which were spent with a colostomy bag hanging from my belly) they did three operations and removed almost all of my large intestine.  That was 11 years ago and I thought it was over, until about a year ago when I started having problems again.  Now, November 20th of this year I was told that I have U.C. yet again, in the remaining portion of my large intestine.  They put me on six pills and two suppositories a day to try to get the inflammation down.  I go back on December 11th to see if the medication is working.  All I was told was that he would do everything he could before he turned to a permanent colostomy... God, I hope that day never comes!!!

Brittany: I was diagnosed on June 12, 200 at Hasbro Childrens Hospital when I was 13. It took them 2 months for them to figure out what was wrong.

DiscoGirl: Friday, October 27 2000.

VickyB: I was diagnosed in December 1995, aged 13, with a sigmoidoscopy and biopsy.  It's just coming up to the 5 year anniversary, and what a DIFFICULT 5 years it has been!

Laura: I was diagnosed in August 2000 (a week after 8th grade started) and I'm 13. I had a really rough time getting diagnosed because they thought I was anorexic, then they thought I had some kind of malignant tumor. It was a mess. Finally after my sed rate reaching 140 and a scope, I was diagnosed with Crohn's.

Julie (Jewels17): October 17, 2000.

Melanie: December 19th, 2000 I was sick for 3 years in and out of the hospital and they finally my doctors diagnosed me with Crohn's Disease.

Kristen: I was just diagnosed December 8th with Crohn's.  At this point I am trying to figure out how to keep up with my schedule, and not make myself any sicker.  At 19, and a full-time college student I don't have the patience to be sitting around.

Nick: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on August 17. 

Jenn: My diagnosis date was Monday, October 26, 1998. And to think if it were a year later on a Monday, it would've been my birthday.

Janine:  July 1998

"CottonCandy": I was 10 and it was the year I was taken away from my mother because she would scream at me in the hospital just because I was sick. It was February 19th 1997.

Sandra: I can't remember the exact date but it October 1999 I believe. I went seven years misdiagnosed. Yes, people....SEVEN!

Mike: I don't know the exact day or even month I was diagnosed, but I do no that I was only 10 yrs old. I'm 22 now.  It's been a long time.

Amy: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 18, in July 2000.  I had been in pain throughout my whole senior year before I was diagnosed. My family doctor kept telling me that the pain was caused from depression, and then gastritis.

Chris: I was diagnosed July 18.  That was my 16th birthday.  Boy did I have fun.

Melissa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on January 4th, 2001.

Kristen: October 2000 I was diagnosed with CD. I'm 12 years old and have had symptoms  since I was in kindergarten. Everyone thought it was in my head because all the tests came out negative. It wasn't till this October that I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy and they came out positive for CD.

Jesse:  Just recently, I traveled to Toronto Canada to visit my family as that is where I am from, but currently live in Los Angeles.  I knew I had Crohn's and got those annoying pains for a few minutes constantly throughout the day.  But before I left, I kept getting high-grade fevers and would wake up throughout the nights with terrible pains only to be relieved by Prednisone.  One night in Toronto I woke up with Rigors, which is a condition where your whole body trembles from such a high fever.  Next thing I know I was in the hospital with a bowel obstruction and abscess.  Supposedly a fistula ruptured and I was walking around with a mild case of peritonitis.  My gastrointerologist in LA told me I had to get surgery.  I had a five hour operation due to the intensity of my Crohn's.  It was really easy.  The pain was not that bad and was relieved by painkillers.  The worst part of the whole ordeal was the nasogastric tube I had that went through my nose and hurt the back of my throat for five days.  I just got out of my three week stay in the hospital and am eating well and normal.

Jordan: I had a colonoscopy and an EGD on September 1st, 2000.  I came out of the procedure room and my doctor told my parents that I had Crohn's.

Jason: I was diagnosed on my 16th birthday, January 16th, 2000.  Extra special, because I missed the day before exams for my very first colonoscopy!

PJ: I am 11 years old and I was diagnosed with this disease on 1/17/01, an hour after my colonoscopy.

"IcePrincess": My diagnosis day was Friday the 13th (isn't that day supposed to be bad luck anyways!!) in October (Halloween, I always have bad luck this month!) year 2000-the millennium. Amazing how coincidences happen these days huh? (I'm not as superstitious as I made myself seem, but anyone whose anyone knows FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH IN OCTOBER IS BAD LUCK!!!) LOL ;)

Dinah: It was October 17th 1999 and I had already been sick for 6 months.  All I can say is: ask for Morphine!!!!!!

Amanda: Jan.15,2001  I'm 16. I had been having diarrhea on and off for a year and for the last two months had had diarrhea, stomach pains, 20 lb. weight lost, fever, and the worst pains in my legs. Well I went for my colonoscopy and the found out I had Crohn's. I'm just glad to know I'm not crazy and that I can be helped!!

"Cuteangel787": I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on October 31, 2000.

Andrew: December 20th 2000.

Kyle: January 31, 2001.

"01cehman": I was diagnosed with Crohn's October 10. I started taking Prednisone but it did not work and I had to switch brands but the brand that works is
discontinued!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Helena: I was diagnosed on June 21, 2000 after having an abscess removed and colonoscopy/endoscopy and biopsies. What a way to spend your summer vacation:) 

Jennifer: I was just diagnosed days ago, Jan. 26, 2001. I'm 23 and I wish I was as emotionally strong as some of you teens. It's been a real hassle trying to get speedy appointments so I haven't seen a doc about treatment yet. Both colonoscopies could not be completed due to pain, endoscopy done with biopsies, finally small bowel follow through diagnosed it. I was happy at first to know what I had, but now after researching this disease, I cry a lot, not knowing what lies ahead for me. This hurts, this sucks, and I'm very afraid.

