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Crohns Disease Update

Just a quick post today. I’d thought I should update this part of my life because since writing about it on my blog I have found so many people with this horrible disease. Sharing helps raise awareness.

Here is me donating the $10,000 Amie and I won to Crohns and Colitis Australia. Read full story here.

Last time I wrote about it was here. I was starting a drug trial. Unfortunately after 4 weeks my condition had deteriorated even more and blood tests confirmed this. I either got the placebo or the drug just wasn’t for me (I won’t know which I received for 12 months!). So a decision was made to pull me off them. I was disappointed, but at the same time I really really really needed a good hit of steroids. This would fix a lot of problems short-term – arthritis, ulcers and lessen the amount of toilet visits. I gobbled them in to me starting 4 days before the auction and I felt a million bucks! Things were always going to improve on steroids. But they are only a short-term drug. They have side effects and long term issues eg. chalky bones, shaking, thirst, excessive hunger, red face and I don’t sleep. I have been on them about 4 weeks now and I am HATING them (but I feel generally well)….

So tomorrow I am off to St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne again to be reviewed. I am also taking 6-MP. This is a new drug for me (similar to Imuran). I am not sure how I will go with these either. They can take about 2 months to get in to your system. I’ve not had luck with Imuran so this is why I am not sure about the 6-MP.

I’ll let you know how my review goes…

22 comments

  • Meg and Mum's

    I wish you all the best with it Katrina, and hope it works for you this time. To be honest I didn't know a lot about Crohns Disease so thanks so much for sharing your story. It sounds like a very tough thing to go through. I'm sending you the positive vibes matie x

  • Annie @ My White Homestead

    Best of luck Katrina! Annie xo

  • Amanda

    Hope all goes well with the new drugs. Sending big hugs your way x

  • Jodi

    My fingers & toes are all crossed for you Treen, good luck at Melbourne. Keep that big smile on your face. x Jode

  • Kate

    And there are those gorge hot pink pants again. LOVE them!

  • Katrina Chambers

    Yes the pink pants! It was all on the same day! I have only ever worn them once… a lot happened that day! ha!

  • Danielle

    Good luck in Melbourne x

  • xmisskirax

    I'd never even heard of Crohn's before watching you on The Block. You are doing a fantastic job at raising awareness of the disease and I truly admire how positive you are with it all.

    Best of luck in Melbourne! xo

    P.S I love the hot pink pants look/outfit too. Gorgeous!

  • Jenny

    All the best for tomorrow Kartrina, I hope you are feeling better, you are certainly looking great! 😉

  • The Distressed Mother

    Hope it all goes well. Even to feel 'ok' is a big thing sometimes.

    I didn't realise you won anything!

    TDM xx

  • Kek

    Mmm, those pink pants are fab! 🙂

    My Grandma had colitis, my sister had a battle with bowel disease that saw her suffer through multiple surgeries and eventually a temporary colostomy for almost a year. I feel lucky to "just" have IBS. :/

    I'm so glad that you're speaking out and raising awareness of Crohn's and similar diseases. Best of luck with the new drugs.

  • The Moerks

    Good luck with the tests Katrina. Make sure you get some quality shopping time in while you are in Melbourne.

  • Sarah B

    Good luck with the new treatment 🙂

  • theoldboathouse

    Dear Katrina, this post has really touched my heart. It is so important to build awareness and understanding of these diseases. (My eldest brother passed away at the age of 36 as a result of complications due to colitis.) I really,really admire all you are doing. xxx Katherine PS those pink paints are FANTASTIC BTW, xx

  • Toni M

    Good luck, heres it it all going well *hugs*

  • Kym

    Hope all goes well tomorrow Katrina. Sending big hugs your way lovely. 🙂 Don't you just love Melbourne….hope you get to shop. XOX

  • NJDecorator

    When I was 16 they told me I had Crohns and I was on and off steriods for several years. It wasn't until I turned 30 (and had my son) that they decided it was actually IBS. I have had much success with Lotronex, but it never really goes away – you just learn to deal with it.

  • A

    All the best Katrina. I've had diagnosed Ulcerative Colitis for 9 years now and on Imuran for same. Hope your latest treatment plan is a winner for you. Take care.

    P.S. Loved you on The Block.

  • Patricia

    All the best tomorrow Katrina. My son is having infliximab infusion for that dreadful disease and so far has no side effects and is going great. Haven't seen him this well in several years.

  • Annie@A View On Design

    good luck trina, you have been so courageous with your bad health, and helping raise money & awareness – Good onya mate. btw, I do love those pants!!!

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