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  • About Me

    Image of ZenEm

    ZenEm

    Female, 38
    Australia, AUS
    Member since May 5, 2007

    • About Me

      I was diagnosed May 07 with Crohn's disease, although in hindsight I've had most of the symptoms for the last ten years. I've also had panic and anxiety disorder, and some depression, since I was 15. Just getting on with life, and figuring out how to deal with constant pain, tiredness and mental fatigue as I try to achieve the things I want to do this lifetime. I do sometimes feel like I am a human 'doing' rather than a human 'being', so I need to learn how to take time out and stop overachieving ;-)

      I was diagnosed May 07 with Crohn's disease, although in hindsight I've had most of the symptoms for the last ten years. I've also had panic and anxiety disorder, and some depression, since I was 15. Just getting on with life, and figuring out how to deal with constant pain, tiredness and mental fatigue as I try to achieve the things I want to do this lifetime. I do sometimes feel like I am a human 'doing' rather than a human 'being', so I need to learn how to take time out and stop overachieving

    • Interests

      Travelling; Playing piano and dabbling in composing; Painting / drawing; Reading; movies

      Travelling; Playing piano and dabbling in composing; Painting / drawing; Reading; movies

  • Journal

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  • Hugbook

    Give ZenEm a hug



    • Hug

      From tigerlilymel Yesterday

      hi!! sorry its been soooo long since i have updated. methotrexate is helping, i think. not sure. i have been hospitalized twice for bowel obstructions. ugh. i hope you are feeling well!!!!! xoxo mel

    • Gold Star

      From Chris1981 Yesterday

      Happy sunny sunday! :) good morning angel Emma, and family! :) rise and shine, with a sweet sunny happy November smile! :) awww! :) Emma, we love hearing from you all, and hearing you all are in good spirits, and enjoying nice days. :) The crackers you baked, and the carrot and broccoli soup sounds so delicious! :) we wish we could come over to enjoy a nice visit, and we all could enjoy a nice dinner. :) You're a lovely friend Emma. :) You always warm our hearts, brighten our days, and make us smile. :) Your wonderful support, guidance and encouragement, is very comforting, and uplifting. :) my family and i cherish and treasure your wonderful friendships. :) You've helped me make it this far into my therapy. :) you give us all strength, hope, and inspire us. :) my family and i will always be here for you and your family. :) please tell your lovely mum and family i say hi. :) i'm so very proud of you Emma, and always will be. :) You're doing great, and have such a beautiful heart, spirit, and soul, and a beautiful love for life. :) you're making great progress. :) We all have come a very long way together. :) This time of the year, is so very heart warming. :) holidays approaching, all of the wonderful quality time with family and friends. :) we're so very happy and delighted, that your plants are doing well. :) gardening is so much fun. :) Last evening, my family and i enjoyed a nice meal from domino's pizza. :) my dad bought meal for us. :) it's so very nice of him. :) i had a pasta bowl meal. :) it's a pizza crust, shaped like a bowl, and it's baked, and had macaroni and cheese inside it. :) it was delicious! :) we were all gathered in the living room, enjoying a nice meal. :) It was such a beautiful day. :) It's amazing, how Thanksgiving and Christmas is approaching. :) my mom and Kayla says hi. :) We all are doing well, we're in good spirits. :) We thank you so very much, for all of your wonderfully heart warming comments, warm well wishes, and hugs. :) We deeply appreciate everything, with all of our hearts. :) We had so much fun shopping yesterday. :) it was one of the most funnest shopping adventures we've ever had. :) yesterday on way home, it had that feeling, of when it was December 15th, 2007, our first mega shopping day, and i remember that day well, driving home, nice relaxation, feelings of accomplishment after a big day of shopping. :) It's so very neat, to see Christmas stuff in the stores. :) i want to put 5 of my pumpkin bread scented candles in my potpouri burner today. :) i love sweet scent of candles in my computer room. :) we're having nice relaxing, and peaceful day at home today. :) i'm going to watch some football, and going to enjoy some nice quality time here on DS. :) A sweet wholesome sunday. :) i want to do some writing, finishing letters, writing some cards, and i may brew some of my iced gingerbread cookie coffee. :) it smells delicious! :) we're so very happy, thankful, and blessed, to have you and your family in our lives. :) It's so much fun, and very special being able to share our days with eachother. :) i feel a wonderful joy, happiness, and peace within. :) lots of great things to look forward too, and there are many very special memories being made. :) Your friendships means the world to us. :) this morning, i gonna enjoy a nice nature walk. :) We love you all bunches and bunches, our sweet dear wonderful guardian angel friends. :) We send our love, warm friendship wishes, caring thoughts, many blessings, and lots of super big happy friendship hugs, from all of us here in CT. :) Take care, keep strong, and keep smiling and shining. :) Enjoy a beautiful day. :)