Renee: My diagnosis day was Oct.11th 2000. The sad thing is I had to get terribly sick for them to find out and test me for Crohn's. I still am not back to myself and wish I was.

David: Diagnosed November 22, 1999 (the day before his 17th birthday) at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  David was sick for two years when we finally went to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion.  The doctors where we live did not know what was wrong with him.  His doctor, a pediatric gastroenterologist, could not believe the doctors back home had "overlooked" David's symptoms.  Everything pointed to Crohn's including a colonoscopy biopsy report done the previous year!  (Which I was never told about.)  We were told he had stomach ulcers, appendicitis, pancreatitis, delayed gastric emptying, irritable bowel, functional bowel disorder and the best one was when they told us it was all in his head and he needs to see a psychiatrist to learn to deal with the pain!  Yeah right!  He had his first Remicade Infusion November 15, 2000 and so far he is doing great!

Sarah: My diagnosis was July of 2000. I would like to talk to fellow sufferers. I am 19 and in college. My email is moehrins@purdue.edu.

Kayla: Set. 12, 2000.I was diagnosed the day after my 12th b-day. What a great present!

Cassandra: The day I got diagnosed was August 14th, 2000. I was 16 years old. And after being in bed for 7 months, too weak to get up, I was relieved to finally have an answer. And with my mom having Crohn's for 14 years, I had somewhat of an understanding of what the future would bring.

Tina: February 9, 2001.  I am eighteen years old and this is my Senior year of High School (you know, the year that is actually supposed to be fun!).  I have had every GI test there is and my doctors started telling me that I had too much stress and was dreaming everything up until they did a nuclear scan that showed my ileum and the Crohn's.  I'm not sorry that I have it, I'm just glad that after four months of pain and vomiting that hopefully this will all soon end.

Colleen -(aka suedefringe): My diagnosis day was January 29th 2001. I finally found the right doc!!  He told me what I had as I was explaining what I had gone thru for the last year and I was so upset (at all the bad docs) and so relieved (to finally know what was wrong with me and that it wasn't cancer).

Sarah: I was diagnosed on January 29,2001.  After  having  problems for a year I finally had a colonoscopy which told us what was wrong.  My mom and grandmother have also been diagnosed with Crohn's too. I also have JRA (rheumatoid arthritis). It's tough being 17 and having two chronic problems.

Kim:  I was very sick for a few months during my 4th grade year in school. I finally got diagnosed after 3 tests. The test that determined that I had Crohn's was a colonoscopy.

Julia: Monday 12th Feb 2001, after my colonoscopy. I still need to see the consultant but they've just cancelled my appointment. It's now on March 13th. I first started going for tests in June 2000 just after I finished university and got my degree. At least I know what is wrong and I can now do something about it. I couldn't have got this far without my family, my mates and my boyfriend.

Justin : I am 14 years old, and I was diagnosed on January 27, 2001. I was in the hospital for four days prior to that day. The doctors were running around trying to get me out of the hospital so I could see my home team win the Super Bowl the next day at home. They first suspected Crohn's when I doubled over in pain in the middle of "Finding Forrester" and had to be rushed to the hospital one week prior to my diagnosis. By the time I went back to the hospital my colon was so inflamed they couldn't do the GI.

Jenny: It was Feb.18, 1995, 4 days before my 18th b-day.  We thought it was the flu gone wrong.  I later found out from mom that the doc thought I had leukemia.  Thank god I have Crohn's.

Jennifer: Diagnosis Day to me was January 4, 2001, after exploratory surgery (they thought I had appendicitis), I still don't remember the doctor being there!!!!!

Matthew: It was in February 2000, I'm not quite sure when exactly, the day after my colonoscopy they said I had Crohn's because of all the inflammation, turns out
I really have UC though, my sed rate was 106 then!  it was one of the worst cases they'd ever seen, but here I am, still got my colon, OH yeah...lol...come to think of it, I was diagnosed about a year ago, I was admitted to the hospital on 2/29/2000, leap day....hmm...

Megan: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 from the person I trust the most, my mom.  I'm a strong gal, and will have to deal.

Lizzy: February 25the, 2001, After over a year of being sick, 32 blood tests in less than a year, 1 bronchioscopy, 1 colonoscopy, too many x-rays they finally know what I have!!! I'm 14 and at first they thought I had chronic lung disease which I do, but now they know why I've been having stomach aches and have been anemic! I finally know that I have Crohn's, Siliac's, and chronic lung disease which is actually a relief!

 Emily:  My diagnosis day was May 17, four days before my confirmation.

Misse: Sister to Ross, after 6 months of terrible stomach pains after eating I finally went to the doctor and he got me blood work and an upper GI and finally a colonoscopy, imagine my surprise when I wake up from the anesthesia to hear him say "its Crohn's". That was the "unofficial" diagnosis on Feb 16 2001, official date was Feb 22 2001 in the midst of a snow storm.

Rich: I was eventually diagnosed with Crohn's on Feb 26 2001 whilst in hospital for one week and after many tests including upper GI, upper GI with follow through, CT scan, ultrasound scan  many x-ray's and much prodding and probing. I am 17 years old and very relieved to finally know what has been causing so much pain for so long.

Michael: Diagnosed January 24, 1999.  In hospital for suspected appendicitis. 

