I have created this thread for members to discuss all manner of injury, illness and disease that they are currently experiencing, or have experienced in the past, including how they recovered or how they are managing long term if the status is "permanent".
Often, as men, for various and valid reasons we are reluctant to discuss IRL the true extent of our condition and the impact it can have on us both physically and mentally (apart from health professionals that provide care). This is a safe space to share the adversity that is often experienced when dealing with an injury, illness or disease. I am also a firm believer that these experiences can offer opportunity for personal growth, as we need to dig deep during the recovery phase to reach homeostasis (or a close approximation of it).
Crohn's Disease
I was formally diagnosed with Perianal Crohn's Disease in 2023 (in my mid 40's), which is an auto immune disease that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, anywhere from the mouth to the anus. I had experienced symptoms as far back as 20 years prior, however an extreme flare up and two surgeries (draining of abscesses) within the span of only one week prompted my surgeon to investigate the underlying cause of my condition further.
Following the surgeries, I was at the worst point in my life physically (the mental impact would eventually rear its head). I could barely move without experiencing severe pain (I was restricted to the couch and bed) and consumed pain killers around the clock for a period of about 2.5 months. I was also reluctant to eat much food, as bowel movements caused me to almost pass out. I lost 12kgs/24lbs during that time. As you would appreciate, my mental health also suffered due to the unrelenting pain, restriction of movement and simply not knowing when I would start feeling better, as each day was like groundhog day for me with no discernable improvement. Having only been married for about 6 months at that time, my Wife was called early to hold up her end of the bargain in respect of the "in sickness" vow, which she did amazingly, despite my often grumpy demeanour.
I somehow managed to have minimal time off work during that time and just pushed through, working from home. My employer could have been more supportive as they would often ask for updates on when I would be returning to the office, but it is what it is I guess.
I finally started to turn a corner when I was referred to a Gastroenterologist. I was prescribed with Infliximab, which is an immunotherapy drug. It was initially administered in hospital for the first few months. After that time, I graduated to at-home subcutaneous injections every two weeks. This drug has worked wonders and allowed me to resume life as normal as possible. If I had not responded well, the most likely outcome would have been a temporary ileostomy.
When I started to feel well again, my diet became very much unrestricted. I was eating anything and everything. Over time, I gained all my weight back and more. Earlier this year I decided enough was enough, and sought out a coach to guide my training and diet. Over the last 8 months, I have lost 30kgs/66lbs (currently sitting at 84kgs - I'm 6'3"). I would not have been able to achieve this without a coach and the weekly accountability that it entails. I'm about 2kgs away from hitting my goal weight before I commence the lean gain phase. It's funny to think that 10 years ago, I was part of a group on RVF called the "RVF cutting squad" (thread has same name). I'm actually in even better shape now than I was back then.
I guess the key takeaway regarding my story and condition would be the famous Churchill quote "If you're going through hell, keep going".
Often, as men, for various and valid reasons we are reluctant to discuss IRL the true extent of our condition and the impact it can have on us both physically and mentally (apart from health professionals that provide care). This is a safe space to share the adversity that is often experienced when dealing with an injury, illness or disease. I am also a firm believer that these experiences can offer opportunity for personal growth, as we need to dig deep during the recovery phase to reach homeostasis (or a close approximation of it).
Crohn's Disease
I was formally diagnosed with Perianal Crohn's Disease in 2023 (in my mid 40's), which is an auto immune disease that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, anywhere from the mouth to the anus. I had experienced symptoms as far back as 20 years prior, however an extreme flare up and two surgeries (draining of abscesses) within the span of only one week prompted my surgeon to investigate the underlying cause of my condition further.
Following the surgeries, I was at the worst point in my life physically (the mental impact would eventually rear its head). I could barely move without experiencing severe pain (I was restricted to the couch and bed) and consumed pain killers around the clock for a period of about 2.5 months. I was also reluctant to eat much food, as bowel movements caused me to almost pass out. I lost 12kgs/24lbs during that time. As you would appreciate, my mental health also suffered due to the unrelenting pain, restriction of movement and simply not knowing when I would start feeling better, as each day was like groundhog day for me with no discernable improvement. Having only been married for about 6 months at that time, my Wife was called early to hold up her end of the bargain in respect of the "in sickness" vow, which she did amazingly, despite my often grumpy demeanour.
I somehow managed to have minimal time off work during that time and just pushed through, working from home. My employer could have been more supportive as they would often ask for updates on when I would be returning to the office, but it is what it is I guess.
I finally started to turn a corner when I was referred to a Gastroenterologist. I was prescribed with Infliximab, which is an immunotherapy drug. It was initially administered in hospital for the first few months. After that time, I graduated to at-home subcutaneous injections every two weeks. This drug has worked wonders and allowed me to resume life as normal as possible. If I had not responded well, the most likely outcome would have been a temporary ileostomy.
When I started to feel well again, my diet became very much unrestricted. I was eating anything and everything. Over time, I gained all my weight back and more. Earlier this year I decided enough was enough, and sought out a coach to guide my training and diet. Over the last 8 months, I have lost 30kgs/66lbs (currently sitting at 84kgs - I'm 6'3"). I would not have been able to achieve this without a coach and the weekly accountability that it entails. I'm about 2kgs away from hitting my goal weight before I commence the lean gain phase. It's funny to think that 10 years ago, I was part of a group on RVF called the "RVF cutting squad" (thread has same name). I'm actually in even better shape now than I was back then.
I guess the key takeaway regarding my story and condition would be the famous Churchill quote "If you're going through hell, keep going".