Do my kids have Crohn’s Disease? I wonder this on occasion and I sure as heck hope not. Sometimes they have the usual kids illnesses which can on occasion also include diarrhea. (especially due to the drugs prescribed) During those bouts I can’t help but wonder if they too have this sneaky and disheartening disease. There are some studies that indicate the disease is genetic, but then again there are studies that say if you eat enough hot dogs you can get cancer. I am not sure how much weight I can give them.

When I was growing up I had a grandfather (Grandpa Charlie) who died of cancer. I think it was colon cancer, but I was young and could be recalling it incorrectly. I will need to verify it. Sometimes I recall him and think – Did Grandpa Charlie have Crohn’s or IBD and was it possibly never diagnosed? It was a long time ago, so I would not be surprised, but It certainly makes me wonder how many others out there had this and it was never diagnosed – or discussed for that matter.  (it is somewhat taboo to discuss that type of personal hygiene here in the U.S.)

One thing I have learned through having this disease is to seek help when things are not going well.  Growing up I had the mindset that going to the doctor was almost a last resort. (sorry Mom and Dad, but that seemed how you guys behaved and it rubbed off on some of us) Now, however, I have come to the understanding if the disease is dictating how I live my life then I know things are not going well and I have to see the doctor.

I don’t understand why the U.S. mindset about personal health is so taboo, but that needs to change. We need to talk about these types of diseases and problems not only to make people aware, but to break down these barriers that could be holding back the information that might lead to a cure.

*stepping down from the soap box now*

-Ben

ps. The remicade did the trick and Thanksgiving was great… good food, good people, good times.