Dealing with Stress Tips
Thu, October 16, 2008 12:00 AM
Hi,
My boyfriend of three years was diagnosed with Crohn's this last spring. At first, many treatments didn't work (Endocort EC, Prednisone) and he suffered from agonizing pain until finally finding the miracle drug for him, Humira. In addition to taking Humira, he takes an anti-inflammatory, Pentasa.
A few weeks ago, he went in for a 6-month follow-up endoscopy and was shocked to hear from his doctor that he still had serious ulceration within his small intestine. His doctor is now having him inject EVERY week instead of every other.
He goes to college and has to balance the demands of studying for both a bachelor's and master's in computer science, a research job, and of course, his family and myself. He theorizes that the stress has been affecting him this semester and may be a cause for the never-disappearing (or reappearing) ulcers. With this in mind, I'd like to ask the CCFA community what tips they have for managing stress when one is diagnosed with Crohn's and how friends and family members can change their behaviors to limit the stress they impose on that person. I'm welcome to any suggestions but would prefer personal experiences. I'm sorry if this is a repeat post and thank you for your time!
dietcokeqidJoined Oct 15, 2008
Mon, November 10, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for dietcokeqid.
I've had Crohn's most of my adult life and I've discovered that stress cannot be avoided. The best thing to do is to find a way to signal to yourself that you're being overwhelmed so you can take a breath. Exercise helps.
Joined Nov 10, 2008
Thu, November 06, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for dietcokeqid.
I've had Crohn's for 8 years and stress definitely makes my symptoms worse. There are many things that help reduce stress. Taking frequent breaks, deep breathing exercices, yoga, meditation, lavender scent therapy, relaxing music or sounds CDs, massage therapy, accupressure (pressing on soles of feet or palms of hands). You can search any of these items online and find more info and techniques. Your boyfriend can surely find something to help relieve stress from these items. The most important thing is don't be a worry wart or he will just make himself sicker. Good luck to him and you. Thanks for being a supportive friend-it's really important to him.
robin78cJoined Nov 6, 2008
Wed, October 29, 2008 12:00 AM
Reply posted for dietcokeqid.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's my junior year of high school and since then have graduated from high school, obtained a B.S. in biochemistry and a minor in German and just started my PhD studies at a top ten school, which is a huge leap from my undergraduate state school.
Stress is definitely making his condition worse. I had to learn the hard way after spending a finals week curled up in a ball taking the max dose of pepto and still have multiple movements, pain and cramps.
Time management is really important. I have found that if I start studying a week before the exam and basically each night decrease the amount of studying, with the night before just being a light review and relaxing evening.
Take deep breaths lots of time throughout the day and long hot bubble baths. Another thing that I find that helps is to just remind myself that I in the long run a little mistake here and there won't ruin my life.
Joined Jun 16, 2008
Wed, October 22, 2008 12:00 AM
Reply posted for dietcokeqid.
While I do not have chron's, the best stress reduction I have found over the last 10, 15 years is to play paintball.
I could tell when I had a really rotten week at work, I could play paintball on that Saturday, come Monday I would hit the ground with 0 stress.
jeffdcJoined Aug 25, 2008
Sat, October 18, 2008 12:00 AM
Reply posted for dietcokeqid.
Hi
Sounds like your boyfriend is a real overachiever-studying for a bachelor's and master's degree at the same time?
I have the disease and I am not doing some things I know I should. I should remember to exercise, laugh, play, and embrace my spirituality as well as study, work, and all that serious stuff.
Perhaps you can help him just by encouraging some fun activities...and enriching his life with art, prayer, nature...things perhaps someone in his field might not spend enough time on.
That's my 2 cents anyway!
30263Joined Oct 18, 2008