“The IBD Siren Part 3” depicts one of my favorite beverages that is also unfortunately one of the worst things you can have during a flare. Drinking and Crohn’s Disease don’t mix well, and I find beer especially troublesome. Gluten gives me trouble when I’m sick. It causes bloating and indigestion. Alcohol in general is also not a great idea. Aside from heartburn and nausea, a lot of Crohn’s medicines can hurt the liver, so it is best to avoid alcohol. However, as with all of the IBD Sirens, one must balance health with quality of life. I try not to drink when I’m sick, but when I do, my response varies wildly. I can have 2 glasses of wine and not feel a thing, or I can have 1/4 of a beer and feel it strongly. Either way, it is best to avoid drinking during a flare.
Category: The Crohn’s Saga
Welcome to The Crohn’s Saga. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was 11 years old, which means I’ve had it for about for 25 years now. I’ve had several flares, been on several meds, had a few hospital stays, and have even had surgery. Last year, I noticed the symptoms of a flare. After about 6 months, I decided to start documenting my life with Crohn’s. I’m not a cartoonist (you’ll notice I can barely draw), but I scoured the web and I couldn’t find much about this that was easy to read or really relatable. So, I present to you my life with a flare. Aside from a few embellishments, everything you are about to read is true.
For more information, see my page “About Crohn’s Disease“.
Let’s Go On Disability – The Crohn’s Saga Part 17
“Let’s Go On Disability” shows my first conversation with my disability representative. A few months into my flare, I found that I was no longer able to work. My body just couldn’t handle it. So, I had to go on disability. I am grateful my company has this program, but I learned very quickly that it is designed for predictable injuries like a broken leg. A Crohn’s flare just isn’t the kind of thing that has an estimable end. I can’t promise I’ll be better in 6 weeks. Trust me, I wish it were like that too.
Depression & Anxiety Part 2 – The Crohn’s Saga Part 18
“Depression & Anxiety Part 2” depicts a common frustration encountered by people who suffer from depression. Those not afflicted seem to equate the experience with typical sadness. They try to help by telling you what works for them when they are sad. This is well-meant, but incredibly naive. Depression is caused by chemicals in the brain, so there is no quick fix. We can’t just decide to be happy. Conversations like this backfire for the person trying to help. You just make us feel worse – more alienated, less understood, and more alone. It’s like telling someone with a broken arm to just not have a broken arm anymore.
So, what can you do to help a friend with depression? Support them by letting them you know you have their back. Listen to them and validate their feelings. Suggest seeing a counselor or psychiatrist to get on meds. You can try to offer a different perspective, but don’t tell people that they can fix themselves.
The Toxins – The Crohn’s Saga Part 19
Like a lot of people living with a chronic disease, I like to try out alternative therapies. As I mention in my page “About Crohn’s Disease“, I don’t think supplements or alternative treatments should ever replace medical treatments, but I do think they are good to explore. Every little bit helps, right? However, in the last few years, I’ve noticed a new concept emerge in this space – “the toxins”. And what exactly are these toxins? No one seems to know. I suspect that they are just a buzz-concept created to sell more. I try to have faith that most alternative therapies are well-meant and legitimate, but I also can’t ignore that it can be an extremely profitable industry. I’ve had tremendous success with some, but I’ve also wasted a lot of money on others that didn’t do anything. I still try treatments that are pretty out there, but if someone can’t explain how something is designed to help beyond invoking this ambiguous nonsense, I no longer participate and just walk away.
Yeah…No Part 3 – The Crohn’s Saga Part 20
Once again, this is a common scene with Crohn’s Disease. Planning around Crohn’s is quite difficult, since it so unpredictable. As I mention in my page “About Crohn’s Disease“, Crohn’s frequently causes both diarrhea and stomach pain. This means that the afflicted frequently need to bail on plans at the last minute. This can be frustrating and disappointing for everyone involved.
So, what’s the best way to deal with the unpredictability of Crohn’s Disease? In my experience, having Crohn’s or having someone in your life with Crohn’s necessitates constant patience, understanding, and forgiveness. As with most relationships, communication is critical. For my part, I’ve let most of the people in my life know that I have Crohn’s and whenever I’m having a flare, I let them know that I’m sick and I may not be reliable. For me, it’s easier to be forthcoming.
That said, I sometimes let pride get in the way. When I’m really sick and I’ve had to cancel plans too often, I sometimes make myself go out just so I can feel normal, even if I’m not up to it. In these cases, I usually leave my house, get to the social function, then need to bail immediately. What can I say? I’m human. I hate feeling like a sick person. At least my family and friends know that I’m trying. They understand that living with and planning around Crohn’s is tough.