Mary: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on Oct. 3, 2000 after a colonoscopy at 3 in the afternoon. I was 16, a junior in high school.

Anna: I found out in February 1997 that I had Crohn's disease. I was 22 years old...the day my life changed completely. I was admitted to the hospital for one week and released just in time for my birthday feeling much better! 

Abby:  After having to drop out of college this semester at age 20 with unbelievable abdominal pain and fatigue, I was diagnosed with Crohn's after a colonoscopy on February 26, 2001.  At least my parents got off my back after they realized I hadn't just gotten lazy.

Kristi: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on May 1st during Spring Break and right after Easter.

Dani: I was diagnosed with Crohn's back in May 2000. So far I've had 3 colonoscopies done (2 of them while I was awake) and WOW did those hurt. My doctor gave me 6mp and it caused pancreantitis! The most difficult thing for me has been going to the bathroom. I have a few skin tags around my rectum and a fissure that just won't heal. Going to the bathroom is horribly painful and there is a lot of blood - but I've found that if you take a warm bath afterwards it sort of eases the pain.

Chris: March 13th, 2001. 3 days after my first colonoscopy.

Jeremy: October 15th 1998 (15 yrs old), but for as long as I can remember I have had the pain and other symptoms. 

Matt: Yeah, I had been feeling it the worst for months, and at first hoped it was just hemorrhoids, but Thursday, April 12, 2001.... it wasn't that bad I guess, except for the fact that my favorite foods are milk and cereal, and I can't have either anymore. I'll just have to cope with it though I guess....

Christina: My diagnosis was on October 22, 1996, I think I was tricked out of my Halloween that year, I remember all the NG tubes the nurses gave me, and how many times I tricked them with my meds. One thing that I found was a necessity to have in a doctor was that they had to be related to COUNT DRACULA!

Justin: April 11, 2001.

Aaron: April 20th.

zshorty: March 13, 2001.

Samantha's mom on behalf of Samantha: Monday March 19th, 2001, after having to take that awful medicine called, go-lytly. I had been having real bad stomach pains and having blood in my bowel movements. So, I went to the emergency after my mom insisted that I go. They did blood work and found out that I was anemic. They admitted me into the hospital in Charleston, SC. The next day I was diagnosed with Crohn's. I had to withdraw from school, which was hard because I had to leave my friends.

Molly: I am 19 and I was diagnosed December 13, 1993, after an emergency surgery and then stayed in the hospital until Christmas Eve! I am now a freshman in college, I played three sports during high school and had 2 other surgeries.

Joshua: The day the Crohn's Disease cloud came to hang over my burrow was on the 16th day of December, 1996. After endless tests, a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy, it was finally determined what had caused all the terrible pain that was eating me up. Big Up! to all my fellow CD carriers.

Therese: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on 6th March 2000, my mother's birthday - 7 months after the symptoms started.

Sam: October 28, 1996.

Andreas:  I was diagnosed following an endoscopy and a colonoscopy on March 24, 2000.

Candy: I was diagnosed in November of 1998 at age 16, after almost 4 years of diarrhea and pain. I weighed 107 lbs, and I was 5'9". My face was sunken in, anything I ate went back up or straight through. When I was younger doctors would say I just had a bad immune system and always caught flu's or viruses. Then they thought I had "Beaver Fever". The list of so-called problems went on and on. Until my family and I moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.( I had previously lived in B.C. where the doctors are complete idiots). My doctor in Calgary took one look at PREVIOUS B.C. colonoscopy, enema, and biopsy reports and said the answer was simple: Crohn's. I'm 19 years old now- and currently flaring. Nothing seems to work but I'm not giving up!

Mona: June 2000, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. On April 3, 2001 I was re-diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.

Diana: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease about a week ago on April 10th 2001. I was in the hospital for a week. It was hard me at first taking all the medicine but now I am glad I am well.

Robby: I was diagnosed in April of 1999, I guess I'm all new to this and I really don't know about my situation too much. But All I know is when it hurts "It hurts." My most recent flare-up which was April 6, 2001, it tore through the intestine wall of the colon and made a trail to the outside of my stomach in my belly button area. It hurts all most 24/7. Luckily sleep helps sometimes, also a heating pad helps a lot for me.

Erin: Friday, May 6, 2001. Athens, Greece.

Rachel: I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis) on May 2, 2001 at 8:30 a.m.

Kate: My diagnosis day was technically on April 30, 2001 when I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, but for me it was Mayday when all of the Demerol wore off.  I guess I'm actually lucky, because I was diagnosed only 2 months after I started having stomach cramps and vomiting daily.  I don't really know much about Crohn's yet, but I've decided that I'm not going to let it get me down. It's true what they say: This is not our fault, and we all need someone to talk to!

Rachel: I was diagnosed with  Crohn's Disease at age 16. I am now almost 24. I was like most teems with this but didn't know where to turn to. I am very glad to see web sites like this that can help others who probably feel scared and alone like I did. I am now doing quite well except for your usually daily complications but I can't complain .I would love to check out this site in the future and help others who have this disease cope.

Jeremy: I had had a lot of problems for the past year. I had lost 22 lbs. and was having these uncontrollable spurts of diarrhea. I went for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. I had the procedures and came to from the anesthesia. I went to see the doctor and she looked at me with that look. She told me I had Crohn's Disease and I was terrified. I thought that everything would go wrong. I am 14 and I thought my life was over. I found this out May 16, 2001. I was happy that they found out what was wrong, but sad about what was ahead.

