I actually am not a Crohns patient, but my girlfriend is and I am trying to better understand this disorder and how I can help make it easier for her. I know there are things that I can do to help make things a little easier but I just don't know enough about it. She seems to be in some form of pain, either minimal or great, at all times. Along with trouble sleeping and pretty frequent back pain. Thanks y'all so much in advance for any help that will be provided. I love her very much and it's hard to watch her suffer and ME just be totally ignorant and helpless to the situation
Hey there
- Thread starter DaMuuule
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sawdust
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Welcome. If you want to learn more about Crohn's... especially from a patient's perspective, this is the place to be! I don't have the greatest of personal advice to give you, but I really am writing to commend your initiative here, and your heart for the situation. Your girlfriend is very lucky to have you.
I have had Crohn's for 8 years, and at first, discretion was very important to me. People knew i had Crohn's, but I talked very little about it and really downplayed details, symptoms, etc. I wouldn't call it ashamed or embarrassed, but I definitely was something like that. I didn't like the idea of discussing the terrible things involved with this disease... even with my wife.
Over the last year, however, I've been in a bad way, and decided that the best policy was to be frank with those closest to me. My wife has been a real trooper through it all, and I found that being able to talk openly with her is a HUGE relief. While she doesn't understand me as some around this forum might, she has a much better understanding than I thought someone that doesn't have Crohn's could.
I always felt like I was disappointing people; like I was letting them down, but I don't really feel that way anymore. Plus, it lets her help me and do things for me that are a major blessing for me on my worst days. From understanding small diet things to knowing when to say "no" to friends and family, something I need, or something I don't, that has made such a difference for me.
If your girlfriend is willing to talk to you about things, I think it can make you closer. Going to a CCFA seminar or reading up around here is a great start, IMO. Most of the stories at this forum are from patients who have IBD. You'll quickly find some of the common frustrations Crohnies encounter. It's certainly a more personal way to learn about the disease. Pamphlets and seminars usually give technical details, which are nice, but I like these forums because I can relate to the people. I understand the technical stuff, but I relate to the people, if that makes sense.
I have had Crohn's for 8 years, and at first, discretion was very important to me. People knew i had Crohn's, but I talked very little about it and really downplayed details, symptoms, etc. I wouldn't call it ashamed or embarrassed, but I definitely was something like that. I didn't like the idea of discussing the terrible things involved with this disease... even with my wife.
Over the last year, however, I've been in a bad way, and decided that the best policy was to be frank with those closest to me. My wife has been a real trooper through it all, and I found that being able to talk openly with her is a HUGE relief. While she doesn't understand me as some around this forum might, she has a much better understanding than I thought someone that doesn't have Crohn's could.
I always felt like I was disappointing people; like I was letting them down, but I don't really feel that way anymore. Plus, it lets her help me and do things for me that are a major blessing for me on my worst days. From understanding small diet things to knowing when to say "no" to friends and family, something I need, or something I don't, that has made such a difference for me.
If your girlfriend is willing to talk to you about things, I think it can make you closer. Going to a CCFA seminar or reading up around here is a great start, IMO. Most of the stories at this forum are from patients who have IBD. You'll quickly find some of the common frustrations Crohnies encounter. It's certainly a more personal way to learn about the disease. Pamphlets and seminars usually give technical details, which are nice, but I like these forums because I can relate to the people. I understand the technical stuff, but I relate to the people, if that makes sense.
