Whether the symptoms of the Crohn's are mild or severe, the disease is life-altering, affecting the physical well-being of a patient, as well as challenging him emotionally. Showing a willingness to understand and assist him, though leaving a respectful distance so that he can manage his own productivity, are the first steps in reducing stress and allowing the patient to lead an active life as best he can.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory condition affecting any of the gastrointestinal tract, between the mouth and the anus. Because swelling occurs in the intestines, common symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and considerable weight loss. For Crohn’s patients, living with the disease means spending a majority of the day's hours on the toilet, which can keep them from achieving the usual day-to-day activities.
It is not uncommon that, in severe cases of diarrhea, an individual can have up to twenty bowel movements in less the number of hours. These bowel movements can sometimes be bloody, which results in a lack of vitamin b12 and can lead to anaemia. Furthermore, this can lead to a lack of sleep should the person have to wake in the middle of night to defecate; thus, anxiety is a common problem in one being unable to rest fully and recharge their body.
Supporting a Patient With Crohn's Disease
You can help a loved one or friend with Crohn's in the following ways:
- Don't attempt to discuss Crohn's Disease with the patient if he is not willing to participate. Most individuals learn to live their life within a bubble of their own privacy and prefer not to talk about their condition (from the fear of embarrassment and/or wanting to develop their independence). Don't attempt to intervene if he seems unwilling; however, be sure to keep within a safe distance so he knows that you're always there to offer your support, if need be.
- If the patient is willing to discuss his life with you then demonstrate a knowledge of the subject. Showing that you understand his symptoms will reduce the likelihood of him feeling isolated, and inspire him to talk about his everyday problems and fears. Also, suggest that he become involved in Crohn's Disease outreach groups -- whether on the web or local -- so he can develop relationships with other people who experience similar day-to-day occurrences. Or, if he prefers, suggest that he keeps a diary of his thoughts/experiences (a form of "ventilation hypothesis").
- Tiredness will restrict the patient from being as active as he would want, so develop a relaxing atmosphere where at all possible. Simple things like lighting candles and/or incense within the home can contribute to this; comfortable furniture, relaxing music and leaving him with his own privacy can also help.
- Keep a close eye to see if the patient is taking medicines as scheduled. Again, this can done without forcefully intervening: Suggest that he keeps his medication in a safe, easily accessible place, and organized in a suitable order, so it is always known what should be taken and at what time.
- Nutrition is essential in reducing a Crohn's patient's symptoms. Healthy dietary adjustments can be achieved by cooking suitable meals; with every patient being different, he will find that particular foods "disagree" with him more than others. Assisting him in the point of elimination, by preparing the meals that he will find more tolerable than others, can contribute to his overall mood and physical well-being.
- And if you smoke, don't. Although it has often been said the causes of Crohn's are indefinite, some researchers, such as J. Cosnes in 'Tobacco and IBD', argue that the disease could be a result of environmental factors, such as smoke pollution. For the well-being of the patient, it's safer just to eliminate all possible triggers.
Overall, it is important to maintain a positive attitude. If he notices that you appear happy in your own life, and are willing to give support to him wherever possible, then he will view you as an inspiration in being able to live fearless, and active as he physically can.
Andy Carrington - Andy Carrington is a Freelance Poet/Writer from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, currently residing in Bradford. He was educated at Wakefield ...
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