What to Expect When Living with Crohn’s Disease

Ah, Crohn’s disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed (or suspect you might be on the guest list for this not-so-exclusive club), you probably have a lot of questions. And maybe a little bit of panic. I get it. Nothing quite like learning that your digestive system might have a vendetta against you.

But don’t worry!

We’re going to cover what Crohn’s is, how it’s different from ulcerative colitis (because, trust me, people will mix them up), and how to have a productive (and not terrifying) chat with your doctor.

What Even Is Crohn’s Disease? (A Digestive Soap Opera)

Imagine your digestive system as a long and winding road trip. You start at your mouth (welcome center), travel through the stomach (the bustling city), and eventually make your way through the intestines (the back roads and winding highways) before reaching your final destination (yep, that one).

Now, imagine that, at any given moment, parts of this trip decide to go full road rage on you—swelling up, throwing fits, causing detours, and just generally making your life miserable.

That, my friend, is Crohn’s disease.

It’s a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and while it prefers to target your small intestine and colon, it’s an unpredictable little gremlin that primarily targets your small intestine and colon, though in rare cases, it can affect other parts of the digestive tract.

What does that look like in everyday life? Well, let’s break it down.

• Abdominal Pain & Cramping: Oh, you thought your stomach cramps from bad sushi were bad? Crohn’s cramps can feel like your intestines are playing an intense game of Twister.
• Chronic Diarrhea: A fun way to get familiar with every public restroom in your city. You’ll start rating them like a travel blogger: “The Target on 5th has a solid 9/10 restroom, great ambiance, good TP supply. The gas station down the street? Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
• Unintentional Weight Loss: Crohn’s can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients properly, leading to weight loss even when you’re eating normally.
• Fatigue: It’s not just being “a little tired.” It’s more like, “I could sleep for 14 hours and still need a nap.”
• Fever & Nausea: Some people get lucky and avoid these, while others get hit with the full combo meal.

But wait, how did you even get this? Good question. The truth is, science is still a bit stumped. Crohn’s doesn’t have a single known cause, but genetics, immune system overreactivity, and environmental factors all seem to play a role. If a family member has it, your odds of joining the Crohn’s crew go up about significantly.

Crohn’s vs. Ulcerative Colitis – The Battle of the Bowels

Alright, here’s a scenario for you. You’re at a dinner party, and you see someone casually drop, “Oh yeah, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are the same thing, right?”

WRONG. So wrong. If Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis were siblings, Crohn’s would be the unpredictable, rule-breaking rebel, and ulcerative colitis would be the one who stays in its lane (literally).

The Key Differences:

• Crohn’s Disease: Can attack any part of your digestive system, from your mouth to your—you know. It inflames the entire thickness of the bowel wall, which means it’s a bit more destructive. It also doesn’t play fair, showing up in patches rather than one clean section.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Sticks strictly to the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It only inflames the inner lining rather than the full thickness, and it spreads more predictably rather than skipping around as Crohn’s does.

What This Means for You

If you have Crohn’s, your symptoms are more of a “choose your own adventure” situation. One person might have mild cramping and occasional diarrhea, while another might be battling intense pain and weight loss.

Meanwhile, people with ulcerative colitis tend to experience symptoms more consistently—diarrhea (often with blood), abdominal pain, and urgency to use the bathroom.

Doctors might need a lot of tests to figure out which condition you have, and treatment plans can look pretty different depending on which one you’re dealing with.

Talking to Your Doctor Without Spiraling Into Panic

Alright, so now you know that something isn’t quite right with your gut. You’ve WebMD’d yourself into a nervous wreck, and it’s time to see an actual doctor. But where do you even start?

Step 1: Keep a Symptom Diary

Doctors love data. And when you walk in saying, “My stomach hurts sometimes, but also not always, and sometimes I feel fine but then I don’t,” they’re going to have a really hard time helping you.

Write down:

• When your symptoms start
• What do they feel like (sharp pain? Cramping? Burning?)
• How often they happen
• Any possible triggers (certain foods? Stress?)

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

Once you get in the room, you’ll want to get as much helpful info as possible. Here are some questions to bring up:

• What tests do I need to confirm Crohn’s?
• What treatments are available, and which ones do you recommend?
• How can I manage symptoms naturally (diet, exercise, supplements)?
• Are there any foods I should absolutely avoid?
• How does this impact long-term health?
• Could I need surgery in the future?
• How can I prevent flare-ups?

Step 3: Bring a Support Person (or Notes)

Doctor appointments can feel like a blur of medical jargon. Bring a trusted friend or family member to help you process the info—or, at the very least, write down what the doctor says so you don’t forget important details. Make a note of any dietary strategies you want to ask about, including fiber intake.

While some people benefit from fiber, others—especially those with strictures or active inflammation—may need to avoid it. Always check with your doctor before adding fiber supplements like psyllium husk.

Most importantly, remember: you are not alone in this. Crohn’s might be an unpredictable rollercoaster, but with the right support, you can still live a full, vibrant life (even if you do have to scope out bathroom locations everywhere you go).

*Disclaimer: If you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications, please consult with a healthcare provider before using psyllium.