Manage your medications
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Prepare for work or school
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Build a support system
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Budget for medical expenses
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Care for your mental health
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Cook Crohn's-friendly meals
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Ask your current doc for a recommendation for a gastroenterologist in your new location. You can also search and read reviews online from other people with Crohn’s. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has a handy search tool for finding a
Crohn’s specialist.
Find a doctor in your area
Strategies for managing meds might include using a phone app for reminders and to track what you’ve taken, buying a pill case to sort your meds by time and day (some connect to apps), asking your pharmacy to create prefilled pill packs, and setting up automatic refills.
Manage your medications
A support system is crucial when you have any chronic condition. Your roommate, campus health services, and new friends can all be a part of your care team in different ways. Sharing a bit about your condition with the people you feel most comfortable with in your new location can help you feel less alone.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation also has online communities and support groups.
Build a support system
Crohn’s, in most cases, is considered a disability. Employers have a legal responsibility to make a workplace accessible to you. That may mean allowing you bathroom breaks as needed, placing your workspace closer to the bathroom, and more. Talk with your HR department.
If you’re in college, your campus can issue an accommodations letter to your professors for assignment extensions, absences, bathroom breaks, and more.
Prepare for work or school
The average direct out-of-pocket expenses for Crohn’s total $2,200 per year. If you know your regular costs, try to incorporate them into your budget. Additionally, ask your doctor about patient assistance programs for discounts or freebies on expensive medications.
If you encounter unexpected medical costs, you can reach out to your hospital’s or clinic’s financial department to be placed on a payment plan or to even have expenses reduced.
Budget for medical expenses
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can coexist with Crohn’s. Although mental health conditions do not cause Crohn’s, they can cause flares or worsen symptoms. If you're experiencing a mental health concern, be sure to talk with a mental health professional.
Care for your mental health
Although diet is not a cause of Crohn’s, changing what you eat may help ease symptoms and reduce flares. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has a list of more than 500 gut-friendly recipes for you to choose from and gain inspiration.
Malnutrition is also common with Crohn’s, so you may want to get tested for nutrient deficiencies.
Cook Crohn's-friendly meals
Having Crohn’s can often feel socially isolating. But you can absolutely have an active social and dating life with Crohn's.
Finding community and having fun are important parts of overall health, but alcohol use and smoking can lead to Crohn’s flares. You can bring prepackaged mocktails to parties or order them at bars.
One key to dating with Crohn's can be learning to talk candidly with your potential partner about the condition and your needs in managing it. Talking openly can help ease some of the anxiety of coupling up.
Navigate social situations
Navigate social situations
and dating
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away from home
9 tips for managing
crohn's disease
Find a doctor in your area
Learn as much as you can
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As someone living with Crohn’s, you likely already know a lot about inflammatory bowel disease. Continue to stay on top
of new research, treatments, and recommendations for disease management by searching reputable websites and speaking with your healthcare team regularly.
Learn as much as you can