    • Kiss

      From Chris1981 Saturday

      special delivery! :) banana walnut bread, and pizza! :) awww! :) good morning angel Emma, and family! :) rise and shine, with a sweet sunny happy saturday smile! :) how are you all? :) my family and i hope and pray, that all is well, and that you all enjoyed a nice evening and night. :) weekend has arrived! :) Please tell your lovely mum and family i say hi, and happy birthday to your dad. :) That's so very nice, and sweet of you to bake a walnut cake, and walnut loaf for your dad. :) the goodies sound so delicious! :) we hope your dad enjoys a very happy birthday, and that you all enjoy a wonderful celebration. :) We love hearing from you Emma. :) You're a sweetheart, and an angel. :) We hope your plants are doing well. :) it's 32 degrees outside here, brrrrrr! we're keeping warm. :) it's amazing, how Thanksgiving, and Christmas is approaching soon. :) my family and i are so very happy and excited about going shopping today. :) You'll be with us in spirit. :) i want to buy some Christmas cards, and i want to buy some Thanksgiving decoratives. :) it's gonna be a super fun shopping adventure. :) i look forward to sharing our adventures with everyone. :) my mom and Kayla says hi. :) Lots of great things going on, and many very special memories being made. :) The weekend is here! :) We love the weekends. :) We're looking forward to celebrating the holidays with everyone. :) it's so very nice, and very special, getting to share our days, and adventures with eachother. :) Thank you so very much, for all of your lovely comments, warm well wishes, and hugs. :) we deeply appreciate everything, with all of our hearts. :) we're so very happy and delighted, that you enjoyed our baking friday adventure, and my journal and our pictures. :) it's wonderful how we all had a walnut themed baking friday adventure. :) We had so much fun baking goodies yesterday. :) last night, i had some pizza and a slice of banana walnut bread. :) we already can't wait until our next baking friday adventure. :) each week, is a super fun adventure. :) Lots of great things to look forward too. :) We all are doing well, we're in good spirits. :) very excited about going shopping. :) It's gonna be an amazing day, and a great weekend. :) This is a wonderful time of the year, to enjoy beautiful and peaceful nature. :) this morning, i gonna enjoy a nice nature walk. :) i gonna feed the squirrels and bluekays. :) we love the weekends. :) You always warm our hearts, brighten our days, and make us smile. :) Thank you again, so very much, for everything. :) We send our love, warm friendship wishes, caring thoughts, many blessings and lots of super big happy friendship hugs, and happy sunny saturday smiles, from CT! :) We love you all bunches and bunches! :) Take care, enjoy a wonderful day Emma. :)

