Real-Life Advice for Handling a Sudden Crohn's Attack

*Excerpts from "Real-Life Advice for Handling a Sudden Crohn's Attack" by Connie Brichford

While Crohn’s disease has a wide range of symptoms and affects each person differently, most people with Crohn's do share the need to use the bathroom frequently throughout the day. And that presents unique issues — bathroom accessibility and the ability to clean up after an attack being two big ones.

Crohn’s Disease: Start by Preventing Attacks

Pack extra medications in your tote or knapsack and keep a supply at your desk at work.
Medications are sometimes overlooked in the rush to find your keys and make a commuter bus or train. But properly following all facets of your treatment plan, including taking needed medications, is what keeps you feeling good.[Ed:I always have backup pills in my car because I know that I forget to take them from time to time.]

Crohn’s Disease: Managing in Public

-Always know where bathrooms are located.[Ed:This needs to be repeated over and over]
-Carry a change of underwear. [Ed: I have a nice little overnight pack in my car with extra underwear, a shirt and shorts and socks]
-Always have your own tissues or toilet paper. [Ed: The first aid kit in my car has a roll of TP. They also sell travel TP that will fit in backpacks, purses and even your pocket. Usually about a dollar in the travel section in pharmacies and retail stores]

Crohn’s Disease: Sharing Your Situation

Finding the balance between confidentiality and disclosure can be hard. The nature of Crohn’s attacks makes them an awkward topic of conversation, but you want people to know enough about your condition so that they understand why you might have to run to the restroom. [It] helps to tell close friends mostly so they don’t worry, or think it’s weird when [you] have to go to the bathroom all the time.

Deciding who to tell will also depend on your personal school or work situation. [P]eople who must ask to use the restroom, like schoolchildren, or whose jobs require someone else to cover for them when they take a break, might benefit from telling the appropriate people — a manager, co-workers, or teachers.

Public attacks can be among the most upsetting situations for those with Crohn’s disease, but being prepared will allow you to handle them without becoming overwhelmed and without the fear of drawing unwanted attention to yourself.

-see full text at http://www.everydayhealth.com/crohns-disease/crohns-disease-attack-advice.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthLivingWithCrohnsDisease_20110301