When a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease is first handed down, whether it is for yourself, your spouse or your child, your mind nearly overflows with the questions that you need answered. You have all suffered through unexplained symptoms for quite awhile and, in a way, you are glad that there is a name for the problem but what does the name, Crohn's Disease, mean for you? Is Crohn's Disease fatal? This is, of course, the first question. The short answer is, 'No, Crohn's is not a fatal disease.' There have been a few reported deaths because of complications from the disease over the years. None of these deaths were, however, a direct result of Crohn's. Did my lousy diet cause me to have Crohn's? Absolutely not. There has never been any connection made between a patients diet and contracting Crohn's. Don't blame yourself. Is a 'normal' life still possible? Most people who are diagnosed with Crohn's Disease lead normal lives. They attend school, hold jobs, marry and have children. What kind of diet must I follow? Your doctor will provide you with a long list of foods that you must avoid when you are having a flare-up. During a flare-up your diet will be restricted to soft, bland foods. Between flare-ups you can try introducing one food at a time to see how well you tolerate it. Do the medications have side effects? All medications have potential side-effects. Your doctor will carefully introduce medications which can help with the pain and other symptoms and monitor your response to them. Many medications are available. How will Crohn's change my life? The truth is that Crohn's will CHANGE your life but it won't DESTROY your life. You will always have to very carefully monitor your diet. During symptom flare-ups you will have to make very hurried trips to the bathroom. You may experience some embarrassing moments. You are going to feel very tired sometimes. There will be periods of hospitalizations and perhaps surgeries. You will have to work hard at overcoming depression, keeping a positive attitude and maintaining your social contacts. Changes are inevitable, how you handle them is up to you. Educating yourself about the disease, its medications, its surgeries and research being done will help you to better live with Crohn's Disease. |
