Dating someone with crohns disease?

[lostandcon]

Hi, I met this girl and we really hit it off, been talking for awhile. Anyway It's the week before our first date and she tells me she has the disease and she is in the hospital cause of a flare up, so we have to reschedule, I'm ok with rescheduling.. So I did some reading and ask questions about the disease, but I don't know what to think. I mean from the sounds of it in the past 6 months she spent 3 of them in the hospital, I don't want sound shallow, but at the same time I'm kinda freaking out and doubting us. I'd like to think I'm a better person then this and not let this stop me from seeing an incredible person. Is this disease manageable? I know most sites say it is. I'm not saying with her cause we are still in the very early stages of everything but one day I'd like a family and kids. Does anyone have any advise that may help? I'm really trying to be open minded, thats why I signed up with this site and asking people who live with this disease.

 

[Scaryman]

Hi, I met this girl and we really hit it off, been talking for awhile. Anyway It's the week before our first date and she tells me she has the disease and she is in the hospital cause of a flare up, so we have to reschedule, I'm ok with rescheduling.. So I did some reading and ask questions about the disease, but I don't know what to think. I mean from the sounds of it in the past 6 months she spent 3 of them in the hospital, I don't want sound shallow, but at the same time I'm kinda freaking out and doubting us. I'd like to think I'm a better person then this and not let this stop me from seeing an incredible person. Is this disease manageable? I know most sites say it is. I'm not saying with her cause we are still in the very early stages of everything but one day I'd like a family and kids. Does anyone have any advise that may help? I'm really trying to be open minded, thats why I signed up with this site and asking people who live with this disease.

It's hard to answer if it's manageable. She's in the hospital so chances are they Re trying to get her flare under control with steroids and flagyl and probably another cocktail like that. My advice is be understanding of moods swings (reaction from steroids), and diet. No spices foods, popcorn, or corn products, basically if she can't make it purée mush by the time she swallows don't let her eat it, like celery, potato skins or fruit skins.
Most importantly is doing what your doing and educating yourself on a chronic disease, and understanding the diet and stress factors. Does she smoke? If so she needs to quit, same with drinking. It's hard to watch someone suffer with this disease and not have it. I should know I used to aggravate my mothers crohns unknowingly, then guess what happened! You guessed it, I was diagnosed in 2003.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I think it's admirable that you are willing to stick it out with someone with this disease. There is a lot involved.

It's manageable once the proper diet and medications are ascertained but it can be a hell of a trip to figuring that out.