My boyfriend has Crohn's

[jessicaharper]

Ive been with my boyfriend for almost a year now and he just recently got diagnosed with crohns, since then hes been trying sooo many medications and recently the meds he was taking were making him puke and go to the bathroom a lot so he got checked into the hospital about 2 weeks ago and got out few days later and yesterday he was complaining his stomach hurt so he went to the hospital he was in pain for 2 days it just stopped tonight im so worried about him and i really dont want to stick around to watch him suffer it hurts me to know hes in so much pain and that theres nothing i can do about it, he doesnt really take good care of himself either i really dont know what to do.

 

[kimmidwife]

Hi Jessica,
It certainly is hard to see someone you care about suffer. I am sure he really appreciates your being there for him. The good news is once the medicines kick in he hopefully will start feeling better. It does take time though. The best thing you can do for him is be supportive. Encourage him to try to eat right and take his medications. Encourage him to get plenty of rest. Remember also to take some time out for yourself as well so you don't get burned out. It is hard to be the care taker all the time so make sure you get some me time. If you have any questions about his medications or things please feel free to ask us and we will try to help. Also I would encourage him to get on the forum and start to read and make contact with people on here. It is a great support system.

 

[afidz]

Hello!
You have come to the right place!
Do you know what meds he is taking? I few weeks ago I was put on a new med and I had really bad side effects from it, it might be the same with your boyfriend.
Every is different on the way the disease affects us, and how we deal with it, I would try to get him to at least take a look on here. You said he doesn't really take care of himself amd unfortunately he is the only one that can, you can't do it for him. Crohn's can be very hard to deal with mentally so just try and be there for him when he needs you the most. Feel free to post any questions you have or check out the chat room!
Hope he starts feeling better soon!

 

[jessicaharper]

thank you for your replies! hes a heavy smoker and he doesn't really eat right he;ll be turning 20 soon, im not sure what meds he takes but they changed his meds from last time and the same thing happened this time, its hard to understand what hes going through specially when he doesnt tell me how hes feeling inside.

 

[Danico85]

Hi there

it sounds asif hes just struggling to come to terms with his disease. He will be stressed out and wont understand what crohns is all about. I know this sounds cliqey but 'knowledge is power'.
the more he understands his condition and how his body reacts and responds to different things he will slowley get better mentally and physically.

I was 18-19 when i was diagnosed and i didnt know the forst thing about it, i was stressed out all the time and took me ages to find the right medication for me. It will all come together and he and you will be able to get your lifes back together.

This disease isnt a life ender, it can be a life changer if you allow it.
I still do the same things i used to do before i was diagnosed but i know my limits and i recognise i will have good weeks and bad weeks, but when i have a bad week i try not to get too downbeat because i know it will pass.

I wish you both the best of luck.

Nicky

 

[Jyscall]

Hi,

My girlfriend is going through this with me as well. Not easy sometimes to tell her everything, how do I feel, do i have some pain, what do I fear, am I doing well ?
But she's very persistent and doesn't let me before I tell her everything. And after this I feel better, it will be a year in a month and sometimes she still has to do that.

He'll have to accept his disease too, and live with it. It's not something you can deny.

Won't be easy all day.

The only good thing if we can say it like this is that it may be a good occasion to quit smoking. That's really linked with Crohn's and everything to prevent crisis is to be considered.

Be strong, I really wish you both will get better soon.

 

[acheallova]

Welcome Jessica,
I do hope you do take time for yourself so you are able to provide support. On here is one of the best ways to educate yourself, vent, get support and advice/opinions.

The best support is to try and educate yourself so you can empathize with him and what he's going thru.

Is there any support groups in your area you can reach out to? Have you looked into smoking cessation groups to get some info for him, if he is unwilling to do it himself yet. It's just a way of letting him know you care and are there for him.

Also, is he interested in talking to a nutricianist yet? Might be an option for helping to change his eating habits, starting on the road to help himself.

Accepting this disease is very difficult on almost every person diagnosed. It can cause anger, frustration, irritation and denial. I believe this is the most difficult concept to grasp. Wrapping our mind around a chronic disease, possible disability, is not easy.
Best of luck to you, hope all starts to turn around. I'm sure he is grateful you are by his side, but isn't sure how to express it.
I know personally, i didn't want my spouse anywhere around me for months when i was diagnosed.
Stay strong and you will endure! - hugs-