Okay, I am new to this and the more I read, the more confused I'm getting. I assume flares and remissions are really different for everyone, but how do you know what stage you are in?
My symptoms are definitely not as bad as many people here - I have D at most once a day, sometimes only 2-3 times per week, with regular bowel movements in between; upper abdomen bloating and discomfort; vision blurring; joint pain; and the beginnings of pain in my TI area and colon area. I've had some D and bad cramping when going for 15 years, but now the symptoms amped up this year, bringing about my CD diagnosis.
I'm just wondering, though, how do you know you are in remission? It sounds like many still can't eat regular foods and must stay on medication. And what does a flare mean? I assume I am having a flare since my symptoms are worse now than they have ever been, but I see some people here have multiple D episodes per day and can't eat anything solid. I'm wondering if this is what lies ahead for me - if it will continue to get worse. Or, is it just different for all - bad for someone might be a good day for others?
Dx'd CD in August 2007 - 42-yr-old wife and mom
Allergic to Entocort and Prednisone / Not sure what's next
Currently on Protonix, calcium and multi-vit; and Flovent (for asthma)