My Crohnstipated Life

Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the bowel causing inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms, affects hundreds of thousands of people in North America alone. Whether you are newly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or have been living with it for years, finding new information, support, and a sense of community is always important. With no known cure and varying approaches to treatment, gathering and sharing knowledge is an excellent way to help yourself and others deal with this disease. Below, you will find articles, support groups, education, foundations and associations, information on diet, clinical trials, and blogs from other people living with a diagnosis of Crohn’s.

The Basics
Learn the basics from descriptions of Crohn’s to symptoms to medical treatment options with these resources.

1. Mayo Clinic Crohn’s disease. Learn the basics about Crohn’s as well as symptoms, treatment options, and alternative therapies.
2. MedicineNet.com Crohn’s Disease. Another good resource for learning the basics, this site also offers professional advice on specific medications and surgery.
3. Crohn’s Disease. From the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse, get information on Crohn’s as well as links to clinical trials and additional resources.
4. Crohn’s Online. Supported by Abbott Laboratories, this site offers information on Crohn’s and a decidedly medically-based approach to treatment.
5. Crohn’s disease – Everybody. This health site from New Zealand offers a good overview on what Crohn’s disease is all about.

Associations and Foundations
These associations and foundations from around the world all offer help, information, and medical advice for those living with Crohn’s. No matter where you live, you can share information and find support.

6. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Not only can you get news and information about Crohn’s here, you can also find clinical trials, physicians, and more.
7. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada. Select the French or English version of this website to get information, become a volunteer, or find events in your area.
8. American Gastroenterological Association. Get information on the treatment of Crohn’s with articles, podcasts, videos, and more.
9. United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.. This national network serves to unite support groups for patients and caregivers of those dealing with “bowel and urinary diversions.”
10. Australian Crohn’s & Colitis Association. Find information about research, clinical trials, get newsletters, and more at this resource.
11. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia. Read about Crohn’s, get support, and learn about current research with this Australian organization.
12. European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations. Get information about research studies, find youth groups, and connect face-to-face at this European connection.
13. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. This non-profit organization works for education and research in the field of gastrointestinal disorders.
14. International Ostomy Association. Committed to improving quality of life for ostomates, this foundation offers forums, resources, and more.
15. National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. This organization in the UK works to provide support and education for those dealing with IBD.

Resource Centers
Offering everything from articles and newsletters to forums and message boards to book reviews and news stories, these sites serve as resource centers to provide plenty of information and support.

16. Living with Crohn’s Disease. Find out about Crohn’s, pediatric Crohn’s, subscribe to the newsletter, and learn about the latest research here.
17. Crohn’s Disease Resource Center. From HealingWell.com, this site offers articles, books, forums, and news stories about Crohn’s.
18. Crohn’s Disease Treatment, Symptoms & Information. This site provides information about Crohn’s, treatment options, forums to connect with others, a newsletter, and much more.
19. ButYouDon’tLookSick.com. Anyone suffering from chronic illness, pain, or invisible disabilities can benefit from the articles, book and product reviews, and message board at this site.
20. Shaz’s Ostomy Pages. Learn about the various forms of ostomies, read other people’s stories, and connect with other “ostomates” at this site.
21. Crohn’s/Colitis Home Page. Having been around for 13 years, this site aims to be a “one-stop” site for information and support.
22. Crohn’s Disease Info Center. Find information on Crohn’s as well as information on a current clinical trial that includes research, trial information, a physician information kit, and more. You can also join on the message board, get newsletters, and find links to other resources.
23. David’s Crohn’s & Colitis Webpage. check out all the useful information available here, then participate in message boards and support groups, or just check out the “Best and Worst times to have to go” section.
24. Teens With Crohn’s Disease Website. Teens can read about the experience of other teens living with Crohn’s, participate in message boards and chat rooms, get recipes, and more.
25. Annee’s Crohn’s Disease Page. Annee shares her experience of living with Crohn’s and also offers tons of information and opportunities for support here.