It was so tough in those early many years. Not knowing what was wrong. I didnt understand what to think. Was I going crazy? The doctor said I have a nervous stomach. I am not a nervous person.

Then I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease. Even though its a chronic disease without a cure, it was a relief to know what was wrong. But then the reality set in. How was my life going to change?

And change it did. In 1985 I was admitted into a hospital suffering from a stomach obstruction. A surgeon had to remove a foot and a half from my small intestines. The pain was terrible. I never, repeat never , want to go through that pain again. Ever.

After going through the pain of an operation, knowing that everybody with Crohns Disease might have more than one operation, I couldnt help but wonder what I could do to help my situation? It occurred to me that, in the least, I could learn to handle the stress from the disease and the stress from life itself. I knew that stress, in and of itself, could cause my symptoms to worsen.

No, the stress didnt cause Crohns Disease, but it sure could affect the amount of pain I would acquired skill . I knew it was possible for me to deal with my stress better than I had dealt with it in the past. Before the operation, I was fairly motivated to work at controlling my stress. After the operation, I was highly motivated. I was determined to do everything in my power to improve my situation.

So how could I handle lifes stress better? I had to learn what I could about dealing with stress and to then develop the necessary skills to contruct it happen. I learned about the close relationship between relaxation and stress relief. I learned to meditate, I learned to set reasonable expectations about my life and desires, and I learned to be more objective about what was happening to me physically and mentally.

Ive come to the conclusion that everybody with Crohns Diseases might do a lot to help themselves with the stress in their life. Not only might we do a lot to help ourselves, but we can also get support from loved ones as well as others going through the identical circumstances.

I have three steps to offer others to help them control the stress in their lives. The first is to learn to meditate, the second is to learn visualization and the third is to get support.

By watching my emotions closely, I could know quickly when the stress in my life was building up too fast. I could then take a little time to meditate. I learned the different strategies of meditation and found one that worked sizeably successful for me.

In addition to meditation, I learned visualization. Whenever I felt myself taking stressed out, I could visualize myself at St. Simon Island, a place I love and go to once a year. Just thinking of the different locations on the Island, I could feel myself relax. And with practice Ive got quite great at visualization.

Finally, theres the Crohns Disease communication boards on the internet. What a wonderful resource they are. To be able to talk with all the people who are going through the same situation. You cant put a price on that. Its invaluable. I highly recommend every body with Crohns Disease to use this resource.

I believe that anyone with Crohns Disease (or any chronic disease) may improve their life by getting the measure to learn and implement the three part strategy Ive outlined above. Its has worked wonderfully for me and I believe it may work for others as well.

Ed Kalski has had Crohns Disease for over 25 years. He has created a website for many people with Crohns Disease that provides a lot of valuable acquired skill and links to many resources.

Visit the website at: http://www.crohns-disease-and-stress.com.