My story

[suporterdaughterchrons]

my story

my mum has been sick for most of the year with dihorear and general unwellness. a month ago she was diagnosed with chrons. I live about a days drive away and am feeling pretty powerless to help. she is tired alot, has no appetite, says all food tastes aweful and she has dropped from a cuddly mum to a stick fugure. she is so sad all the time. I dont know how to support her or what to do or say. HEELP! also, do i need to get a test to see if i will get it? i know it is genetic and all the info i have read says it is hereditary if your siblings have it. :sign0085:

 

[Astra]

Hiya supporter
and welcome

Try not to worry about the genetics of this disease, this will make you anxious. There are many theories about it. So, first off, don't read anything on the Net about it, read this forum instead, we're the experts!
Sorry about your Mum, what meds is she on? One of the extra intestinal manifestations of this disease is fatigue, so your Mum's Crohn's must be very active; inflammation running riot and sapping her of energy.
Ask your Mum to join us here, lots of support, advice and friends for her, and for you too!
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[RFarmer]

Hi supporter! I agree with Astra: you should invite your mom over here.

As for support: personally, the best thing my family can do more me, is help me out when I'm feeling bad. Prepare me easy meals. Run my bath. It's hard, being in a flare up, and trying to doctor yourself. But seeing as you live a day away, that might not be possible. haha. What you can do, is give her emotional support. It's very difficult to deal with a disease that few understand, and to live with chronic malnutrition and pain. Sometimes, it gets very lonely, trying to take care of yourself. Make yourself available to talk, or to rant to.

As for genetics: I don't think there's a test to "see if you will get it", I think it's more of symptomatic observation. Do you have siblings with IBD? Of course, don't worry yourself over it. Worrying is terrible.

Welcome to the forum

 

[outlier]

There are a few genetic tests for related autoimmune inflammation disorders but the genes are really common in the population and very small % get dx. As you get towards 40's or 50's you might get consider getting a colonoscopy slightly early/or more often then the general public but it really will cause more harm to worry or do more test then not.


for your mom: help her experiment with different foods and nutritional supplements maybe, don't ask her to go out and get them bring them to her maybe. I think the most supportive thing for me is when i am laid up on the couch, having someone to watch a movie with and physically not being alone.

Good luck to both of you

 

[suporterdaughterchrons]

thanks

thanks for the advice guys, it is helpful to talk to people who understand what she is going through. I will suggest she checks out the site too.