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   I have often wondered if a Crohn's Flare Up can be caused by stress. Doctor's have told me that stress should not effect the disease. I have had Chron's for many years. I was diagnosed with Sclerosing Cholangitis 15 years ago. I had a Living Doner Liver Transplant 7 years ago. My wife was the doner. After all the problems with PSC then the Crohn's on top of everything was tough. Would think I would be able to handle stress but having more trouble then ever before. Feeling tired and stressed almost all the time. Work week seems so long sometimes. I saw a discussion board and wondered if stress causes people with Crohn's more problems.

 Reply posted for vonachens.

Both of my doc's, family doctor and GI doctor, have told me that "YES" profoundly "YES" stress makes physical problems worse.  I have read this in several books about colitis too. (I have colitis)  I find that getting exercise, I swim and play a racket sport and do yoga, helps a lot.  Especially the Yoga. get yourself a yoga DVD and start slowly .  It helps relax the insides of you as well as your muscles.  I often feel like I have had a massage afterwords.  Practicing meditation helps also.  And don't belittle yourself if you need to get a Rx from your doctor to help relax occasionally.  Just try not to use relaxants every day as some are addictive.

 Reply posted for vonachens.

Why don't you see another doc? Everybody that I've ever seen has been so nice and supportive to me. If I ever had a doctor who just put me down like that you can bet that I'd never see him again. I don't even think that the doctors that I have seen would tolerate having someone in their office who would have such a small amount of professionalism as to tell a patient that they need to toughen up and just get through it. A doctor's job is way more than just throwing presctiptions at a patient. Each one should be 100% supportive and caring towards EVERY patient.

 Reply posted for Kathy Jo.

Finally had a chance to read your reply. I guess I feel shy about needing help. I do not have anyone to talk to. The Doctors and Family Members have the same thing to say - it can't be that bad just get tough and quit complaining. Really get tired of hearing that. I do not know how you handle the stress you sound pretty strong in a tough situation. I am starting to think about just getting to the end. I know that is wrong but I just keep wishing for time to pass quickly and maybe I will start feeling better. I now realize I am never going to feel better. Stress is a quiet killer as it just builds up in me until I just have to get away sometimes to think. I will think about what you said. I will take heat if I say I need some help to cope. A lot of low pain lately is wearing me out.

 Reply posted for Kathy Jo.

Just to confirm what I said on my last post.  I went to see my Gastro again yesterday and he confirmed the stress is really aggrevating my Crohn's.  He also informed me if I dont work on more stress relief (easier said then done) I am going to really make myself sicker and I'm not going to be able to work at all let alone trying to find work.  Believe me I know how you feel and I think I can speak for others just like us.  "Your not alone"  Hang in there my friend and please reach out and get all the support you can, even if its one person you can talk to it does help.  Much luck to you

 Reply posted for Kathy Jo.

Thank's for the reply it opened my eyes because my gastro doctor has insisted to me that stress should not add to the Crohn's problems. I seem to get tired of some doctors attitude's. They seem to think everything is easy to get through. I seem to be going downhill and cannot take any of the newer Crohn's medications because I have had a Transplant. Just keep fighting gets harder by the month. I do not have anyone that understands where I am coming from. Sometimes wish other people could realize how bad it is to have a bowel disease. Thank's for the reply.

 Reply posted for vonachens.

Well Im here to tell you added stress and frustration can and will effect your Crohn's and my Gastro agrees.  I was laid off my job just over 2 months ago and with the the frustrations trying to find another job, finances and flare ups each day seems to get worse.  It Ususally helps when I get my next infusion and of course support from family and friends can always help some.  If the added stress is really effecting you you may want to consider on some outside therapy/counseling.  It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion well.  Good Luck to you :)