Hi my name is Adam Krause, and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2005. Living with Crohn's has changed my life in so many ways. Initially forcing to change my diet, being aware of what foods trigger attacks or affect you when you have inflammation have been crucial over the years. Being hospitalized at least once a year since 2005 due to attacks and intestinal blocks, in 2018 doctors recommended Humira as a treatment option. Humira is a biological medication that suppresses your immune system which lowers the ability to fight off infections. It has worked well to prevent attacks for the first few years, and after a few scares being on the medicine, the medicine are no longer treating my symptoms. Within 1 year I would lose my first job due to my condition.

(ER visit - Intestinal block late 2021)

In August 2022, I found a new job working as a consultant. That same month I would be hospitalized for the last time before Doctor's had advised surgery would need to be preformed to removed the diseased part of my colon, as the valve between my small and large intestines no longer opens or closes. In September 2022 a laparoscopic ileocolectomy was done to remove the diseased part of my intestines which has been heavily scarred over the last 17 years. 9 inches of my colon had been removed. The diseased part of my intestines were shown to be plastered onto my bladder and abdomen and needed to be scrapped off, which in turn came with some complications.

(Few days after surgery - 9/26/2022)

Unfortunately within 3 months after my surgery I began getting Crohn's attacks in areas of my small intestine, inflammation had been shown where the surgery was preformed, and new symptoms began to arise. Some days I would have constant blood in my stool. After a few weeks I began to miss many days at work at my new job. MRI scans began to show narrowing in multiple areas of my small intestines and my symptoms became worse and worse. Not being able to work most days, within a few weeks I would lose my job. A few more months have gone by and I am starting to believe these symptoms will not go away. Current treatment consists of bi-weekly injections of Humira and prednisone steroids as needed.

Since being diagnosed with Crohn's, my quality of life has slowly diminished. It has not only affected my life and my body but also my mental health. After struggling with my disease for so long, these last few years have been a true nightmare. Attacks where I am unable to move without excruciating pain or constantly going to the bathroom, or having the energy to do anything at all seems are common symptoms.

Any donations at all are greatly appreciated. All Donations are used for living expenses(rent/food/utilities/medical). Anything can help.

Thank you everyone <3

Adam Krause

Donate directly via Venmo: @AdamKrause