Living With Crohn's Disease

I've had Crohn's disease most of my life. Living with the disease hasn't been fun, but I have learned how to still live a full and enjoyable life.

If you have been diagnosed with Crohn's, first learn everything you can about it. Some people just have mild Crohn's and it doesn't effect their lives very much. For your sake I hope that is the case. Others have severe Crohn's and it controls a good portion of their lives. Mine is considered moderate.

I'm hoping to be able to give you some tips to help you live a better life. After living with this disease for so many years, I've learned some coping measures. Everyone's disease is different and some of these ideas may work for you and some may not.

Take heart. As you get older the disease does seem to get milder. The immune system lessens once you are past 50. Some people have the disease in their 20's and then the disease just disappears. For me this isn't the case, but maybe for you it will be.

First of all get exercise. Walking helps, but don't overdo it. An hour a day is good. Not only does the exercise help the immune system function better, but a walk can relax you. Swimming and other sports are good too.

Pay attention to what you eat. You might start noticing that some foods upset you. I have trouble with high fiber foods, acidic foods, and spicy foods. Some spices don't bother me and others do. You may find that staying away from some of these foods help you too. Everyone is different and some patients with this disease can eat almost anything they want.

Some patients with Crohn's can't tolerate milk. I can't but I can eat cheese with no problem. You do need to get calcium, so you should take a calcium with vitamin D tablet everyday to avoid osteoporosis. Steroids can cause the osteoporosis too, so calcium is important. You need to take a mixture with Vitamin D because the body can't use the calcium without it.

When you are having a flare-up, it might help to drink a liquid meal. Try Boost if you can handle the milk in it. There are many different products available. If you can't handle cow's milk, try rice milk with instant breakfast.

Be sure to get proper sleep. Lack of rest can cause a flare-up. If you need a nap, don't feel guilty about taking one.

Cramping can be painful. I've found a hot water bottle helps. I've taken Bentyl too which is for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but it seems to stop the cramping at times. Ask your doctor and see if it helps.

Learn where every bathroom is at where ever you shop. This will help when you need one.

If you can't work, don't be afraid to apply for Social Security Disability. It will help keep financial strain away from your life. Any extra stress isn't good for you.

Get a flu shot every year. Taking antibiotics can upset your gut and so can any illnesses. The shot will help you avoid illnesses. Follow the recommended procedures to keep colds away, such as washing your hands often and keeping your hands away from you nose and eyes.

Eat healthy meals even when you don't feel like it. Your Crohn's may make you feel like not eating, but you need to keep yourself well. Not eating will only make you feel worse.

Take all medications exactly as the doctor prescribes them. I know it isn't fun taking pills everyday, but it will help you feel better.

Remember, nothing you did caused the Crohn's. At one times, doctors blamed Crohn's on nerves. This is no longer true. Researchers have found that for some reason certain cells in patients with this disease have mutated DNA. They are now researching to find out the reason. It may just be an inherited characteristic or have other reasons. Keeping a positive attitude is important. Someday there may be a cure.

Join the CCA (Crohns and Colitis Association) You can sign-up for an email newsletter online and keep up with all of the new research. If you live in a larger town, there may be a local group you can join for support.

Best of luck in your future endeavors with this disease. If you have any tips to help others with this disease, please share them in the comments section. The tips might help me too.