What is crohn's disease?!
Question:
What is crohn's disease?
Answers:
hi, I am a fellow crohnie diagnosed at age 12 & have lived with it for 27 yrs. Crohn's disease aka IBD-inflammatory bowel disease-- is inflammation of the mucous lining of the gut. It can affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum, & anus.
There is no known cure but a Crohn's gene was found on NOD7 a few yrs. ago (more information on that is found on the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America site).
When there is a flare up, it causes narrowing at times, thus blockages can occur. Also, spasms can happen as well as side effects from the medications that can affect the liver, pancreas, & eyes. Crohnies are also prone to clotting when a flare up happens. It tends to get "sticky" due to the inflammatory receptors in the blood. That is why females are advised to avoid ALL types of birthcontrol w/hormones in them because it will raise your risk over 90% to throw a clot. ( It happened to me when I was 21. I was anemic due to CD, the gyn told me to take the pill--threw clot 4 days later--on coumadin for 1 yr. the GI was upset b/c Gyn should've known better..female crohnies CAN'T TAKE THEM. Natural Family Planning is a safer alternative and can be used by women who have irregular cycles or serious illnesses like ours. My husband & I learned about it via a local hospital & were trained how to track our fertiliity by an NFP instructor. It's easy to learn, easy to use, it's 100% safe, won't interact w/medications, & can be used to achieve/avoid a pregnancy.
It does require commitment to use this but isn't your life worth it? you have so much to gain & nothing to lose unlike the pill where it causes breakthrough bleeding/ovulation, pregnancy, drug interactions, blood clots, stroke, weight gain, & mood swings.
CCFA recently implemented a toll free support system manned by professionals who have experience w/IBD. You can call them M-F 9 am - 5 pm EST.
Also, check out the ccfa site to find a local chapter near you where you can find others like yourself & swap stories.