Chrons Disease

The Symptoms of Chrons: Gaining Control-Part Two

Written by Aidan Gillen

In part one you have learned how important it is to control of the symptoms of chrons , instead of letting the disease control you. If you have not found out already, you know that smoking, alcohol, and stress contribute to increasing the intensity of your symptoms.  In part 2, you will learn some more things you can start today, in order to reduce the symptoms of chrons.  Hopefully, my personal experiences can save you some misery, and help you learn to live with chrons.   Personally, I usually have to learn things the hard way.  After I have suffered the negative effects of an action, then I realize why I was not supposed to do it.  However, I really hope you will consider more ways you can start gaining control of the symptoms of chrons. Although I realize your chrons symptoms may be worse/better than mine, the advice I give can only help.  It does not conflict with/negate your doctor’s advice. The Next Point Actually, following your doctor’s advice is my next piece of advice.  If you have a good gastroenterologist, he/she probably knows all about chrons.  If all the medical options in his/her bag of tricks has been tried, any good physician will send you to another specialist with even more expertise and experience.  For example, Mayo clinic may have treatments that are just not available in your area.  Personally, I live in a small town.  To get adequate care, my doctor comes from a city 2 hours away once or twice a month.  Otherwise, I get in the car and go to him. So, get to know and trust your doctor.  If you do not trust your doctor with your life, it may be time to find another health care professional.  You need a doctor that will listen to you, and not make light of your symptoms.  You need to be able to count on your gastroenterologist to help you when/if your symptoms get beyond your control. As Prescribed If you have chrons , you are probably on at least one medication.  When you are having a particularly bad time, and your chrons is on a rampage, you are likely on several medications.  What can I say?  Take your medicine!  I know that it is expensive, and some of the side effects are not pleasant; but, the alternative may be worse.  You could develop a stricture along your digestive system that will ultimately require surgery and days of misery in the hospital.  You might have fistulas, which are painful sores that can present themselves on the outside of your body or create havoc internally.  They are very painful and hard to heal.  Also, they can cause problems with your other organs and really compound your problems.  So, take the meds.  If you are having negative side effects, let your doctor know.  Chances are he/she will try a different drug that may be easier on your system. Eat to Live When I was first diagnosed with chrons, my symptoms were way out of control.  I was really sick.  I had already developed a stricture in my large intestine that was making it hard for anything I ate to be digested properly and safely pass through as waste.  But, I was also too sick for surgery, and I had two small children at home. So, I learned quickly how to eat, in order to live.  For example, because of the stricture, I basically had to eat anything a baby could safely digest.  Since I had an infant at home, I knew what that meant-bland and basically already been chewed.  I learned to like mashed potatoes, rice, toast without butter, and well-chewed pasta without spices. I quickly discovered that milk was really bad and caused pain and diarrhea almost instantly.  Forget drinking a cup of coffee.  During a flare up, caffeine can equal misery. Basically, if a baby could eat it, so can you.  In fact, buying baby food for yourself is not a bad idea, if you are having a flare up or know you likely have a stricture.  But, if you want to save money, and still try to get the nutrition your body needs, utilize the blender.  Grind up your food until it is like a sorbet consistency.  It may not be as much fun to eat; but, it may give your body a chance to heal. During flare ups, you probably have a digest tract with sores, even ones that do not cause pain. Even on good days, remember what foods cause pain, diarrhea , nausea, or any other symptoms. Avoid them.  Even if it has been a favorite in the past, is it worth the misery you will feel in the very near future? In short, you only have one body.  It is up to you to take care of it, as best you can.  When your chrons symptoms are making your life miserable, you need to know how to take control.  In fact, you need to know how to avoid flare ups, to the best of your ability.  When the symptoms are really bad, call your doctor.  But, there is also plenty you can do to gain control of chrons and learn to live with the disease.

 

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