Piecing Together Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease: 54 Tips to Help You Manage

Diet and Nutrition for Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's differs from person to person. Your diet needs to be tailored to suit your specific needs.
• Weather warming up? With Crohn's you're at higher risk for dehydration. Get plenty of fluids.
• Try keeping a food diary to track which foods trigger your symptoms.
• Not tolerating fiber well? Some people with Crohn's disease benefit from a low-fiber diet.
• Do you need supplements? Ask your doctor if you're absorbing enough calcium, folate, and vitamin B12.
• Taking corticosteroids for Crohn's? There are side effects to watch for. Talk with your doctor.

Emotionally Coping With Crohn's

• Want to feel more in control? Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about Crohn's.
• Chronic conditions like Crohn's disease can lead to depression. Reach out and get help if you need it.
• Is someone you love coping with Crohn's? Lend a hand by lending an ear: Be a good listener.
• You're not alone with Crohn's disease. Talking with others who share your condition can help.
• Attending a Crohn's support group? Take your family so they can understand what you're going through.
• Ask your doctor all about your medication, and do online research. You'll feel much more in control.

Day-to-Day With Crohn's Disease

• You may benefit from personalized diet tips when you have Crohn's. Talk to your doctor.
• Trouble remembering your meds? Place your pills beside your toothbrush.
• Inflammation of the small intestine and colon puts you at high risk for dehydration and diarrhea. You may need more fluids.
• Is swallowing pills a problem? Ask your doctor if you can crush them over something tasty.
• Don't want people to know you're taking medicine? Carry pills in a mint tin.
• A journal can help you manage Crohn's and remember all the questions you have for your doctor.

Crohn's, Kids, and Family

• Is your child taking medicine for Crohn's? To help kids remember, place pills beside their alarm clock.
• Crohn's can occur in anyone, but young adults are most often affected.
• Help your child with Crohn's to become a partner in his or her own health care; encourage them to ask the doctor questions.
• If your child has Crohn's disease, let him or her decide whether to tell friends.
• It's healthy and safe for kids with Crohn's disease to take part in most sports.
• If your child has Crohn's, let his or her teachers, school administrators, and school nurse know.

Travel Tips When You Have Crohn's Disease

• When traveling, remember to bring along enough medication to last your whole trip.
• Leaving home for awhile? Locate a Crohn's specialist in the town you'll be visiting.
• Traveling by air? Bring your medications, supplies, and insurance information in your carry-on bag.
• Avoid problems the day you fly: Maintain a regular diet and medication schedule before the flight.
• Bring along your gastroenterologist's phone number and your insurance card when you travel.
• If you have chills, fever, pain, dizziness, or bloody diarrhea while away, call a doctor immediately.