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'Understanding A Patient With Crohn's Disease: Knowing The Symptoms And Offering Support'
It's easy to patronize any patient with health problems; and it's just as easy to neglect him. Whether the symptoms of the Crohn's are mild or severe, the disease is life-altering, affecting the physical well-being of a patient, as well as challenging him emotionally. Showing a willingness to understand and assist him, though leaving a respectful distance so that he can manage his own productivity, are the first steps in reducing stress and allowing the patient to lead an active life as best he can.
Knowing the Symptoms
Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory condition affecting any of the gastrointestinal tract, between the mouth and the anus. Because swelling occurs in the intestines, common symptoms can include: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and considerable weight loss. For Crohn’s patients, living with the disease means spending a considerable amount of time on the toilet, which can keep them from achieving the usual day-to-day activities.
What You Can Do
* Don't attempt to discuss Crohn's Disease with the patient if he is not willing to participate. Most individuals learn to live their life within a bubble of their own privacy, and prefer not to talk about their condition, from the fear of embarrassment and/or wanting to develop their independency. Don't attempt to intervene if he seems unwilling; however, keep within a safe distance so he knows that you're always there to offer your support, if he so needs.
* If the patient is willing to discuss his life with you then demonstrate a knowledge of the subject. Showing that you understand his symptoms will reduce the likelihood of him feeling isolated, and inspire him to talk about his everyday problems and fears. Also, suggest that he become involved in Crohn's Disease social networking sites, such as wearecrohns.org, or local outreach groups, so he can develop relationships with other people who experience similar day-to-day occurrences. Or, if he prefers, suggest that he keeps a diary as a form of "ventilation hypothesis", as seen here.
* Tiredness will restrict the patient from being as active as he would want, so develop a relaxing atmosphere where at all possible. Simple things like lighting candles and/or incense within the home can contribute to this; comfortable furniture, relaxing music and leaving him to within his own privacy can also help.
* Keep a close eye to see if the patient is taking medicines as scheduled. Again, this can done without forcefully intervening: suggest that he keeps his medication in a safe, easily accessible place, and organized in a suitable order.
* Nutrition is essential in reducing a Crohn's patient's symptoms. Healthy dietary adjustments can be achieved by cooking suitable meals; with every patient being different, he will find that particular foods "disagree" with him more than others. Assisting him in the point of elimination, by preparing the meals that he will find more tolerable than others, can contribute to his overall mood and physical well-being.
* And if you smoke, don't. Although, as said, the causes of Crohn's are indefinite, some researchers, such as J. Cosnes in 'Tobacco and IBD', argue that the disease could be a result of environmental factors, such as smoke pollution.
Overall, it is important to maintain a positive attitude. If he notices that you appear happy in your own life, and are willing to give support to him wherever possible, then he will view you as an inspiration in being able to live fearless, and active as he physically can.
(C) Andy Carrington, 2009.
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