1. Dietary Dilemma
It is important to know your trigger foods. These foods differ from person to person. There are some basic guidelines to remember. In general, spicy foods such as jalapeno peppers, dairy products such as milk, nuts and fried foods are common trigger foods. While it is not necessary to completely avoid these foods, it may be easier to avoid them during a flare up. In most cases, eating these foods in moderation coupled with taking your medication may make it possible to enjoy your favorite foods.
2. Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster
You may experience a variety of emotions when you are dealing with your Crohn's disease. These emotions can range from depression to anger to hopelessness. When you face these emotions, remember that you can lead a full and satisfying life in spite of your Crohn's disease. The disease may be a lifelong condition, but with a little trial and error, you overcome most of the limitations of Crohn's disease.
3. Trouble Traveling?
Traveling with Crohn's disease is possible with a little planning. Before you leave home, make sure that you have enough medication to last the entire trip. It is a good idea to find a doctor that treats Crohn's disease in the city where you are traveling to so that if you need medical care, you will know where to go. Take a copy of your medical records with you. Make sure that you have the results of your latest round of tests. Be careful of what you eat and drink during your trip. Keep in mind that the water where you are traveling may be treated differently than the water where you live, so it is a good idea to boil it before you drink it. Another good idea is locate the bathroom wherever you go in case of an urgent need.
4. Passing Crohn's on to the Next Generation
You can start a family even if you have Crohn's disease. Although Crohn's disease can be hereditary, most couples can have children without the fear of the children having the disease. You can talk to a geneticist to find out what the risk would be in your specific case. Women with Crohn's disease can have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
5. Here We Go Again
You may experience a relapse after you have enjoyed a period of remission from your Crohn's disease. Most of the time, a relapse can be put back into remission with a simple change in medication. Keep your head up. It is much easier to find a suitable treatment plan for a relapse than it was to find an initial treatment plan that worked. A relapse of Crohn's disease is usually relatively short in duration. Remember that no relapse has ever lasted forever.
