What to expect in your senior years with Crohn's
Since I reached my seventies, what was a relatively stable Crohn's Disease period turned into dealing with new extra intestinal flare up symptoms, meaning inflammation of my eyes, partial loss of vision, food intolerance, and throat ulcerations.
The initial investigations for diagnosis leaned more strongly towards an age related problem than the IBD, with treatments of anti inflammatory medications, anti bacterial and viral pills, or simple cleansing. None of which had much success in the long term.
I have suffered from Crohn's since my teens. The knowledge of this disease has had an immense growth with much better understanding on how complex the presentations are, especially when the bowels are not involved. It is so important to keep in mind because as we know the treatment choices are more varied and effective from one person to another today.
My most reliable medication for Crohn's is Prednisone initially, with the fewest side effect or surgery. Efforts towards a healthier lifestyle with less stress also make a difference to reach a prolonged improvement.
My story is one to alert IBD patients to stay alert and be your own advocates in your senior years. There are so many of us, that when they see grey hair they are prone to make assumptions.
Thank you,
, for sharing with the community here. I think you bring up such an important point about assumptions, especially for people in their senior years with IBD. So much can potentially be attributed to age instead of being sure to investigate other possible causes. I'm glad that you've been able to advocate for yourself, as well as find ways to help manage your symptoms. Again, thank you for commenting and sharing here. Wishing you a gentle evening. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) 
Hi
. Thank you so much for sharing. Aging with an autoimmune condition like Crohn's is certainly a double edged sword. Aging is the goal and can bring many wonderful things, but autoimmune conditions can potentially worsen and new ones are more likely to appear as one ages. One definitely has to be vigilant and make sure assumptions don't take care in a wrong direction.
Luckily, as you said, treatments have improved dramatically and there are quite a few more. My wife, Kelly, was diagnosed with a different autoimmune condition at age two (in her case juvenile idiopathic arthritis), 45 years ago - before modern treatments, with the damage to show for it. On more than one occasion we have had the conversation with her rheumatologist about the hope that children diagnosed today won't have the same level of damage.
Glad you have been able to reduce stress and maintain you health - may it long continue. Best, Richard (Team Member)Yes, I was just diagnosed with diabetes II, another auto immune disease, with arthritis, it is hard to keep a positive attitude some days, then I get more annoyed than sad. I am married to a good man, life is still sweet. Hi
. As the husband of someone with a chronic autoimmune condition it is always great to hear about supportive spouses. I want to let you know that we have a sister-site for type II diabetes at https://type2diabetes.com/. There you can find the same level of information and support for that condition as you find here for IBD. Wishing you and your husband the best. Richard (Team Member)
I'm also aging w/CD. What I find frustrating is the time I'm spending or suffering now fr 30 yrs of treatment & procedures, which had to b done at the time.
Nevertheless, now I have nasal valve collapse fr insertion of NG & other tubes. Additionally I'm osteoparatic, missing 20% of hip bones due to high dose, long time steroid use. I also have dermatological & eye problems as the result of long term immunosuppressive drugs.
I know there r other (better?) drugs today & more options. I hope it saves young CD patients fr the exhausting search of finding specialists to
treat damage done by living w CD.I can relate to what you are saying, even if my conditions are different, yet also long term, with added wear and tear to my system. The long term steroids have affected my ability to heal well, with hormonal imbalance etc. My days are unpredictable, but I cope by knowing I will be able to rest if I need to. Thank you for sharing.
I hear ya! Wish u luck.
