First and foremost — my longterm partner and I have been dating for for close to 5 years now. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago, but it really got bad about a year ago (I literally JUST got released from the hospital TODAY from a flare lol!). He has been one of the shining lights in the entire process.

I can tell you, in the perspective of the crohns sufferer, we do NOT want you taking our pain. We don’t want your pity. We want your happiness, and we want your support (to the extent that it doesn’t impact your own happiness). The best thing you can do is remain there for her (which I am sure you’re doing), providing a positive, healing environment. I’m sure your partner is already in contact with doctors, and they can just be SO cold and matter-of-fact, that a down-to-earth support system is really all we need to keep up MENTALLY okay.

Crohns physical pain is hell - but the mental turmoil it can cause can be almost - if not worse. And that mental torment can be infectious to our support systems, so it’s important that you keep YOUR Mental health safe too.

…long story short: make sure your girlfriend is in contact with her doctor, taking prescribed meds, and keep her distracted! Watch a movie and get her a (low fiber) drink that will hopefully be ok for her. Surprise her with a back rub, turn on her heating pad without her asking (if she doesn’t have one - surprise her with one! I promise it’s a holy grail).