I am trying to better understand this disease. I am not sure I am even asking the right questions, please help me understand.
When first diagnosed and the Doctor labels you mild/moderate/severe crohn's is that observation just based on what they happen to be seeing at that particular point in time? Does is have any relationship as to the course of the disease over your life time?
Can someone start with Mild crohn's and then suffer with abscesses, fistulae, bloody D etc.?
Can some people have 20 years of spontaneous remission while others have constant pain? Does this disease have a typical course? Is there any way to know what someone's course will be?
From what I understand once the damage is done, it is not reversible. Inflammation can get under control and healing can take place but at a certain point surgery is necessary? And it is true that 70% of people will need surgery at some point? What percentage end up having a ostomy?
Does constipation with crohn's just mean that extensive damage hasn't taken place yet? Is the course of the disease different with constipation than with D? More mild? More severe?
What happens when you exhaust all medications for treatment options?
Sorry these questions are so disorganized and may not make sense. I am just still so confused about so many things.
Thanks,
Tiffany
When first diagnosed and the Doctor labels you mild/moderate/severe crohn's is that observation just based on what they happen to be seeing at that particular point in time? Does is have any relationship as to the course of the disease over your life time?
Can someone start with Mild crohn's and then suffer with abscesses, fistulae, bloody D etc.?
Can some people have 20 years of spontaneous remission while others have constant pain? Does this disease have a typical course? Is there any way to know what someone's course will be?
From what I understand once the damage is done, it is not reversible. Inflammation can get under control and healing can take place but at a certain point surgery is necessary? And it is true that 70% of people will need surgery at some point? What percentage end up having a ostomy?
Does constipation with crohn's just mean that extensive damage hasn't taken place yet? Is the course of the disease different with constipation than with D? More mild? More severe?
What happens when you exhaust all medications for treatment options?
Sorry these questions are so disorganized and may not make sense. I am just still so confused about so many things.
Thanks,
Tiffany