My Life with Crohn's Disease

I was fifteen years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, arthritis, and tiredness. Crohn's Disease is classified as a type of inflammatory bowel disease, also know as IBS.

Beginning in November 1999, I started feeling very weak and tired. My symptoms were similar to that of a common stomach flu, and since a bug had been going around my high school my family and I had not paid much attention. I had missed a week of classes prior to Thanksgiving break my sophomore year of high school. Upon arriving back to class after break, I had spent nearly every morning in the nurse's office often with the same symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, and exhaustion. At this time I had been suffering from this illness for three weeks. During the days I had gone to numerous doctor's appointments. As a fifteen year old, I was simply terrified to what was happening to me. My family physician, as well as other doctors and specialist, each had different diagnoses. One diagnoses was I had an awful stomach flu and just needed it to let it run its course through my system. Another doctor said I had a tapeworm. Even another doctor was convinced I was faking the whole thing for attention!

About two weeks prior to Christmas I had to be rushed to the hospital. In the span of two months I had lost nearly forty pounds. Keeping basic food and fluids on my system was proving to be very difficult. Even the simplest things like crackers and sports drinks would not remain in my body for a long period of time. While in the hospital I was subjected to many uncomfortable and embarrassing tests. The doctors had me tested for everything including viruses, infections, and even colon cancer.

Once my results were finally read, my doctors were still not convinced I had Crohn's Disease. This disease is not common in younger teens. I was told I had to make significant life changes. Depending on the severity of the disease I may have to have a portion of my colon removed. Luckily for me, the Crohn's had not developed for this stage. However, my active life had to change. I was unable to play sports like I had used to. Being in social environments, such as school or a mall, I would need to plan out where the restrooms were. This also made taking a family vacation very difficult for us.

There is no known specific causes for Crohn's Disease, nor are there any cures. However, this disease can be controlled by several different methods. There are numerous medications available to help with the pain and the inflammation caused by this illness. A significant change in diet and lifestyle will also help control this sometimes debilitating disease.

My body had rejected many of the medications I was given. However I was lucky enough to be able to control this disease through diet and eating right. I have not had a serious flare up in several years, however, I have had to make serious changes and sacrifices in my life.

There are plenty of websites that would help educate someone who desires to learn more about Crohn's Disease. Also, there are many charities that look for help and donations. These charities are always looking for help and financial assistance. As one of millions of Americans who suffer from Crohn's Disease, I truly hope that a cure is soon found.