Living with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease will inevitably have an impact on your physical and mental wellbeing, but keeping a positive outlook can really make a difference.

A team of healthcare professionals will be there to help you to learn how to live with Crohn's disease. Specialist nurses assist with all kinds of issues, such as stoma and post-operative care, while your doctor will prescribe medication and help you to get the most from your regime. Finding ways to maintain your independence will go a long way in helping you to stay positive.

Many people with Crohn's disease lead normal, active lives. They are able to attend school and university, have careers, raise families and function successfully at home and work.

 

I now do volunteer work in my spare time helping to prepare people who are set to have the same operation I had. I'll always have my ileostomySurgery that involves bringing part of the small intestine, the ileum, through the abdominal wall. The intestinal contents are collected by a bag worn over the hole, or stoma. and the Crohn's is never far away, but I have a good life now and in that way, I'm really lucky.

 

Azmina

Sources of support

There are many support groups for people with Crohn's disease, often set up by people whose lives have been directly affected by the condition. They can be a great source of first-hand information.

In this section we talk in more depth about living with Crohn's disease, touching on the following issues:

• Personal relationships, including family issues and sexual relationships
• Going out in public places
• Attending special events
• Travelling
• Diet and nutrition
• Managing stress
• Exercise
• Fertility
• Coping with a stoma and an ostomy bag
• Scarring following surgery
• Integrative therapies