Crohn’s disease

from The House of Wellness Summer 2022 Magazine

Lehmo

LIVING WITH Crohn’s disease

Teigan Nash, 32, was diagnosed with the inflammatory bowel disease in 2018. She knew very little about the condition at the time, but has learned to manage it and now leads a busy life as a TV presenter

WORDS SARAH MARINOS

“Ivividly remember being on a work trip to New Zealand and knowing something was wrong. I’d been feeling bloated for a while and I was bleeding when I went to the bathroom, but during that trip the symptoms got worse. They didn’t stop me skydiving over a glacier at sunset and doing other adventurous things, but alarm bells were ringing.

When I arrived home, I saw my GP who referred me to a gastroenterologist. He performed a colonoscopy and a few weeks later told me I had Crohn’s disease. I don’t know why I have it and I didn’t really know anything about it, but now I could take steps to treat it. I realised it was manageable.

My gastroenterologist helped draw up a management plan that involves taking medication every day and boosting my immunity. I have regular checkups and a colonoscopy every year, too. Crohn’s disease varies in its severity and, at the moment, I feel quite lucky because, for me, it is quite mild.

My lifestyle is important in managing Crohn’s, so I eat foods that are good for me — plenty of fresh vegetables, fish and lean meat. I steer clear of gluten and dairy, but I have friends with Crohn’s who are fine with dairy. I exercise, too, and enjoy yoga and running.

Exercise gives me energy and it’s part of a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent a flare-up. I’ve learned to listen to my body, too, and I slow down when I need to. Having rest time and avoiding burnout helps me reduce the risk of my symptoms flaring up.

I have a strong support network of friends and family, and I’ve met people though Crohn’s & Colitis Australia, too. Some of them have had Crohn’s for 20 years. Talking about it helps me. I think there’s a stigma around Crohn’s because symptoms involve the bathroom — but it’s important to feel comfortable enough to talk about it. It’s also important to see your GP and get checked if you have symptoms.

I take Crohn’s day by day. I don’t know if it will get better or worse as time goes on. But there’s a lot you can do to help yourself, and it doesn’t have to stop you living your life.”

“I take Crohn’s day by day. I don’t know if it will get better or worse as time goes on. But there’s a lot you can do to help yourself.”

Teigan Nash has learned to manage Crohn’s, and (inset) nothing stands in the way of her sense of adventure.

WHAT IS CROHN’S?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease affects more than one in 250 people in Australia, and there is no known cause or cure. Crohn’s affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but most often affects the small intestine/colon. Typical symptoms include a frequent and urgent need to go to the toilet, diarrhoea, bleeding, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the lives of people with Crohn’s and colitis.