A Family’s Story Highlights the Problem with Diagnosing and Living with Crohn’s Disease
The Clark family discovered there may be a genetic and hereditary component
Since their daughter’s diagnosis, the Clarke family have discovered that there is a genetic and hereditary component to the disease. “My mom was diagnosed with it shortly before Tressa. She’s been having bowel issues all her life. It’s a genetic trait that’s passed down, and (Logan and I) both carry it” said Heather. At the age of 55, Logan’s father was diagnosed with polymyositis, another type of inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness affecting both sides of the body. Now, Logan stresses the importance of understanding the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and how they develop. “Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Don’t be afraid to go somewhere else. You know your child best” he said.