Stuart: September 11th 2000 just after my colonoscopy. I celebrated with a cheese sandwich and promptly threw up and had to be dragged into the toilet as the sedative hadn't worn off yet. Quite funny in retrospect but not at the time!

Kendall: I was diagnosed in March 2000 in 8th grade after having problems since 3rd grade, which they thought were ulcers. After 3 upper G.I.'s, 1 lower G.I., a colonoscopy, and various biopsies, they diagnosed me with Crohn's. The worst part was spending part of Christmas break in the hospital. Oh yeah, and the rumors that went around school that I was anorexic, bulimic, and everything else under the sun!

Dianna: I am 17 years old and was diagnosed September 26, 2000.

Nathalie:  I had lots of pain for two years and my doctor put me on lactaids because he thought I had hemorrhoids.  (Was a sign of Crohn's disease). Then I was anemic and the pain was even worse so I went to CHEO. They found out I had ulcerative colitis and had to be operated right away. I was very scared but after two years of having an ileostomy I'm fine. But since a month now, I found out I had Crohn's disease and I'm kind of having a hard time to cope with the fact I'll have it all my life. But hey, at least I'm better now!

Jennifer: I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1988, I was 6 years old.  After battling with it for 13 years, I am now diagnosed with Crohn's disease.  I know that with the help of God, my wonderful doctor and the great people who donate to Geisenger Hospitals every year at the annual telethon, I can get my disease under control.

Chloe: I was diagnosed with Crohn's in yr 8, March 1 2001, no bull.  I was in hospital for 1 month or so and was diagnosed 8 days after my arrival into hospital. They predicted me to be in hospital for 2 months +, cause my case was so severe. I had experienced stomach aches for many years, but had severe stomach pains since early December which were passed off as Period pain. Finally in February, when my new Boarding School called home to tell my mum I was anorexic, they checked me into the hospital and I was diagnosed with Crohn's 8 days later. With the rumors at my previous school still being that I was anorexic, 3 months later I still get asked whether I was anorexic.

Talisha: I found out I had Crohn's Disease in August of 1996. At first they thought that I had stomach Cancer. By the time they finally diagnosis me I was dying I went from 144lbs to 95lbs and I was 5"6. I was suffering from anorexia, vomiting and chronic diarrhea.  They had to do surgery and remove my lower bowel because I went so long without treatment that it became damaged. At 23 years old I am doing fine and leading a healthy and productive life.

Patrick: Diagnosed May 16, 2001

Adrian: I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease on my sixteenth birthday... following one week in hospital (in isolation) Can believe it, they thought my bloody diarrhea was contagious, and not even my best friends were allowed to visit...some 16th birthday eh!

Mary: I am 17, and I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on October 3, 2000 after my first colonoscopy. It was nice to finally find out what has been wrong
with me for years! I'd say it was bitter-sweet! 

Erica:  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease on June 8, 2001 ...finally, after many stomach pains that had been going on for about 5 months.  I'm glad that I know I have something though, and I'm not going crazy!

Dianne:  My D-day was May 10, 2001 just 9 days before my father passed away.....the month of May was just a good month for me! But after two years of being sick and suffering it was a relief to finally know I had "something" even if was CD and no ulcers and stress making me sick.

Andrew: I was diagnosed in February 2001.  I'm on high doses of Prednisone.  I was on 60mg and now on 45mg. Despite having a moon face it has made my spine too thin this has caused me a lot of pain.  The only way I could make the pain ease was having a very long soak in a very hot bath.  I found this worked better than any pain killers.  The CD is at the moment controlled fairly well with a cocktail of medication.  My back seems to be giving me more problems than anything else at the moment.

Beth:  I haven't officially been diagnosed.  I was told two weeks before senior prom that they were going to start treating me.  I've never been so scared in my life.

Jennifer: Greetings to my fellow Crohnies!  My name is Jen - I'm 19 years old.   After two and a half months of debilitating nausea, stomach pain, and several doctors who told me I had "anxiety" and "depression," I finally have a diagnosis.  My doctor told me the "great" news a day shy of my 19th birthday - July 12, 2001. I'll be sure to add my experiences to this page at a later date. I'd also like to give much props to Matt for making such a rad page!

Tristan:  June 18th, 2001, just before graduation, was the day.  A quick diagnosis was great, but made the ceremony emotionally very difficult.  Now sore knees and Prednisone are the hardest part.

"L'il D": I was diagnosed with Crohn's on July 13th 2000 on my second day of my new job, great first impressions, out for a week.

Angela: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease Christmas eve 1996. I was being discharged that day and got the news. What a Xmas present for me. I have come to terms with it. I live my life day by day.

Ally: I found out that I had an IBD on March 30th, 2001. I had been very sick for a year and I have been through just about every test possible. The medications that they put me on caused me an insane amount of muscle pain and it ruined my entire track season and caused me to double over in the middle of my high school graduation. Doctor's still don't know what is really wrong with me, but they are trying to treat it as Crohn's for the time being.

Bobbie Lee: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on January 22, 1996 at the age of 10. I'm almost 16 now and have been lucky to never have surgery and to never have stomach pains although I have had a couple but it wasn't bad. I do have stunted growth. I'm 5'1, but my doctor says I have many more years to grow.  I was just going to the hospital because I had an off and on again fever for a couple weeks . The first thing I said was , "Am I going to die?". I have an iron deficiency due to Crohn's.

Shauna: February 16th, 1998 when I was 11 years old.

Michael: August 25, 1994, I was 10 years old.  Relieved of months of not knowing   WHAT was wrong with me; scared about what the future will hold.

SteveB- I was diagnosed Oct '99 right during Canadian Thanksgiving or Columbus Day Down South.

