People living with Crohn’s disease will experience pain, and this can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Inflammation
• When recovering from a surgical operation
• Poor diet

The quality of life of those living with this disease, on an ongoing daily basis, can be significantly affected. People may also experience anxiety, especially when their pain cannot be controlled for a number of days at a time. It is important to work closely with your doctor in order to help keep the pain under control, by using pain management strategies.

In the case of Crohn’s disease, pain can initially start in the form of mouth sores, rectal pain, sore joints and cramps. Should this happen, you must contact your pain team and work together to minimise any discomfort. With the support of your pain team, you can also identify the medications most suitable for you, so as to stop pain and flare-ups from occurring. It is best to always take the advice given by your doctor on the most appropriate treatments that can work for you.

New research is now showing that alternative medications and therapies work well in keeping the pain associated with Crohn’s disease and regular flare-ups under control. These include:

• Hemp oil  (See here where to get it!)
• Mindful meditation—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0nuKBVQS7Mhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0nuKBVQS7M
• Body scan meditation
• Acupuncture
• Give up smoking
• Staying healthy
• Taking a good multivitamin supplement
• Drinking plenty of water
• Selecting the correct cleaning products, such as sensitive wipes
• Using soft towelettes to ease anal irritation
• Taking a warm salt water bath to soak up and help relieve any soreness or itching, as well as to help with joint discomfort
• Using a medicated mouthwash to prevent mouth ulcers (caused by flare-ups)
• Working with a physiotherapist can be most effective, as a good therapist can teach you how to do the correct exercises to relieve pain from your joints and back, and he or she can also show you a wide range of motions that will keep you healthy, fit and pain-free

Always ask your doctor about alternative ways to control your pain, as unfortunately many people are becoming addicted to pharmaceutical medication, and, over time, the body can become immune to their effects.

Getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly may appear to be contradictory advice; however, the combination of both can help you to find a happy medium, in order to help minimise the pain of living with Crohn’s disease.

Adopting a common sense approach, taking treatments, as required, and working closely with your doctor is always advisable. This will help to keep your symptoms under control, prevent complications from developing in the first place or stop your illness from getting worse.

Eye pain and Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can affect your eyes and can cause significant pain. Therefore, it is very important  so visit an eye specialist at least once a year to help prevent sight problems from developing. Simply using eye drops can help to manage your symptoms and protect your eyes from inflammation.

Abdominal pain and Crohn’s disease

Talking to a dietitian can help you to plan healthy and balanced daily meals. Knowing what foods to avoid will help you to stay pain-free. Some foods can cause abdominal pain, and taking prescribed medication to alleviate this kind of pain may only make you feel worse. Eating small meals and less fatty foods can help to control your stomach pain and nausea. Always check with your dietitian first before introducing any changes to your diet.

Skin pain caused by Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease flare-ups can cause skin tags, sores and sensitive skin around the anus. The following may help:

• Try keeping the anal area clean and dry, and wear loose underwear to avoid irritating the skin
• Use a natural moisturiser
• Use unscented soap
• Use alternative creams, with no active ingredients

Pain caused by dehydration

People living with Crohn’s disease can get dehydrated if they do not drink enough fluids, which can then cause pain. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America have recommended drinking half an ounce of fluids for every pound of body weight, on a daily basis. Making sure to keep your body well-hydrated is good for your skin and it also helps to wash out any toxins from your body that may cause flare-ups and pain. If you think you are feeling dehydrated, it is best to speak to your doctor straight away, as he or she can prescribe medication to help alleviate your symptoms, for example, dioralyte.

https://www.dioralyte.co.uk/dioralyte-family

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