Living With Crohns Disease

For me, the noises my stomach makes are almost worse than the actual fact that I have to use the bathroom more often than most people.

I’m in my 20’s and while I usually stay in relatively safe places where I can find a moment to saunter off and do my business, it’s a lot more embarrassing to be alone with, say, a member of the opposite sex, and be getting into a deep conversation in an otherwise quiet room when all of a sudden, “SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

I’m like, “sorry, my stomach is loud,” or “my stomach makes a lot of noises.” Then I’m just like, “so, wanna make out?” Only kidding.

It’s worse when I’ve just come back from dinner or having eaten in the presence of a date, because it’s harder to use the “I’m hungry” excuse when your innards decide to act up then. Sometimes the sound is really gross though and I’ve got to start talking loudly when I know it’s about to happen, or make noise with something else as a distraction, so you can’t hear my guts doing a drum solo.

The only real way to deal with stomach noises is to watch what you eat, expel your noxious fumes before you go out, and stay away from the foods you know will put up a fuss. This can be different for everyone - for me the worst ones are lettuce, chocolate, bread, and potatoes. When people offer me chocolate potato sandwiches, I always say no thanks.

I think food choices can really do a lot to quell or cause stomach noise, so pay close attention to how your body reacts from the different things you eat. Over time you can get a pretty good idea of what to expect from the chocolate monster and other terrible abominations.

Your mental game is one of the most important aspects of your fight with any disease. Keeping an optimistic outlook on your life will go a long way in your battle with this monster.

The main thing that helps me to stay positive throughout all my struggles is that having Crohn’s has helped me not to take things for granted as much. I wake up every day and I’m glad to be alive. That doesn’t mean I’m glad I have to wake up so early, mind you! But at least I still have the ability to stand up out of bed and go live my life.

Be thankful for all the things you do have that are good; the things you enjoy doing, the material possessions you’ve been blessed with, and the people in your life you find comfort in.

Be thankful for all the things you don’t have that you could; Crohn’s is one disease among millions, and personally if I had to choose a chronic condition I’d choose Crohn’s over lots of others that come to mind.

Concentrate on making time for yourself. Sit back and relax. Get some sleep. Stay in bed for longer than you should; the world will still be spinning when you get up.