Reuben: I am 12 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease Friday June 29,2001 after being sick for 7 weeks.

April: I was Diagnosed when I was 12.  I am now 20 and I am doing better with it.  When I was diagnosed with this I kept asking myself why me.  And I always used to think that I was the only one that had it.  

Andy: I wasn't diagnosed with Crohn's but colitis, which is pretty much the same thing, on 19th July 2001 having missed a show I'd been rehearsing for for months and my last EVER day of 6th form. Half my summer holiday disappeared as well, but life is good again now thanks to my boyfriend who's been there for me all the way. Family and friends are the most important thing to help you get through this.

Lindsay: I was diagnosed with Crohn's just recently.  For 4 years they thought that I had colitis but it wasn't until a couple weeks ago (July 31 2001) that they found out it was Crohn's.  To make a very long story short, I had to have surgery because my small intestines was inflamed and causing blockage. But I'm on the road to recovery now.   Hopefully I won't have any more complications.

Alicia: November 1985, I had just turned 5, and had been basically bedridden for the year before that.  Then I never got and actual diagnosis because I moved around a lot.  Finally on July 15 2001, after a GI and a small bowel, they told me that this was Crohn's for sure, and because I have had it for so long with out tests, I have to start getting colonoscopies every other year, my first one is on Monday.  I'm a little scared, but it'll be alright.

Deborah:  I have had the disease for 14 yrs. now. I was diagnosed when I was 19.  About a month ago I had major surgery. The doc's took almost all of my large intestine , some of the small intestine, appendix  , and ileum.  Feel great now,  hope this lasts I hear there is a high recurrence rate. My daughter is 9 and I fear she may get this. I watch her constantly and worry when she is not feeling well she has already begun to see a doctor for this. He says she does not have it. I hope he is right. You are ALL brave people . This Disease is misunderstood and people are uninformed.

Missy: I was diagnosed exactly 2 weeks ago this sat <don't know the exact date off my head> I'm still very shocked and scared, but glad to know what's wrong now and to know that I just have to care of myself and hopefully it wont get worse <'cause I really hate the hospital and if they take any more blood from me I think ill pass out!>

Melissa: I was just diagnosed w/ Crohn's after spending quality time in the hospital on August 1st.

Kristine:  I was diagnosed originally with ulcerative colitis the last week of 7th grade, I had my colon removed when I was 14 and had a temp illeostomy for 2 months and on the first day of 8th grade I had my reconnection surgery.  Now 16 and having spent 8 weeks total in the hospital, I'm told I have Crohn's.  

Diane:  I had been having pains, weight loss, loss of appetite, etc. for several months on and off before going to the ER in April of 2001, when the doctors did a few minor tests (no blood work or x-rays) and said I had an ovarian cyst.  In June of the same year, I had a bulge near my right hip that was first misdiagnosed as a hernia and one week later properly diagnosed as an abscess.  The abscess was at first thought to be a result of a ruptured appendix (which never happened), then determined to be the result of Crohn's after my second hospital visit in July.  For now, I am on a lactose-free diet and taking seventeen pills a day (which includes Pentasa, Flagyl, Levaquin, and iron).  I am also due for my final dose of Remicade at the end of this month. 

Abby: I was just diagnosed on July 18, 2001. After being in the ER for 10 hours they finally did a cat scan of my stomach and found a bowel obstruction. I had been sick for quite some time and for many years never really felt quite normal. I also have an iron deficiency from this. Well needless to say I went into emergency surgery that day and spent my 18th b-day in the hospital.

Rob: November 11, 1997.

Joanne: Aug 14, 2000.  2 months before my 21st birthday, after months of doctors not knowing, and months and months of being just plain sick.

Natalie: I found out I had CD the day after a close friends funeral needless to say I'll never forget it. The doctors thought it was my appendix so they went in and removed it then found out it was more serious anyways I'll always remember that day it was Friday the 13th of July 2001. It makes it easier to remember my Diagnosis day!

Amanda: My day is Dec. 10, 1997.

Misty: I was diagnosed with Crohn's in January of 2000. 

Elizabeth: 10-10-01, I had stomach pains for about four months prior and saw three different doctors about it. They all couldn't give me a straight answer. I went in for a colonoscopy and they told be I had CD while a was still half-sedated.

Zachary: Diagnosed Oct 3, 2001 after 1˝ years of all types of tests. 7yrs old. The doctor suspect that it has inflamed my brain.

Serra: I was diagnosed w/ ulcerative colitis on September of 2000. I thought I was dying and the day I found out what I had they were about to remove my gallbladder.

Rara: September 1, 2001.

Melissa:  I was diagnosed at age 10 on April 10, 1992.  I weighed 32 lbs. and had been sick 4 months before anyone knew what was going on.  I'm almost 20 now, in college, and about to get married, so I guess we do turn out normal.

Tracy: I was diagnosed on September 7,2001....a very sad but happy day also.  Sad because I found out about the disease but happy because I found out what was causing my horrible pain.

Tyann: I was diagnosed with CD March 23rd of 2001. I am 15 and It was horrible. I think I was worse condition than some people. I almost died. They said if I had waited to go to the hospital for another week or so I could have, because I had blisters all down my throat and couldn't eat or drink anything. I lost 23 pounds and was in the hospital for 9 days. I haven't had surgery but I had both GI test done. I a lot had a NG tube stuck down my nose where I couldn't eat. I take did take steroids and now I 6mp. I haven't had any real problems yet. My mom was there the whole time. 

