Crohn's and Ultimate Frisbee

[cmack314159265]

I was just diagnosed with Crohn's, but I'm upset that this might affect my ability to participate in sports the way I used to. I really love playing Ultimate Frisbee and am very committed to my team, but I feel like Crohn's may interfere with that. In November I went to the last Fall tournament and that was the first day that I started feeling my Crohn's symptoms, so I wasn't able to play. Which was depressing because my team had done really well and we were playing some really fun, competitive games. After that, I continued to feel sick and have ever since and we finally got the Crohn's diagnosis so at least now we know what it is. But, I've also missed a month and a half of winter conditioning and skills practice. Basically, missing all of this is depressing me and I'm afraid that I'll get another flare up during the spring season and will miss out on even more tournaments.

I realize that part of that was me ranting about how Crohn's is negatively affecting my life, but I also wanted to know if anyone has any advice or encouragement about being an athlete with Crohn's?

 

[Sumayya]

Hey cmack sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I've not been a very sporty person since I was young but ther was one thing that I loved: swimming. Unfortunately I've had a recent op so ive got a stoma bag and I don't feel very comfortable going swimming just yet. But what o can say is that many sports people have Crohn's but they don't let it get in the way and I think you are brave enough to work with it instead of it- sports does actually help as it maintains you into a healthy person. Hope you feel better soon and good luck with those frisbee games.

 

[emmaaaargh]

Hiya cmack! Welcome to the forum, although I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Please try not to worry too much about your ability to take part in sport with Crohn's. As has already been said: there are SO many sportspeople with Crohn's or UC and so many of them are currently healthy and competing!

Are you on any medication for your Crohn's disease at the moment? Once you get into remission it'll be a lot easier for you to participate as you normally do.

I'm not sporty at all (so I'm not so good at giving advice on this!) but I would second trying to keep active, even when you are flaring. It'll help keep the rest of your body healthy, not to mention the positive mental effects!
And above all, please try and stay positive you will be able to endure this! Don't worry about flaring in the spring - if you think you might flare again/are still flaring, talk to your doctor. The ultimate goal is for you to be healthy, which includes being able to compete in the sport you did pre-diagnosis.

We're rooting for you! Good luck with your athletics

 

[ronroush7]

Hiya cmack! Welcome to the forum, although I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Please try not to worry too much about your ability to take part in sport with Crohn's. As has already been said: there are SO many sportspeople with Crohn's or UC and so many of them are currently healthy and competing!

Are you on any medication for your Crohn's disease at the moment? Once you get into remission it'll be a lot easier for you to participate as you normally do.

I'm not sporty at all (so I'm not so good at giving advice on this!) but I would second trying to keep active, even when you are flaring. It'll help keep the rest of your body healthy, not to mention the positive mental effects!
And above all, please try and stay positive you will be able to endure this! Don't worry about flaring in the spring - if you think you might flare again/are still flaring, talk to your doctor. The ultimate goal is for you to be healthy, which includes being able to compete in the sport you did pre-diagnosis.

We're rooting for you! Good luck with your athletics

Yes

 

[cmack314159265]

Thank you for the support, I mostly just needed to rant. The good news is that I've just started prednisone and it's given me a lot more energy, so I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get back into things soon!