Photo cutline : Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory illness that affects the gastro-intestinal tract anywhere between the mouth and the rectum. Its symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and occasional rectal bleeding that may be accompanied by fatigue and joint pain.
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(NC)-Trevor Froese was facing his third intestinal surgery in six years when he looked at his doctor and simply said, "No more."
The Vancouver man insisted his physician find another treatment for his Crohn's disease, a painful, chronic inflammatory illness of the digestive tract.
His determination led him and his doctor to identify a new treatment that finally put the disease into remission and utterly changed his life and that of his family.
Having struggled with Crohn's for most of his adult life, Froese, now 33, has embarked on a fast-paced career in real estate, thanks to the new biologic therapy. He now enjoys sports and keeps up with his three active children -- something that would have been unthinkable when his illness was at its worst and he weighed a mere 50 kg.
Canadian physicians are faced today with many treatment options, but patients with chronic illness often hesitate to ask their doctors about these new developments. Froese's experience and the recent breakthroughs in treating Crohn's disease demonstrate that being proactive can make a life-changing difference.
"Now, there are quite a range of treatments available," says Dr. Brian Bressler, a Vancouver gastroenterologist. "If patients aren't enjoying a normal quality of life, then they need to talk to their doctors about alternatives."
The newest biologic therapy selectively targets the part of the immune response that causes the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease. And because it can be self-administered anywhere, it liberates patients to enjoy normal lives.
"If you aren't seeing a specialist, press for a referral. Always ask your doctor about new treatments," Froese advises. "And never give up hope."
- News Canada