Wow it’s been a while!….The ebbs and flows of the project, work schedules, timing, hospital procedures, you name it and they’ve gotten in the way. So finally we welcome back the brilliant Aubry Fisher for another off the cuff look at Crohn’s disease, answering those questions you’ve wanted to answering from the perspective of a patient.
“Hi everyone Aubry here”…
The first thing that I would like to say is that I am not a medical professional, I am simply a person who has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and has lived with it for the past 27 years.
All of my answers are based on my knowledge only, and not that of a doctor or medical professional. I always say to contact your physician if you are having an emergency or require medical attention and or medical advice. Again, my answers are based on my knowledge and experience only. This is not medical advice in any way.
I will try to answer all of your questions, and this time around I sure got some really good ones. I will try to get to everyone, and if I did not answer your question, I am terribly sorry, but keep asking, because as long as you are asking, then I can keep writing.
This happens to be Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week, and what better week to bring some awareness than to answer the public's questions. I answer everything as honestly as possible, I am an open book. Remember, you can ask me anything and I do mean anything regarding Crohn's disease.
So kicking off for my first question, I've been asked "Can IBS can turn into IBD?" The answer is to my knowledge, IBS CANNOT turn into IBD, although you can have both. I will tell you this. I was misdiagnosed and went untreated with Crohn's disease for 8 years. I had a Doctor who diagnosed me with IBS. The reason for telling you that is because it is always good to get a second or third opinion. It was quite horrible. Also, remember that doctors are just people, people are flawed and can make mistakes. I live by that, you are your biggest advocate, and nobody will ever care about your health as much as you do. Be PROACTIVE.
Second question...I've been asked about GERD. I happen to also have GERD, and the person wants to know "Can GERD turn into something dangerous?" The answer is YES. If you do not get it under control it can cause Barrett's esophagus, which has the potential to cause esophageal cancer which can be fatal, so please go see your doctor if you have bad acid reflux, also known as GERD.
The third question is GREAT. I mean, probably one of my favorite questions. People tend to ignore symptoms and not go to the doctor. This is how things can get ugly. It is always good to not ignore your body. I've been asked "What happens if you leave Crohn's untreated, can it be fatal?" The answer to that one is YES it can. Without treating the inflamation you can end up with an obstruction. What that means is if enough pressure builds up, your intestine can rupture, leaking harmful intestinal contents and bacteria into your abdominal cavity. This is a life-threatening complication. There are people who definitely have expired from Crohn's disease. Listen to your body and listen to your doctors. The recommended age to start getting a colonoscopy for a healthy person is 50 years old. If you have history of colon cancer, or serious bowel issues, that age can differ.
I've received two different questions in relation to the mental health of someone with Crohn's, and both wanted to know "Has Crohn's had an affect on your mental health? And in what way does it affect people with IBD?” So here is the best answer, Crohn's is a humiliating disease, it is also a disease where you are constantly suffering from malabsorption.
Both of those things together are a recipe for both anxiety, mood swings, panic, chronic fatigue, and depression. Your body needs basic vitamins to be able to be mentally alert and stable. That is basic chemistry, so when you are lacking essential vitamins, it is really hard to balance out your moods. I describe it to people like this, everyday I feel like the day before you get the flu, when you feel tired and off. I wake up tired a lot, I have low patience, and I am easily triggered. I also have a lot of anxiety, and low energy, it is incredibly hard. It is such a hidden disease, there are so many things to all autoimmune diseases that you cannot see.
Brilliant question. I encourage everybody with autoimmune to get some sort of support group or therapy, it is hard dealing with things on your own. I want to say one more thing on this subject, most people with Crohn's disease that I know have gone through some really traumatizing situations centered around their bowel. It is also not uncommon that a many people with IBD suffer with a form of PTSD. If you have a friend or family member who has IBD, please be patient with them, it is not their fault.
I have a lot of people who write to me telling me that they “Don't know who to talk to?” and they just “Want support”. To those people, I encourage you to add the Facebook support groups, find some links at the bottom of the page. There are also support groups all over the world. For me it was very important to find others who live with IBD. I still find myself talking to my friends with IBD, and asking them coping questions.
I hope this has answered a lot of your questions, and to those who do not know about Crohn's and Colitis, they are inflammatory bowel diseases. The best thing you can do for yourself if you have it or for your friend who has it, or your family member who has it, is research. Be kind, patient and supportive. You do not have to UNDERSTAND the disease to have compassion. Love each other. As for the person with IBD, be patient with those who don't have it, there is no way they can fully understand how you are feeling because they cannot relate. The best advice I can give you is to always come from the heart, be honest, and i'll say it one more time...Be patient.
To all my readers, and to all the people who live with IBD, who were brave enough to reach out, I have the utmost respect for you, I thank you, and I hope you all have a great, healthy year in 2020.
Stay Strong my fellow Crohnies. Keep the questions coming.
One Love,
Aubry X
Check out these Facebook Groups - C&CUK, CCFA, Crohn’s Disease Colitis Diverticulitis & IBD Support and Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness.
Remember if you have a question relating to IBD, Lifestyle or a topic you’d like Aubry to answer get in touch via the GET IN TOUCH button at the bottom our page.
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Words: Aubry Fisher & Matt Strutt
Logo Design: Rani Gillan
Images: Aubry Fisher
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