You can read the following topics:
- Leisure activities
- Job and career
- Sex life with MC/UC
- Psychické následky
- Rodičovstvo a prenos ochorenia
Leisure activities
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lausen
The same principles apply here. Chronic inflammatory bowel disease must not prevent you from engaging inappropriate activities of your choice. Only during the phase of severe inflammatory activity will you be forced to rule out particularly strenuous activities. Every kind of sport is highly recommended. Regular training of joints and muscles is a suitable way to influence some side effects of long-term treatment - especially cortisone preparations.
Restrictions on traveling are usually not necessary. Talk to your doctor (including information about the vaccinations you need when traveling abroad). An exception is a long-term treatment with metronidazole (in Crohn's disease), where alcohol or direct sunlight (sunbathing) should be avoided.
Jobs and careers
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lausen
You won't be able to work as usual during a relapse. It is so for all chronic illnesses with flare-ups, regardless of the specific occupation. As relapse may occur, you will have to reckon with short periods of inability to work, no matter what job is performed. In most cases, it is not necessary to change jobs or give up a career. Rare exceptions are patients who have to undergo extensive or repeated abdominal surgery, fistula surgery, or who still have persistent serious consequences regardless of drug treatment. In such cases, it is necessary to give up a demanding job in favor of a sedentary or less demanding profession. Of course, children with chronic inflammatory bowel disease should be encouraged and led to appropriate preparation for the future profession.
Sex life with MC/UC
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lausen
There are no restrictions either. Naturally, sexual activity is likely to be suppressed during a flare-up. In women, the menstrual cycle may be interrupted. It is a natural response of the body, which aims to preserve the body's reserves in times of increased stress. Anal or genital fistulas in Crohn's disease can adversely affect sexual activity. If you suspect you have a fistula, consult your doctor immediately, who will recommend the necessary treatment.
Mental impact
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lause
The fact that you suffer from a chronic illness and cope with its accompanying problems will, of course, place increased demands on your mental health sometimes. What can you do to tackle this problem and try to deal with it?
Rule 1:
You have to try to accept your disease and learn about it more. Knowing the disease you have gives you better opportunities to cope with it successfully. Coping with the disease is a lifelong challenge and can bring you a well-deserved feeling of success.
Rule 2:
You must not allow the disease to control your life. If you fall into depression, you will suffer more. Try to lead a normal active life if possible. Try all the options that could help you overcome the disease. Naturally, in the first place, it will be medical care and medication. If you are interested in other forms of treatment, it is best to discuss them with your doctor to avoid possible complications. This disease affects the body and mind, which must be taken into account when choosing a treatment.
Parenting and transmission of disease
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lausen
We have already mentioned the possibility of heredity in the development of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Is this the reason for the decision not to conceive a child?
The chances of a child inheriting a predisposition to chronic inflammatory bowel disease are small. The risk that a child of parents with Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis will become ill with the disease is not high. For spouses who want to have children, there is no objection to conceiving a child.
