For those suffering from Crohn’s disease, day-to-day life can be uncertain, uncomfortable and, at times, unbearable. It may seem like whenever you plan a vacation, relaxation or quality time with friends and family, a flare-up is always looming around the corner. Despite the unpredictability of the ailment, many people are able to lead productive, happy and fulfilled lives with Crohn’s disease. Below are some helpful tips and resources for Crohn’s patients that can make it much easier to cope with the disease in their daily lives.
Get Informed
Knowing the symptoms of your disease, as well as any everyday triggers for your Crohn’s flare-ups, can help you better manage your Crohn’s disease. You may also want to take steps to mitigate stress and anxiety related to the illness. There is a multitude of online resources to help you find ways to alleviate your stress, like guided meditations, books, counseling and more.
Find Support
More than 700,000 in the U.S. live with Crohn’s disease. Find a network of people through online support groups who can fully understand what you’re going through. Help your friends and family get informed about the disease, so they can be pillars of support and understanding in your life. A strong support network can help you overcome moments of negativity and stay committed to your Crohn’s disease treatment plan.
Go to a Colorectal Specialist
A Crohn’s disease specialist can work with your individual symptoms to find the treatment that works for you. Your doctor will also be able to better understand your triggers and work with you to make lifestyle changes to lessen the signs of your disease.
Get Proper Treatment
Medical professionals and researchers are making strides in improving Crohn’s disease treatment every day. There are medications that can be prescribed by a Crohn’s disease doctor that will help improve your symptoms related to the disease.
Plan Ahead
If you know you’re going to be out of town or simply away from home, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid issues. Bring healthy snacks with you to avoid grabbing any trigger foods that may contribute to your flare-ups. Locate bathrooms ahead of time and bring a change of clothes in the event of an issue.
While it may be easier to accept the disease and just “deal with it,” one of the most important things you can do is to play an active role in managing your Crohn’s disease. Educate yourself on the disease, surround yourself with a support group and make proactive lifestyle changes to better manage your disease, physically, mentally and emotionally. A better life is possible, it just takes your decision to take back control of your health.