Crohn's disease is an inflammatory illness that impacts the digestive tract, bowels and more. People who suffer from Crohn's disease may have chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, ulcers and weight loss. If you have Crohn's disease, you may struggle to live with the illness, especially if you have been newly diagnosed. The illness can impact your quality of life, but joining a Crohn's support group can help ease its impact on your quality of life. When choosing the Crohn's support group that is best for you, consider your age, gender and ability to attend on-site meetings.
The median age for being diagnosed with Crohn's disease is around 25. If you are a teen or are in your 20s, you may want to find a Crohn's support group with other members who are close to you in age and may be able to relate to your personal struggles. Groups intended for young adults with Crohn's disease can be a place for you to get tips on managing to sit through class, dating and more. You may be able to find such a group on a college campus or through a local community program.
Your gender is another thing to take into consideration when picking a Crohn's support group. It can be awkward to talk about restroom-related issues in front of the opposite sex. Picking a group geared only toward men or only toward women can provide you with a more comfortable setting in which to speak your mind. Crohn's symptoms can impact your sex life and social life in addition to your health. Gathering with a group of same-sex sufferers can help you find some tips for taking control of your personal life and social calendar.
If you are uncomfortable attending a Crohn's support group or are too sick to go to on-site meetings, online support groups also are an option. There are chat rooms, email lists, web forums and other places online where you can interact with other Crohn's sufferers. You can use an online support group to ask for tips, vent about flare-ups, find contact information for top doctors and hear about new treatments.
Online Crohn's support groups also give you the opportunity to spread awareness. You can find ways to add Crohn's support ribbons to your social networking profiles and print out information sheets if you need help explaining your illness to family and friends. Internet support groups allow you to use an avatar and a nickname so you can remain completely anonymous, if you choose.
