Diseases - IlCat.org

Janice Said:

Crohn's disease help and support?

We Answered:

Alan,

I would also like to offer my assistance. I was diagnosed over 8 years ago and I was the facilitator of one of the CCFA's largest support groups in the Southeast for 6 years. During that period, our chapter won the National CCFA award as the fastest growing chapter twice!!

I sent you an email with alittle more info. Let me know if you might need my help.

Frances Said:

What can treat and prevent Crohn's Disease?

We Answered:

I was diagnosed with Crohns a little over a year ago I am 26. Unfortunately there is no cure and because it is not known exactly what causes it there really is no prevention. The Doctor to treat it would be a gastroenterologist. Immunosuppresnts are used such as Methotrexate and Remicade and sometimes steroids and antibiotics are used short term to get things a bit more under control. Just because someone in your family has it does not mean that you will get it. No one in my family on Moms or Dads side has had any problem like this. Basically your immune system goes crazy and starts eating away at different parts of the digestive track so many people are on immunosuppresents so that the intestines have time to heal. The good news is that everyday we are getting closer to finding out more and more and there are so many medications that can get everything under control and help people go into and stay in remission and live perfectly normal lives. It seems like this disease is showing more and more and especially to people in their 20s and 30s so there is a renewed interest in the disease because people want answers. I wish your cousin the best of luck its really hard not only physically but mentally. There is a great website that has helped me a lot:
www.ccfa.org. It is for the Crohn and Colitis foundation of America. There are forums and info and it's a great support network because you can communicate with people that know what you're going through.

Timothy Said:

Crohn's Disease Intestinal Pain

We Answered:

I am also a Crohn's patient and survivor. I feel terrible for your sister and I do agree that she is lucky to have a sister that cares for her as much as you do. It's hard to see someone you love be in so much pain.
I would suggest taking her to see a doctor ASAP. Even if it requires a visit to the ER. I had the same thing happen to me a few months ago and it turned out to be a perforation (which required surgery). I'm not trying to scare you but she she could have the same thing as i did. People with CD are also prone to blockages. These type of complications are very dangerous if left too long but can be easily treated if caught early. Has she been vommiting? If she has been then you need to go to the doctor now. You say that she has a high tolerence to the typical pains associated with CD. Do the pains seem worse this time? That's how I knew something was wrong. You know your body and the pains you usually get.
I had to have surgery but I'm in no way suggesting that your sister might. Even if by some slim chance she does... My operation was the best thing that ever happened to me. People who have the disease removed surgically go on to lead full happy lives for many years without experiencing a flare at all.
I really wish you and your sis the best. If you have any other questions please email me :)

Albert Said:

What test diagnosed crohn's disease for you?

We Answered:

usually it is a sigmoid and colonoscopy. Your GI should do one before he can confirm diagnosis.
Go here for the full battery of tests that they may need to do to diagnose Chron's:
https://www.livingwithcrohnsdisease.com/…

Glenda Said:

What race and age are more likely to be affected by crohn's disease?

We Answered:

Crohn's disease is a disease of the digestive system which may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. As a result, the symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary significantly among afflicted individuals. The main gastrointestinal symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be visibly bloody), vomiting, or weight loss.[2][3] Crohn's disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, and inflammation of the eye.[1]

The precise cause of Crohn's disease is not known. The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract and for this reason, Crohn's disease is considered an autoimmune disease. This autoimmune activity produces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore Crohn's disease is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease.

Like many other autoimmune diseases, Crohn's disease is believed to be genetically linked. The highest risk occurs in individuals with siblings who have the disease. Males and females are equally affected. Smokers are three times more likely to develop Crohn's disease.[4] Crohn disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America.[5] Prevalence estimates for Northern Europe have ranged from 27–48 per 100,000.[6] Crohn disease tends to present initially in the teens and twenties, with another peak incidence in the fifties to seventies, although the disease can occur at any age.[1][7]

Unlike the other major types of inflammatory bowel disease, there is no known drug based or surgical cure for Crohn's disease.[8] Treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, putting and keeping the disease in remission and preventing relapse.

The disease was independently described in 1904 by Polish surgeon Antoni Le?niowski and in 1932 by American gastroenterologist Burrill Bernard Crohn, for whom the disease was named. Crohn, along with two colleagues, described a series of patients with inflammation of the terminal ileum, the area most commonly affected by the illness.[9] For this reason, the disease has also been called regional ileitis[9] or regional enteritis.