Girlfriend with Crohn's

by Bert
(SC)

My girlfriend was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease about two months ago. She has also started Remocade treatment. I am very concerned for her and her well being. Do any of you have some suggestions on how I make this whole situation easier on her?

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Girlfriend with Crohn's NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello there,

When you have a partner or someone close to you who is suffering with Crohn's disease, it can be incredibly difficult to know what to do and you understandably want to help to ease some of the symptoms.

It is quite likely that your partner is feeling irritable, tired and even angry at their symptoms sometimes so you may find that they want to push you away even though you are trying to do your best.

The best thing that you can do to help anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of Crohn's disease, is to be incredibly patient and to understand that although they might not even seem like the same person any more, underneath that person is still there. They are just struggling to cope with the disease that is incurable.

That fact alone can make many people understandably feel very frightened and it is hard to overcome those feelings. Worse, they have to deal with the pain, the discomfort, and the diarrhea most days of their lives, at least until the disease seems to go into remission period.

There is currently no known cure for Crohn's disease and no one really knows what causes it in the first place. At one time, stress was considered the cause but it has been identified now that it acts as a trigger so if you can keep your girlfriend stress –free, or certainly, with less stress, then this might help.

One of the big frustrations on those with Crohn's disease is that people seem to think that it is all in the mind and this is not the case at all. It is a real physical problem but it can also affect somebody on an emotional level and can lead to depression.

I have already mentioned that your girlfriend may seem different sometimes, irritable or unhappy. It's hard to be happy and positive when you are in a great deal of pain and one of the kindest things that you can do is to let her just be herself, miserable or not. Even if it is hard for you to witness her feeling so poorly.

Anyone who has Crohn's disease will know that there is no quick fix so your partner will not expect you to be able to wave a magic wand and to make things right. Listening, supporting and just being generally available is the best thing that you can actually do

Hope this helps,

Annette
my boyfriend has chrons
by: Anonymous

hi ive been looking for a forum that was for not only people who suffer with chrons but their families and partners.I have been with my boyfriend for 8 years and in tht time hes has had 4 operations so i can relate how you must be feeling the only thing i can give you is just be there for her and be patient and try to stay positive for her too.
GREAT BOOK
by: Anonymous

HI PLEASE LOOK UP A BOOK ONLINE IT IS TITLED "GREAT TASTE NO PAIN" BY SHERRY BRESCIA. IT IS ALL ABOUT PROPER FOOD COMBINATIONS AND KEEPING YOUR BODY AS ALKALINE AS POSSIBLE. GET HER ON GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS AS WELL. NO DAIRY. I DRINK RICE MILK AND IT HAS REALLY HELPED. GOOD LUCK.
Oh yeah
by: Anonymous

Be as patient as you can, and try to understand what she's going through. You're doing the research so I'd say you are, so kudos.
Reply
by: Anonymous

I have been with my partner 7 years and had chron's for 6. It is not easy but try not to worry and take each day as it comes. Any symptoms tell the clinic straight away to get them sorted and so you don't have to worry.

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