Interview with Author Toni Whitley - Crohn's Disease, Career & Motherhood

Most women can balance career and family obligations with their hands tied behind their back but single mother, Toni Whitley did all of that while suffering through Chron's Disease. In the book, If You Knew How Regular I Am...You Wouldn't Be So Full of It: My 30 Year Secret Life With Crohn's Disease, Whitley chronicles how she dealt with her illness while raising a son and trying to maintain a career. A Superwoman indeed, Whitley took a moment to share parts of her life and the disease PR Trends.

Describe Crohn's Disease and how the illness affected you physically.
Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It's cause is unknown and there is no cure. Everyone with Crohn's (or Colitis which is a very similar disorder) has different stages of symptoms. Some have severe stages which may require multiple surgeries and some have less severe stages which may go years without any treatment at all. However, the symptoms which are usually common with both diseases are: stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and blood in stool, weight loss, as well as joint pains and fatigue. Because they both are considered Irritable Bowel Disorders, they are also commonly aggravated by stress. Due to the symptoms, as well as the medications used for treatment, depression and mood swings are also side-effects.