What It's Like: Crohn's Disease Health Article

What It's Like: Crohn's Disease

Josh Golder, 26, lives in Boston, Massachusetts and is an advocate for persons living with Crohn's Disease. Healthline recently interviewed him to find out what it's like to have Crohn's Disease.

When did you first notice something was wrong?

I was 14 when I started using the bathroom a lot - 25 to 30 times a day. In two months I dropped nearly 40 pounds, from 130 to 93. I can't paint a picture of how bad it was. I missed most of eighth grade. I started staying home and seeing less of my friends. With Crohn's disease your world shrinks - you're constantly thinking about where a bathroom is, what to eat. You start losing confidence.

What was the worst part?

The humiliation. Physically, you're in pain; an attack felt like someone was stabbing me. But the humiliation is worse. Having to leave class, being scared I'd meet a girl - it was tough.

Healthline Says:

Josh's symptoms are some of the most common associated with Crohn's Disease. Others may include general fatigue or frequent fever. Learn more about the symptoms of Crohn's Disease.

Did you see a doctor?

I did what a lot of people do - I went to a general practitioner. He said I was having trouble growing and things would get better. But I got worse. So my parents took me to a gastroenterologist, who ordered a colonoscopy. I remember my folks saying, "You have Crohn's disease." It had the word disease in it, so it was scary.

How has it been treated?

Over four years I tried 35 medicines. Some helped, some didn't. Eating certain foods made things worse. I became interested in weight training, and it turned out that the food changes I was making for that also helped with Crohn's. With the right medicine and nutrition I've been in remission for two years.

Healthline Says:

The right treatment for your Crohn's Disease may be a combination of medications, changes to your diet, exercise and in many cases, surgery. Learn more about advanced treatments for Crohn's Disease.

Why weight training?

Crohn's made me angry. I thought people could tell something was wrong when they looked at me, and I felt like my body had failed me. Weight training was a way I could compensate. I now lift weights for 30 minutes twice a week. The results are so good it's hard not to want to do it. I'm 5'10" and weigh 173 pounds with 8.5 percent body fat.

What's your eating plan like?

For me it's all about natural foods. I've cut out sugars and processed foods. I juice a lot of vegetables because people with Crohn's don't absorb nutrients well. I'm careful about rough, fibrous foods like broccoli and try to cook or steam them thoroughly. Breads and pasta are the smallest part of my diet.

You made a documentary, True Guts, about Crohn's disease. Why?

There's such a lack of information out there. And I wanted people with Crohn's to know you can live a normal life and accomplish your goals.

What's been your biggest challenge?

I had to teach myself to stop worrying. You have to look at it logically rather than emotionally. If your car broke down you'd think, how do I get to work? So if you get sick you have to think, how will I handle it? It's difficult to get to that point.

Any advice for someone who thinks they may have Crohn's?

Take action immediately and see a specialist. It doesn't get better on its own.

Healthline Says:

Crohn's Disease is a serious, but not life-threatening chronic disease. Understanding how to manage your Crohn's Disease is critical in helping you have a happy and productive life.