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"A life-long affliction-not a death sentence." My doctor's words when informing me I had Crohn's Disease. Although for the first year following my diagnosis, I found those words hard to believe.

After struggling seven to eight weeks with severe symptoms including diarrhea and a high fever, my family physician was still at a loss in figuring out what was plaguing me. Blood tests, upper G.I., stool samples, and a rundown on my family history, all failed to reveal the ailment. Meanwhile, I had lost approximately 40 pounds, and lots of sleep.

It wasn't until a surgeon friend of my wife, who took it upon his kind self, that this mysterious illness had found a name. After a 10 minute conversation via the telephone, a list of the four classic systems of my condition, this surgeon was able to pinpoint a diagnosis. It wasn't until I was admitted to the hospital, and a colonoscopy completed-did I receive an official label however.

Repeated visits to my doctor, and repeated requests to see a "specialists", went for naught. Although there are four classic symptoms, 1) severe diarrhea 2) abdominal pain and cramping (especially at night) 3)fever accompanied by fatigue and 4)weight loss-these symptoms appear to mirror other illnesses. This is when factors such as race, diet, environmental factors and family history becomes important. The "typical" individual stricken with Crohn's is either of Jewish, Italian, or Northern European descent. In the later part of the last century however, African-American and Asian, specifically Japanese, are being increasingly diagnosed. Perhaps this is a result of dietary changes in those cultures.

With the improved medical and scientific breakthroughs, Crohn's patients can find encouragement. Currently there are top athletes stricken with Crohn's and Colitis, which made my doctor's words seem prophetic-it's not a death sentence. Peter Nielsen, perhaps one of the most fittest person on the planet, offers some helpful advice on his website http://www.peternielsen.com/ib d.htm. He is a former Mr. International Universe champion. Other athletes include former NFL stars Rolf Benirschke and Chris Gedney, and current QB for the Jacksonville Jaguars David Garrard. And even former President of the United States and General, Dwight Eisenhower, was a Crohn's patient.

The current breakthroughs include a medicine known as Remicade (can come with serious side effects), and Stem Cell Replacement Therapy (SCRT). Remicade can greatly relieve the symptoms associated with Crohn's but can come at a price. Cases involving Leukimia and other serious illnesses have developed among users. But SCRT has a very promising future for sufferers where no other therapy has worked. The first known SCRT patient, a local girl here in Maine, has become very hopeful. Ten weeks after her procedure, she was able to enjoy her first "Big Mac" in 12 years. No other treatment had aided her or her comfort level. Long term effectiveness or side effects are yet to be observed.

Hopefully, one of the new procedures are able to help patients, before more severe consequences like a colostomy are needed. Therefore it is important, when describing your observations-be accurate and complete. No one needs to go through what most patients have had to endure. Be insistent and demand a specialist if the current treatment is falling short, or conditions are worsening. Your health or the health of your loved ones depends on it.

Learn more about this author, Soloman Samuel.
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