    • Little Love

      From Chris1981 Tuesday

      Happy sunny tuesday! :) good morning angel Emma, and family! :) super big happy friendship hugs! :) Hi Emma! :) how are you today? :) my family and i hope and pray, that all is well, and that you all enjoyed a nice evening and night. :) how are your plants? :) We hope your plants are growing and flourishing. :) You all have such beautiful gardens during your summer there, your gardens keep me in the gardening spirit. :) This is a wonderful time of the year. :) Your dad's birthday coming up, and your birthay too. :) lots of wonderful celebrations. :) That's very nice, and sweet that you are going to be baking some almond biscuits for your dad. :) those sound delicious! :) i'd love the recipe. :) We're really excited about the November baking friday's, and Christmas baking friday's. :) Christmas is on a friday this year. :) Kayla and i are going to bake a Christmas tree cake on Christmas. :) it's so very nice, and very special, celebrating the holidays with eachother. :) lots of great things to look forward too. :) please tell your lovely mum i say hi. :) We think of you all often. :) We're so very blessed, with your wonderful friendships :) we are sending our very best positive healing energy, and healing hugs and flowers, wishing you all comfort, healing, and peace. :) We hope your dad enjoys a very happy birthday. :) my family and i thank you so very much, for all of your lovely comments, warm well wishes, and hugs. :) We deeply appreciate everything, with all of our hearts. :) it warms our hearts, and makes us smile, knowing you enjoyed my journal and pictures. :) we're so very happy and delighted. :) it was a really nice day yesterday. :) The spirit of the November season is in the air. :) i'm very excited about decorating my computer room for Thanksgiving. :) i really love to get into the holidays, and to celebrate the holidays with everyone. :) i'll take some pictures of my Thanksgiving decorations to share with everyone this month. :) my mom and Kayla says hi. :) We're really excited about baking friday. :) baking a pizza, and banana walnut bread. :) We may bake the homemade banana walnut bread, using real bananas. :) Lots of great adventures to look forward too. :) We all are doing well, we're in good spirits. :) continuing to ease into the month of November. :) i'm thinking of treating myself to a peach iced tea today. :) i really want to buy paranormal state 2 season dvd set. :) i'll be able to have some paranormal dvd nights. :) i really enjoyed going for some nature walks yesterday, and getting back into my workouts. :) i'm feeling really energized, and i'm in really good spirits. :) i want to make another nice salad to have with my lunch today. :) Thank you so very much, for sharing your days with us, and for joining us on our adventures. :) this morning, i gonna feed the squirrels and bluejays. :) i love how it's getting lighter outside earlier now. :) it's really made the forest more lighter in the mornings. :) i found my digital camera memory card. :) i'll be able to make some videos of the bluejays swooping down in the forest area, and i'll also be able to make some videos of the beautiful snowfalls during winter time. :) i'm really hyped up! :) Thank you again, so very much, for everything. :) We love you and your family bunches and bunches! :) We send our love, warm friendship wishes, caring thoughts, many blessings, and lots of super big happy friendship hugs, and happy November smiles, from CT. :) Take care, keep strong, and keep smiling and shining! :) Enjoy a beautiful day! :)

    • Ray of Sunshine

      From Chris1981 November 2

      good morning angel Emma, and family! :) Happy November! :) rise and shine, with a sweet sunny smile! :) Hi Emma! :) my family and i hope and pray, that all is well, and that you all enjoyed a nice evening and night. :) sending our very best positive healing energy, and get well very soon wishes. :) We love hearing from you Emma. :) 2 more weeks until your very special day, your birthday! :) We are so very happy and excited about celebrating your birthday to you. :) lots of great things to look forward too. :) i'm going to be mailing an envelope to you very soon. :) i want it to arrive for your birthday. :) i gonna mail it this wednesday. :) You and your family are so very wonderfully special to us. :) how is your mum and dad? :) please tell your lovely mum and dad i say hi. :) We think of you all often, each and every day. :) That's so very wonderfully nice and sweet of you Emma, to send us Christmas treasures. :) awww! :) We deeply appreciate your wonderful kindness, and generousity. :) i'm so excited about buying some Christmas cards soon, and mailing cards to family and friends, all over the world. :) my mom and Kayla says hi. :) my family and i thank you Emma, so very much, for all of your wonderfully heart warming comments, warm well wishes, and hugs. :) We deeply appreciate everything, with all of our hearts. :) We're so very happy and delighted, that you enjoyed our adventures, and my journal and pictures. :) We love sharing our days with everyone. :) it's very special to us, getting the great opportunity to share our halloween festivities and celebrations with everyone. :) it was a sweet halloween season. :) lots of great memories made, to always cherish and treasure. :) This is a wonderfully wholesome time of the year. :) my mom and niece Alyssa celebrate their birthday's this month. :) lots of wonderful birthdays, and thanksgiving holiday, and christmas holiday to celebrate with eachother. :) we all are doing well, we're in good spirits. :) how's your plants? :) We hope your plants are doing well, and continuing to grow, and flourish. :) Please give your plants a smile for me. :) awww! :) i'm going to enjoy a nice nature walk this morning. :) i gonna feed the squirrels and bluejays :) Emma, you all are in our thoughts and prayers, and close within our hearts, every day. :) Thank you so very much, for everything. :) We love you and your family bunches and bunches, and will always be here for you all. :) We send our love, warm friendship wishes, caring thoughts, many blessings, and lots of super big happy friendship hugs, and happy November smiles, from CT. :) Take care, keep strong, and keep smiling and shining. :) Enjoy a wonderful day Emma. :)