Jeremy:  Actually, I'm his great aunt.  He is only 10 years old.  The sweetest, kindest child you would ever want to meet.  He was diagnosed on his birthday, August 22, 2001.

Miami: I was told I have Crohn's disease on the 20th of August 2001. I had to go to the doctor's to find out the results of my blood test on my own and that's when the doctor told me, I was gutted! I phoned my mum at work and told her and she started saying sorry for not going with me. My dad was fine at first with it but now he's just being a total jerk about everything!! I don't know how to feel!! 

Dorothy:  I had a colonoscopy on May 6, 1996 after 5 months of pain and losing weight...the day before finals my freshman year.  They diagnosed UC. The following semester i had a flare-up and had to drop out to go in the hospital where they diagnosed Crohn's in November of 1996.

Jon: Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in June of 1999, and had a 30" resection on my small intestine in July of 1999.

Marianne: I was diagnosed on August 17, 2001 (my best friend's b-day).  After a year of diagnosis, "misdiagnosis", test after test, upper GI (yummy barium), endoscopy, colonoscopy, and rediagnosis, finally I know what it is, and I'm not going crazy.  Always thing positive, things can always be worse :-)

Samantha: I was diagnosed on 13th October 2001. I was sick for 1 and a half years with glandular fever. I was still feeling extremely ill and after a million tests, they finally diagnosed Crohn's!  Doctors were telling me "It was all in my head"........really? "I don't think so".

Mercedes: I was diagnosed in April of 1992.  I was in 5th grade.  I am now a freshman in college.  I thought I had colon cancer.  Thank god it wasn't that. 

Kira: On Dec.19th 2001.,but was in the hospital Nov.11/01. It really sucked cause that night I was fine, then at 3am I was in the hospital. The worst part was being in a room with 4 other people with bowel problems. (bathroom traffic) On Nov. 14th I was supposed to give a speech on good health to girls (14-19). I was 16 at the time. I didn't get to do the speech. 

Peter: Believe it or not, I was diagnosed with IBS in October 2000. It sucks having this as I don't have the same lifestyle as before.

Chelsea: I am from California and my diagnosis date was August 7, 2001 and now I take Prednisone, 6MP, and Pentasa. Also, I have had 1 endoscopy, 4 blood tests, 6 doctor visits and I am getting used to it . Also My heart goes out to the families who have been involved in the tragedy of September 11 2001. God Bless!!!

Ren: I was diagnosed on November 12th 1996 at age 10. 

Elizabeth: I am a 23 year old living with Crohn's Disease. I was diagnosed 3 months after my 20th birthday. Though terribly upsetting....."I have a disease, that there is no cure for" .  At least what I have has a name, and I'm not alone!!!!! I've been hospitalized 2 times, for a total of 1 1/2 months in the hospital. Its been hard, but I'm doing my best!

Anthony: I was diagnosed on September 6, 1999. I had the disease for 3 years prior not knowing. I was later rehospitalized for the disease in July of 2000 which happened to be during my 18th birthday.

Austin: I was diagnosed in the last week of August 2001.

Ryan: I was diagnosed with CD on November 12, 2001. The doctor told me that from the blood work that he did I've had Crohn's for seven years now. I guess that everything will be alright, I'm a sophomore in high school and have great friends that I've been able to talk to about this. What I can't figure out is, I'm an athlete, have been since 6th grade, why hasn't this
bothered me more? Go figure.

Tony: I was diagnosed on August 6, 2001, just 3 weeks before I was to leave and go back to school at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio and just two months before my 21st birthday!

Torie: Three years ago I was very sick and I had to be hospitalized but they never found out what was wrong with me. For the past month I've been feeling sick again and the doctors told me it was Crohn's Disease on Nov. 6, 2001.

Marcus, diagnosed with Crohn's just before Christmas 1996. I was eight years old.  Test after test revealed that it wasn't a lactose intolerance or wheat allergy or t.b or cancer like my mother started to think it was. I was sick for six months before a student at the hospital suggested Crohn's.  My twin brother Philip is fine, but I'm not bitter (much). 

Anonymous: October 16, 2001, during Enrique Iglesias' new music video, "Hero", and I just got my I.V. tube (which I named Charlie) filled with Prednisone and I was twitching and crying and laughing all at the same time.

Raj: I was diagnosed in March 2001, after 4 years of pain. 

Shannon: Unfortunately I don't remember the exact day but I had spent at least 2 years of pain not knowing what was wrong. I went to go have surgery for my spleen to be removed and they finally diagnosed me then, around 1992. It was somewhat of a relief. I finally am able to go with out meds now!! But Crohn's has impacted my life in a huge way. I'm not able to go into the military because of it.

"docbell":  I was diagnosed on December 14 of 1999 after feeling the pain for four years and being told time after time that I was a hypochondriac.  I was 17 then.  Looking back I can see signs of it as early as age eight.   Now I am happily married and attending college, almost in remission.  Its a daily struggle getting easier and easier.  Good luck to everyone else.

"pdrafalski":  I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on Christmas day 2001. I lost over 70 pounds and was in considerable pain and still am.

Ni'a: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on the 21st of December 2001. The first day of the school holidays, I tell you it did not stop me from having a fun time!

Amy: October 21, 2001

Cherie: I was diagnosed on Nov 14 1992, when I was 7. Now I am 15. It's been a long struggle and I am currently flaring. It's been 13 years I have been in pain and suffering, 10 years since I was diagnosed and 3 years of pain before that. I'm never giving up until I can be who I want to be. Sick or not.

