The Basics of Crohn's Disease

Seeing as it's National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week I decided to write a post that explains the basics of Crohn's Disease. It used to amaze me that people know so little about the illness, but in reality, I knew nothing of it until I was diagnosed and Googled like there was no tomorrow. Now I consider myself an expert in terms of being a patient. If you've never heard of it before, brace yourself!

For some reason I'm usually always asked, "What is Crohn's Disease?" over dinner or at a gathering, and in both settings the same effect takes place. *Cue silence* *all eyes on me* *sweaty palms and upper lip* Fortunately I've never been asked this over dessert, it would bring a whole new meaning to Chocolate Dessert wouldn't it? (The Chocolate/Poo Pie scene in "The Help" (2011) comes to mind). I'm probably still one of the most squeamish people I know, but educating you in this forum is so much easier than trying to explain it face-to-face. So to stop the awkward dinner questions, here goes...

Crohn's Disease - What is it anyway?

Quite simply CD is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling to the lining of the digestive system - that's anywhere from the mouth to the back passage. It can affect people of all ages, including children, but research suggests that most cases develop between the ages of 16-30. (I started experiencing symptoms at 16 years old). 

A large percentage of cases find that swelling mainly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon). If you're wondering where it affects...so am I. Only joking, mine's in the colon.

When the intestine becomes inflamed, the most common symptoms that can occur are:

• Diarrhoea 
• Blood and mucus in your stools (poo)
• Abdominal cramps - not the same as Period Pains at all
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

How did you get it?

In most patients, the exact cause of CD is unknown, so I can never really answer this question. However researchers believe it is a combination of a few factors, but again, their suggestions can be problematic. See here for some of the causes.

Treatment

At present there is no cure for CD, but symptoms can be improved through treatment. This is usually in the form of Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. (Yes these are the Steroids that fuelled my weight gain *straight face*) They also prescribe medication to suppress the immune system so that the intestines stop attacking itself. Because of this, the Flu Jab is usually recommended during this time as you're prone to getting "ill" quicker. That's right, the treatment causes more illnesses - welcome to my reality. Also, regular blood tests must be done to monitor the white blood cell count.

It can take a long time before we're completely symptom free, but when we are, this is known as being in remission. However, that doesn't mean the symptoms won't flare up and become difficult to manage again. For a full list possible treatments, see the NHS Website.

In severe cases, some CD patients undergo surgery to remove the inflamed part of the diseased intestine and stitching the healthy sections back together. This is called a resection. Others undergo a procedure called an ileostomy, which redirects the digestive waste from the inflamed colon allowing it to heal. For more information on this procedure, read the NHS' introduction to the Ileostomy.

What's next then?

The Gastroenterologist - man I feel so smart typing that without error - or the gut specialist as I like to call them, will advise on the numerous options available. For every CD survivor, our main goal is maintaining remission. That means we want to live each day without being forced to take what feels like 101 tablets that leave an awful after taste. However, this doesn't mean we come off medication entirely. Some patients may choose to use natural products to help them, but as I've stressed before, no two cases are the same so that might not work for everyone. Either way, whatever path chosen, the patient will need to attend regular follow-up appointments. (Note to self, get blood test form and actually get the test done).

Another way to maintain remission is through diet as some foods can aggravate the intestines. For me, too much Fruit, Veg and Whole Grains have me stuck to the loo. I actually like fruit and veg so it's a bit annoying, but I figured out a way to eat them without upsetting my stomach. I kept a food diary and worked out which items were fine and the ones to avoid like the plague (Cabbage and Pineapples are the worst).

Finally, it is important not to get stressed as symptoms tend to worsen when a patient is under stress. You know what that means? Everyone *clears throat* back off...please because "I'm too blessed to be stressed." (I asked nicely!) Stress takes us back to the flare up stage and the treatment cycle begins again, just help us out by being nice. I understand everyone will face stress in life, but you have to find ways to eliminate stress so that it doesn't take it's toll on your body. Low intensity workouts like swimming or walking definitely helps, as does *cough* retail therapy - you're still walking aren't you? 

So for everyone who wasn't familiar with the weird and wonderful disease - cannot believe I just said that - I hope this gives more of an insight into what us Crohnies go through. Now when someone mentions they have it, or know someone with it, you won't need to ask them what it entails, you already know. It was much easier sharing it on here than I thought actually. Maybe I'm becoming less squeamish *checks mirror* Nope, I'm still blushing...never mind.

Please share to help raise awareness of Crohn's disease and always remember to stay fabulous and keep smiling.

Sam. xx