    Read Hugbook

  • Support Groups

    • Close Panic Attacks

      I've had panic and anxiety disorder, and depression since I was 15, but only diagnosed at about age 25. It sometimes makes me a bit agoraphobic.

      Treatments

      Cymbalta Somewhat Helpful
      Kept me on the planet when I needed it, but it gave me convulsions on higher doses so I came off it.
      Restoril Somewhat Helpful
      Helps me sleep a bit better but I feel a bit hungover on it.
      Seroquel Somewhat Helpful
      This makes my face go numb, but in small doses it helps me sleep very well.
    • Close Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

      After having an emergency appendectomy in May 07, they found that I have Crohn's. Have tried Salofalk, Flagyl, Methotrexate and Prednisone with little success. Now doing Imuran.

      Treatments

      Asacol Somewhat Helpful
      Pentasa 4grams a day. I think it keeps the worst of it 'in check'.
      Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Working / Worked
      Am avoiding wheat/gluten, dairy, nuts and seeds, red meat, most fruits and vegetables especially in their raw state. And chocolate is bad, unfortunately.
      Azathioprine Not Working
      Imuran - only got up to 50mg but can't tolerate it. Not sure if the dr will continue this, but have stopped for now.
      Methotrexate Somewhat Helpful
      Took 30mg tabs once a week for 7 weeks with no improvement. Then I started weekly injections 25mg / week for 6 weeks. Felt nauseous, skin rash, really tired. Doctor taken me off this due to side effects.
      Prednisone Working / Worked
      Am currently on 50mg for another two weeks. 'You need a hammer', said the doctor. Hammered is how I feel.
      Probiotics Somewhat Helpful
      Have been taking a broad spectrum probiotic. Not sure if it helps though.
    • Open Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

      I have obsessive thought patterns that just loop around, my brain races all the time (I also have panic and anxiety disorder), and I have some 'checking' routines. I've had this since I was a teenager.

    • Open Depression
      Type: Clinical (Major) Depression

      Swing between panic/anxiety and depression. Have dealt with this since I was 15, but the panic is usually worse. Am going through a bad time right now with lots of triggers, and feel very bad.

      Treatments

      Cymbalta Too Soon to Tell
      Elavil Somewhat Helpful
      Am weaning off this drug whilst introducing cymbalta... It wasn't particularly useful. Kept me alive I guess, but still left me in a funk during the day and panicky at night.
      Psychotherapy Somewhat Helpful
      Am seeing a psychiatrist and a counsellor. I need to talk.
      Writing Somewhat Helpful
      This helps to get out all the swear words!!
    • Open Anxiety

      I have both anxiety and panic attacks, coupled with a healthy dose of depression, nicely rounded off with Crohn's disease. Have had the panic / anxiety since I was 15.

      Treatments

      Acupuncture Working / Worked
      It helps, but it's not working long-term. More like symptomatic relief.
      Cymbalta Too Soon to Tell
  • Groups

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