Tips for Coping When Multiple Family Members Have IBD

IBD, IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, and Diverticulitis: each of these IBD's and others make life for patients more difficult than you might imagine. This is the fifth in a series of interviews speaking with individuals who deal with IBD on a regular basis. The goals of the series include increasing awareness, sharing information with those who may have IBS or symptoms of an IBD but have no idea what to do, and to help the public understand a very real and serious illness with which millions of people must cope.

Coping with IBD can be a daily issue. You never know when symptoms will hit, which makes it difficult to travel without knowing every restroom along the way.

Imagine a family dealing with multiple cases of IBD and IBS. Disease related issues and stress are multiplied.

The following is an interview with a mom who manages a family of IBD sufferers.

Q. Your family has an unusual history of IBS. At least three family members suffer from IBS symptoms. That must be very difficult. Please, give us a snapshot of what it is like when more than one family member has IBS or IBD?

The biggest problem is that you never know when, or who, it will hit. An episode of pain, diarrhea, or both, can hit any of the affected family members at any time. You constantly have to be mindful of that possibility. I keep medicines on hand for everyone who might need them. I always have a plan of action in the back of my mind when we are away from home.

Even at home, things can be turned upside down in a second, affecting those who do not have any IBS or IBD symptoms.

Q. Has your family doctor or your family identified a common factor in IBS symptoms in your family?

One doctor has not identified common factors, but as parents, we have been able to link common symptoms and causes among our family.

My husband, the father is age 43. He has diverticulitis, frequent diarrhea, and occasionally colon spasms. You can imagine, for a man, not only is this difficult to deal with, it is something he doesn't want to talk about, or even want others to know.