Darrell: 29 years old.  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in Windsor, Ontario in March 2001.  I had about 2 hours to live I had an abscess the size of my hand on my small intestines and a hole in my bowel and CD.  105 temp throwing up  and and after all the cutting and pasting me together my Crohn's is back and can not be fixed  It is like 2 cm  below my stomach the doctor said when it is less then 1 % of CD people got it there I am the lucky one he said.  This is a great web site I think it is the BEST  'cause it is by real people.

Ian: I had symptoms for about 5 months before i finally got off my butt and went to the doctor, I went thru another 3 months of misdiagnosis. Finally in October of 2001, I saw a gastrointerologist; the next day i was at the hospital getting the worst set of tests i could ever have imagined. In a matter of minutes, while I watched the ulcers covering my lower intestine; i was diagnosed with Crohn's colitis. My parents were away on vacation, and i hadn't told them anything. I had to take public transit home, in a lot of pain, and wondering what the hell happened. Not a fun day.

Ellen: My diagnosis day was March 5, 1989. I was 11 and had been in the hospital for a week. They gave me all the test, I even had a bone marrow test done. At first they thought I had cancer due to irregular shaped blood cells, then they didn't know. Luckily, a gastrointerologist happened to be at the hospital and took a quick look and knew within minutes it was Crohn's. I've had a colon resection and am fine!!

Jackie: I was diagnosed with Crohn's on November 13th 2001 and ever since then I have been very miserable with pain. 

Maurício: I'm from Brazil. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on October 30, 2001. It's funny how we can remember these kind of things, isn't it? This disease has changed the way I look at the world. I'm almost 18 now, and all I can say is that we gotta help each other.

Sarah: I was diagnosed January 3, 2001. I have already been diagnosed with PSC and autoimmune hepatitis over the past few years. Happy new year, huh?

Craig: December 23, 2001. WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT! 

Patrick: I found out I had Crohn's Disease on Christmas Day 2001! What a bummed out Christmas that was!!!

Sophie: 28th December 2001, after having stomach pains for 3 years and not really knowing the cause. I'm glad I now know what is wrong even if it wasn't really what I wanted to hear!

Juan Carlos : I am from Valencia (in Spain. Yes We have this painful too) and I was diagnosed with UC on March 27, 2000. Nobody from Spain out there? Sorry for my English.

Krisi: I was diagnosed on May11th. I was having blood in my poop, and I never told my parents until about 4 months after I saw it the first time. By the time I told them I was scheduled for a colonoscopy and was first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, then later when I went to a different doctor was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn's/Colitis.

Erin: Sept 24, 2001 after a colonoscopy, endoscopy, Upper and Lower GI and like 5 blood tests and on 9/24/01 I found out I had Crohn's! I am on Prednisone with puffy cheeks and Pentasa.  

April: I am 21 and live in Virginia and I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 9.

Asim: June 19, 1999. One week before my 18th birthday.

Afua: It was June 27th, my15th birthday, I got Crohn's. Happy Birthday me!

Patty: I was diagnosis November 19, 2001. Two days before Thanksgiving very upsetting. I was having trouble for 4 years and a colon resection they found the Crohn's after 6 colonoscopy.

Amy: I do not really remember the year and month. I was diagnosed in the middle of my eight grade year. Oh yeah three weeks before my prom.

Abrah:  May 1987 when I was 11.  I was sick the entire year and after the pediatrician telling us it was a virus for the umpteenth time, I went to a GI.  I'm probably not supposed to name names, but Dr. Katz, the best GI in the world, was able to diagnose my Crohn's right away.  And in no time I was on Prednisone and feeling better.  After almost 15 years I'm still with Dr. Katz and though on several meds, I'm feeling pretty good these days.

Justin: I was diagnosed July 2001 with Crohn's

L.B.: March 8, 2002 after a colonoscopy and an upper G.I....ewww. I spent a week in the hospital and I couldn't eat for like half of the time but I got TONS of teddy bears and flowers. I kinda knew for months before hand that I had it because my mom had it and I had all the same symptoms. heh...fun.

Robert: Diagnosed with Crohn's on 15th February 2002.  He is a Down's Syndrome child aged 10.  At the moment it is very frustrating not knowing how he is feeling as he can't explain.

Mairtin: I'm from Ireland. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in July 2001 when I was 12 a few weeks after having a sigmoidoscopy (without sedatives) and a colonoscopy. At first they thought it was my appendix and then they thought it was a bowel infection that I had when I was younger. I had spent a few days in hospital when they had done the sigmoidoscopy. I went to a gastronterologist and he did the colonoscopy and we found out about the CD a few weeks l8r. He said that it usually comes b4 or after Arthritis which I have since I was 3. He is a great doctor who explains everything 2 me and doesn't treat me like a child. I got out of hospital 2 months ago after having a bad flare-up. I was in there 4 two weeks. It was just after Christmas holidays so I missed 2 weeks of school. My friends and teacher were really welcoming on my arrival back at school.

Ash: Feb. 25th 2002 I found out after 8 years of treatment for ulcerative colitis ,a colon removal ,countless scopes (any imaginable type) ,missing most of my 5th grade year ,and almost 3 months of my 7th grade (current) year!  You all are in my prayers! ;-)

"luv4c/o2003": April 20,2001  When I got 2 skinny they knew something was wrong. I was diagnosed in the 10th Grade but I had Crohn's since the 6th.

Keenan: I am 14 years old.  I was diagnosed with stomach Crohn's on November 5th 2001.

Hillary:  I was diagnosed about year ago and have been on Prednisone and many other medications.  I seem to be doing ok, probably starting Immuran soon and will be better as soon as I can.

