Support

[SolusUmbra]

I almost don't know where to begin. When I was born my mom was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis but just a few years ago it turned out it was Crohn's instead. She had to have a lot of her intestines removed, and a few other organs (she has an ileostomy bag now). After that she has been suffering from fistulas. Yesterday we got news that she has several more fistulas coming out of her body and that she is full of infection. They are trying to get a surgery lined up as fast as possible. They are not giving any kind of an out come at the moment but they say there is no other option because of the infections and fistulas.

Part of me is scarred out of my mind for her and what might happen. Part of me knows that some of this isn't her fault, as far as I understand Crohn's is still somewhat new so I can't really blame her doctor if that is true. Then there is another part of me that can't feel sorry for her because she never did what they doctors told her to do. Even today she is still eating gluten and sugar.

I live far away so I can't be there next to her and I'm not really sure how to handle so many different emotions. I know she is trying to deal with it all as well so I can't really turn to her for support.

 

[ronroush7]

I am sorry for what your mother is going through. I knew caffeine was bad for my Crohns along with dairy. It took a while for me to give them up. Are there any support groups for Crohns Disease and Colitis in your mother's area that she can join? Maybe she can call the local hospital and they can advise her of one. Also,tell her about our support group.

 

[SolusUmbra]

She has tried several support groups online and local but she never stuck with them.

 

[ronroush7]

I am sorry. Keep encouraging her whenever you talk to her.

 

[lenny]

Addictions are chemistry, not character. None of this is her fault. People like to comfort themselves with food and sick people are no different. Just be as supportive as you can be. Your mom must is probably terrified.

 

[Clash]

She could've stayed away from gluten and sugar yet still ended up with severe disease.

CD is not a new disease it has been around for quite sometime at least in the western world. There has been low incidence in Asia, India and other areas but the incidence is rising there, too, now.

Staying away from gluten will help if you have celiac disease but hasn't been shown to effectively slow the progression of CD. A low residue diet is often suggested during flares because it is the most easily digestiblend and most foods on these menu's contain both sugar and gluten.

Diets like SCD, paleo, FODMAP have helped some people with CD and there are several studies with some of the diets going on now. For many, a change in diet does not help the progression of disease at all.

I truly able they are able to clear the infection and heal or remove the fistula for your Mom. A chronic illness can be hard on everyone, no one wants to see their loved one suffering. I hope your mom improves quickly.