My partner has crohns disease, some general advice please!

[bwalas]

Hi all, thanks for taking the time to read this post,

I have been with my girlfriend for nearly 10 months now, we are both at university and see each other every week. Unfortunately she has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for over a year now however I still feel as though I know very little of the daily struggle that she goes through and the disease as a whole. I know that thankfully she does not have a severe form of the disease but does suffer heavily from exhaustion and fatigue and as a result of this I have tried not to plan anything spontaneous and/or physically demanding, even down to a day out in the local wildlife park/forest with a picnic.

My question is, what things can I do to help her live day to day with her disease and make her life easier and also does anyone have any ideas about things we can do together that we, but most importantly SHE, will enjoy doing?

 

[Axelfl3333]

I find moderate exercise helps me but we,re all different,food wise raw veggies are bad salad stuff,lettuce,spring onions,coleslaw,strawberries,melon really oily/greasy food is generally bad.veggies in soup well cooked or blended are usually ok.tomatoes for me are fine.alcohol wise lager/beer horrible vodka based seems ok I,m guessing your from the USA mikes hard lemonade or Smirnoff ice is ok.try not to stress about things makes it worse.the main thing I feel is minor changes to diet/ lifestyle keep it under control before the doctors bring out the big guns.
Good luck
P.s I still find it weird the healthy option foods make it worse

 

[nogutsnoglory]

First off I think it's wonderful you support her and joined to find out more about the disease and how to help. Fatigue is a very common side effect of this illness but sometimes it can be caused by a b12, iron, vit d deficiency or thyroid problem. Simple blood tests can rule those out.

As for fun non tasking things it's probably best to let her be your guide. She will know her limits and maybe on the same day tell you whether you can go out or spend the day in. If its out it can be a restaurant where she can sit and has bathroom access or a movie. If its in you can order in, watch movies, make love. Just let her help you figure out what she likes and can handle.

 

[Amy2]

If I had Crohn's, I would want my partner to treat me as normally as possible. Be ready to do something spontanious, in case I felt well enough. Let me take a nap whenever I needed to. Hold my hand, bring me a cup of tea, sing me a love song, tell me a joke. Spend time with me. Listen to me complain and cry sometimes. Learn about my disease. Baby me. Laugh at my jokes and kiss me. A lot.