Ashley: I was diagnosed with it in July of 1999. I had been going through a lot of stomach pains but, I just found out what it was after going through a lot of procedures.

Daniel: The Thanksgiving weekend of the year 2001.

Christa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's the month before my 16th birthday in 1996.

Erin: Monday September 13, 1999.

Amanda: Amanda, age 13, got her preliminary diagnosis on Feb 15, 2002.  Although this is a life changing thing, it's a relief to finally have a name for her pain and illness.

Jason: December 4, 2001 I was diagnosed with both Crohn's and PSC, later I would have spent my entire Christmas vacation hospitalized where I received a blood transfusion to all the blood I lost, then they were trying to control my flare up to get me ready for a liver transplant caused by my PSC. I reverted back to better health and viewed that as my Christmas present.

Tracey: It was Jan 7, 2000 and I was in pain from 1999 and had every test that they took and came out negative. I had 8 operations and now I have a ostomy.

Jaime: I was diagnosed March 8/2002 after having an emergency appendectomy the night before. Finally, the answer to all my problems.

Meredith: Age 26.... after 3 years of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, bloody stools, etc. and after numerous blood work, stool samples, an upper and lower GI, a colonoscopy, x-rays, rectal exams. I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, following a Ct scan, after going to the ER room, cause of severe pain. I had mixed feelings over this, cause on one hand I was so glad to finally have an answer to my pain, put on the other hand scared to death cause I was just diagnosed with CD today(3/9/02), and am still researching what CD is all about, I have never heard of this disease until today. (I was diagnosed today which just so happens to be me and my husbands 3 year wedding anniversary, what a great way to celebrate! (yea right).

Simone: April 9th, 2002, I was diagnosed with Crohn's.  This disease is not that bad...so far.  I read about all of the people who had to stay in the hospital and I am thankful that I got to go home right after.

Tania: I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I turned 18, in November 2001 .

Lisa: I was diagnosed with Crohn's July 7th, 2000.

Tim: Tim was diagnosed with CD on 4/5/02 while in the hospital. He is 17 years old and in high school. He was planning on joining the Navy after school let out but I think his plans will most likely change.  I love the web site that you have provided for all of us to research and better educate ourselves. 

Zach: February 12th 2002. I went into the hospital that morning for an endoscopy and colonoscopy and after weeks of assuming I had Crohn's, the doctors finally knew it for sure after the tests.

Danielle: I was diagnosed in December 2001. I'm French. I knew that I was ill or something for a long time. That was just before Christmas. I was kinda happy to know that they found out what was making me hurt like that. Now I have a treatment. it's hard, I got anemia. Well, I'm so tired, I can't stand it! I'm glad I found this site. That cheers me up.

Aaron:  I was diagnosed March 29th 2002.

Jennifer: Saturday 27th May 2002. A little over a month after my 21st birthday. I was in hospital from what I now know was a 'flare-up' of the illness.

Lindsey: I am 12. I was diagnosis April 30th 2002. Three weeks before I had this surgery I was first thought to have an appendicitis and it turned out to be CD.

Christina: I was diagnosed with Crohn's/IBD on March 29, 2002 after a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.

Meaghan: I was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease May 9, 2002 after a colonoscopy. 

Cherie: I was diagnosed Nov. 14, 1994. i was only 7. Now I'm 16 and haven't have remission for about a year now. it's good to know there are other people with this disease.

Jessica: I was diagnosed, the week before school started, August 20, 2000 I missed the state fair and ruined my last week before I had to go to school. Because of all the nasogastric tubes and the colonoscopy, it was the scariest day of my life. I was released from the hospital two days before school started.....yuck......I still had to go school.

Kristyn: October 15-16, 2001. (I sort of forget b/c I was out from anesthesia.) 

Harrison: I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease on May 7, 2002 with little/no help from the NHS (English hospitals) and I have had it for nearly 5 years.  I am on strict diet. I am not aloud to eat- wheat, milk, citric acid, oranges, salmon, peaches, potatoes, and this is the only way I can get by.

Samantha: I am 20 years old. I was diagnosed today (May 14th 2002). I am just glad that I know what has been causing this awful pain for the last 6 months.

Robert: I was diagnosed on May 4th 2002.

"Avn1982": I was diagnosed in late 1999 during my sophomore year of high school how fun I am now 19 and enjoying my life as best I can.

Ni'a Walter-Ritchie: I was diagnose with Crohn's on the 22nd of December 2001 after a colonoscopy, at 11.45 am, I told my to mates  (Jay & Kristy) straight away and they are still sticking by me.

Felicia: I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease actually today, April 30, 2002 when I'm supposed to be on vacation to see all my friends in Grande Prairie. Really sucks.

Christina: March 29, 2002 after a colonoscopy/endoscopy.

Lisa: I am 13 years old, and I found out that I had Crohn's Disease on April 25, 2002. I was a little freaked out at first, especially because I didn't know what it was, but I am more comfortable with it now that I have more information and know more about my diet and medication. I am currently taking 5 medications including Prednisone, Flagyl, and iron. I am glad to know that I am not alone, and I cannot thank my friends and family enough for all of their help, care, and love.

Linda: I was fine on Christmas Eve 1992, but woke up a Crohn's patient. After traveling half way round the world, I was finally diagnosed on the 25th of April (Anzac Day) 1995.  My treatment started a week later and I am still on those medications. No surgery yet, but I have very very close a few times now. It's good to find a site that shares Crohn's experience worldwide.