Crohn’s disease is one of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Beverly Hills is home for many sufferers of Crohn’s, a debilitating disease that causes many people a great deal of pain, discomfort and embarrassment. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation that spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue within the body. Similar to another common inflammatory bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.
For many, medications can successfully control the debilitating side effects of Crohn’s disease while others suffering from more severe symptoms may turn to operative intervention for effective treatment. The realities of Crohn’s disease not only take a physical toll on people who have it, they can also greatly affect sufferers on an emotional level.
Between the unpredictable flare-ups, missed activities and changes in body image, Crohn’s often leads to a wide range of emotions. Though navigating such emotions while managing your disease may seem draining at times, learning to identify and accept them will help you develop strategies for overcoming future emotional hurdles. Once you’ve established a solid set of strategies you can enhance your mood and learn to live beyond the boundaries of your disease.
Here are some common positive as well as negative emotions sufferers of Crohn’s may encounter.
Gratitude. Patients of Crohn’s disease often foster a sense of appreciation for many aspects of living life with inflammatory bowel disease. Some patients have great appreciation for their uplifting support network of close friends and family while others appreciate the times when they are able to participate and accomplish goals when they are feeling well.
Shame. Sufferers of Crohn’s disease become all too familiar with frequent feelings of embarrassment or shame. Whether from having to cancel on a friend last minute due to an unforeseen flare-up or not being able to make it to the restroom on time, embarrassment can surely take its toll on the majority of sufferers.
Optimism. Many people suffering from Crohn’s disease harbor feelings of optimism concerning the medical as well as scientific understanding of this inflammatory bowel disease that may one day help improve patient outcomes.
Resentment. Some patients feel a great deal of anger when it comes to changing otherwise daily routines at the onset of flare up while others are angry for having to deal with the burden of living with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Relief. When patients finally seek the help of a colorectal surgeon, many feel relief for finally realizing the conditions they’ve been dealing with are the cause of something that’s not just in their heads. Crohn’s sufferers can find relief and seek the support of their colorectal surgeons to discuss an appropriate treatment plan according to their individual case of inflammatory bowel disease.
As you battle with inflammatory bowel disease and seek treatment for your condition, you’ll likely experience a rollercoaster of emotions along your journey. Recognizing the negative emotions will help you better appreciate the positive ones and ultimately help you find relief and support with the help of your colorectal surgeon. Don’t hesitate to lean on your friends and family for support when you need a boost of encouragement during your battle with Crohn’s.
