A Family’s Story Highlights the Problem with Diagnosing and Living with Crohn’s Disease
Do not ignore the symptoms
Upon receiving a diagnosis, the symptoms of Crohn’ disease can range from mild to severe. And they can vary back and forth within any time frame. “It’s not unusual for there to be a few days or weeks when you feel uncomfortable with pain in your bowels then, without any particular treatment, hit a stretch when you feel just fine” said Dr. Harold P. Kaplan, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medical sciences at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in North Haven, Connecticut.
Seeing as how Crohn’s disease can affect children, teenagers or young adults, it is important not to ignore your symptoms, not to try to treat them on your own, and not to downplay them. Every individual’s body is different, and so is disease course. If you feel that your diagnosis is wrong because you are not experiencing any symptom-relief from your treatments, you should speak up or find a doctor who is the right fit for you. By knowing what to expect, what is normal, and what raises a red flag, you can be better prepared to manage Crohn’s disease.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/features/crohns-difficult-diagnosis#1
https://www.health.com/crohns-disease/crohns-disease-symptoms
