3 Tips For Managing Newly Diagnosed Crohn's Disease

After a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, your life can dramatically change. To reduce the risk of experiencing flare-ups, it is important that you do everything possible to manage the disease. Often, this can mean making lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to help you manage the disease if you were newly diagnosed.

Consult With a Nutritionist

Your diet can play a big part in how well your symptoms are managed. A poor diet can result in problems, such as your body having trouble absorbing the nutrients needed due to the disease. You can also experience a loss of appetite or have flare-ups. A nutritionist can help you create a nutrition plan that helps you to focus on keeping your fluid intake up and ensure that you get the nutrients you need.

If your disease is further complicated by being lactose intolerant, the nutritionist can help ensure that you find non-dairy substitutes for foods that are rich in proteins. When you do meet with the nutritionist, it is important that you share your created plan with your treating physician. This helps to ensure that all of your medical care providers are on the same page.

Monitor the Progression of Your Disease

Your symptoms might seem to get worse over time. Since you are newly diagnosed, this can be a sign that maybe the treatments you are receiving are not as effective as your physician wants. To ensure that you are getting the proper treatments, you and your physician need to monitor your disease.

Part of monitoring your disease is periodically undergoing tests, such as as a colonoscopy or magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. Blood tests might be ordered to help check the levels of medication in your system, locate abnormalities, and look for signs of infection. Although you might be hesitant to undergo these tests, they are important. If you have any questions about these kinds of tests, talk with a place like Northwest Gastroenterology Associates. 

Manage Your Stress Levels

Flare-ups from Crohn's can occur when you are suffering from high levels of stress. The stress can can lower your body's immune system, which makes you more vulnerable to symptoms. To help increase the periods of time between flare-ups, you need to find ways to manage your stress.

There are many different ways to reduce stress, including meditation, yoga, and exercise. You can even join a support group to talk to others who are going through the same experiences you are. Family and friends can also serve as part of your support system. Ask people you trust to help with some of the more stressful tasks that you have.

Crohn's disease is a manageable disease, but it can take some time for you to find what works best for you. Work with your physician, nutritionist, and other health care professionals to develop a solid treatment plan to reduce symptoms.

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