Crohn’s Disease Symptoms: My Personal Journey

Looking back, I now realize that my body had been warning me long before my official Crohn’s disease diagnosis. At first, it was small things, random bouts of stomach discomfort and gas, occasional diarrhea, unexplained fatigue. I shrugged it off, blaming it on stress, poor diet, or just having a "sensitive stomach."

Then the symptoms became impossible to ignore. What started as mild digestive issues quickly escalated into frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom, severe abdominal cramping, and blood in my stool. My energy levels plummeted, and I found myself constantly exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.

If you’re reading this and experiencing something similar, I urge you to listen to your body. These symptoms aren’t just a phase, they could be the early signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Living with Crohn’s isn’t just about stomach pain. It’s a full-body disease that affects everything from your digestion to your mental health. During my worst flare-ups, I struggled with:

Severe urgency and bathroom anxiety – The fear of not making it to a restroom in time became my daily reality.

Chronic fatigue – No matter how much I rested, I felt drained, like my body was fighting a battle I couldn’t see.

Unpredictable abdominal pain – Sharp, stabbing pains that would come out of nowhere, making it impossible to eat or function.

Blood and mucus in stool – A terrifying sign that my gut was inflamed and struggling to heal.

Weight loss and malnutrition – Despite eating, my body wasn’t absorbing nutrients properly, leading to unintended weight loss.

These symptoms controlled my life. I had to plan everything around bathroom access. Eating became a game of chance—would this meal send me running to the toilet, or could I actually enjoy it?

While Crohn’s disease affects both men and women, there are some differences in how symptoms present and impact each gender. These variations can be influenced by hormonal differences, immune system responses, and other physiological factors.

Crohn’s Symptoms in Males

Men with Crohn’s disease often experience:

Weight loss and malnutrition – Due to inflammation in the digestive tract, men may have difficulty absorbing nutrients, leading to unintentional weight loss.

Fistulas and abscesses – Crohn’s disease can cause severe complications such as fistulas (abnormal connections between organs) and perianal abscesses, which tend to be more common in males.

Lower testosterone levels – Chronic inflammation and malnutrition can contribute to low testosterone levels, leading to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and decreased libido.

Increased risk of strictures – Men may be more likely to develop strictures, which are narrowed areas in the intestines that cause blockages and severe abdominal pain.

Crohn’s Symptoms in Females

Women with Crohn’s disease may experience:

Fluctuations in symptoms due to hormones – Many women notice that their symptoms worsen during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause due to hormonal changes.

Gynecological issues – Crohn’s can contribute to irregular periods, pelvic pain, and an increased risk of conditions such as endometriosis.

Higher prevalence of extraintestinal symptoms – Women are more likely to experience symptoms beyond the digestive tract, such as joint pain, skin issues, and eye inflammation.

Increased risk of anemia – Heavy menstrual bleeding combined with chronic inflammation can lead to iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.

Shared Symptoms in Both Genders

Regardless of gender, common Crohn’s symptoms include:

Persistent diarrhea

Abdominal pain and cramping

Fatigue and weakness

Blood in the stool

Reduced appetite

Understanding these gender-based differences can help individuals with Crohn’s disease better manage their condition and work with healthcare providers to find effective treatment strategies.

Beyond the physical pain, Crohn’s took a huge toll on my mental and emotional well-being. I felt isolated. Social events revolved around food, and I was constantly anxious about what I could or couldn’t eat. I turned down invitations, skipped outings, and avoided travel because the stress of managing my symptoms in unfamiliar places was overwhelming.

Worst of all, I felt powerless. Doctors told me that Crohn’s was lifelong, progressive, and out of my control. Medications were offered as band-aids, not solutions. I was told my only options were biologics or surgery. But deep down, I refused to believe that was my only fate.

I reached my breaking point after a particularly bad flare-up that left me bedridden and hopeless. I knew I had two choices: continue down this path and accept a future of medications and potential surgery, or take control of my health and try a different approach.

I chose the latter. Through years of trial and error, I made major changes that transformed my health:

I eliminated trigger foods – Dairy, sugar, processed foods, seed oils, and alcohol were all making my symptoms worse.

I focused on gut-healing foods – Bone broth, high-quality meats, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats became my foundation.

I prioritized sleep and stress management – Poor sleep and high stress were fueling my flares, so I made these non-negotiables.

I introduced targeted supplements – Ginger, omega-3s, vitamin D, and zinc played a big role in reducing inflammation and supporting gut health.

These changes weren’t easy, but they were worth it. Slowly but surely, my symptoms started improving. Urgency decreased, my energy returned, and for the first time in years, I felt like myself again.

If I could go back and give my newly diagnosed self advice, here’s what I’d say:

Don’t ignore symptoms – Early intervention can make a huge difference.

Food matters more than doctors will tell you – Many doctors downplay diet’s role in Crohn’s, but in my experience, it’s everything.

You have to commit fully – Half-hearted attempts at diet and lifestyle changes won’t cut it. Healing requires 100% dedication.

Medications are a tool, not a cure – While some meds helped me manage symptoms, true healing came from lifestyle changes.

You are not alone – Millions of people are fighting this battle. Seek out support and resources to help guide you.

It took me over a decade of trial and error to figure out what actually worked. That’s why I created GutMellow, a resource designed to help others navigate their healing journey without the years of frustration I went through.

My Remission Roadmap Bundle includes everything I wish I had when I started: my exact diet, safe and not-safe food lists, supplement guide, and more.

If you’re struggling with Crohn’s symptoms and don’t know where to start, GutMellow can help you learn methods I used to take control of myhealth. Learn more at GutMellow.com

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am sharing my personal experience, every individual’s health journey is unique. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle. Healing is a personal journey, and what worked for me may not work for everyone.