Good question! Crohn's is a chronic digestive disorder with a host of possible symptoms. Most notably inflammation of the intestine. It can affect the rest of the digestive system too, but is most common at the point where small and large intestine meet, by the appendix.
It has a lot in common with colitis, but is less localised. There is an overlap between the two illnesses though and the term 'indeterminate colitis' is often used. Other symptoms include: diarrhea, stomach pains, lethargy, vomitting, bleeding etc. A lot of people with Crohn's can't help but lose a lot of weight, sometimes requiring medical help for that too.
Crohn's usually effects people between the ages of 16 and 35, with another high risk group being the elderly.
They are not sure of the cause, but a susceptibility to the illness is hereditary. Recent research links flare-ups with bacteria present in milk. The inflammation itself is caused by the immune system misinterpreting bacteria, food, or other harmless things as hostile, sending excesses of white blood cells to the area, inflaming and damaging it. Often scarring occurs, and in extreme cases these sections must be surgically removed to enable proper digestive function.
Crohn's flare-ups and symptoms can be brought on by stress, or just come out of the blue for no obvious reason. This can make it a difficult illness to manage.
One of the most common medical treatment for Crohn's inflammation is steroids. There are many other drugs that can help, but some cannot be taken alongside others, and many have undesirable side-effects.
If you're that interested you could always look it up on google. A good source of information on the illness is this page at the Colitis and Crohn's Foundation Of America.
I had my first infliximab infusion, and after a month my symptoms are steadily dissappearing. I won't say I'm cured as such. I still have problems with energy at times, and still have some toilet related issues. The main point is I'm retaining weight, have an appetite, and am not getting any cramps whatsoever.
I meant to keep this page up to date with my crohns info, but there hasn't been a lot to write. At best it's repetative now. So rather than try to explain how “bad” it is now, or explain how bad it was, I've decided to tie this up completely and put my old crohns journal back up.
You can read my angst-ridden and often misinformed garbage from when the nasty stuff was happening here. Sometimes my condition will get passing mention in my main journal too, which can be found here.
The future: - I don't know if my condition is gone, and I dont know for how long.. I don't trust them entirely when they reassure me the treatment is going to be easily attainable from now on either. If I have a flare-up, or anything out of the ordinary happens, I'll probably write about it here.
Signing off, hopefully no more crohns updates about me at least. And I should mention too, I'm actually feeling very positive about things as they are now. If something goes wrong with my health it'll not come as a surprise - but I'm not resigned to it now. I should be able to do things without serious problems. Stress shouldn't mess me up physically anymore.. Which will help my confidence I'm sure.
— Michael Dawes 30/01/2004 12:12
Hospital visit went well!
Apparently I've gained 6kg?! In a month? Eh? They were suprised, so was I.. And although my health's improved a bit we decided between us that infliximab is a good idea because I want to come off steroids and it'd be good to see if I can seriously fend it off for a while..
I got infliximab COMPLETELY wrong.. It's not an overall immune suppressant, its like a weird targetted immune inhibitor which neutralizes a particular antibody which is responsible for attacking my bowel.. (Ehh? it's like microcosm on the C= CD32!! “soo many colors!”) So it shouldn't adversely affect my immune system at all.. How come there's so much unreliable info on the internet? lol.. And how come I didn't search better 1st time.. Oh well.
Living with Crohn's - click on the little picture of guts for a v informative little flash animation. It explains the difference between C, UC and IBS and stuff..
And this is pretty much the exact procedure they'll be using on me.. Infusion Although it seems to think its done every 8 *weeks* not every few months.. (big difference between 8 weeks and 8 months, hmm) - If the original registrar was right and it does cost approaching £1k PER SHOT. I'm glad we have an NHS.. 
I have to get up my folic acid levels now and am going to have supplements for that. I've just found out the infusion will take place on the 15th - and I may not have to stay overnight.. I'll make sure to have my gadgets charged. 
— Michael Dawes 9/12/2003 08:47
Have woken up with the most annoying backache i've had in a long time. >.< What that have to do with Crohn's you ask? Well, there are chunks of nervy stuff in the lower back that can be irritated by Crohn's, giving you a backache during, or after you've had the gut cramps.
Also to anyone who's new here, I have osteoporosis.. Which is a long term softening of the bones. Which reminds me I HAVE to ring the goddamn dr! eek. That's something to do tommorow then!
— Michael Dawes 10/08/2003 11:25
