Healing Through Humor
Laughter is the BEST medicine! At times when feeling down - hopefully this group will help you…See More
A Social Support Network For Crohn's Disease Patients, Family, and Friends
CDSN MISSION STATEMENT
Welcome to The Crohn's Disease Support Network - CDSN™
CDSN is a FREE NON PROFIT Support Network - created on September 24th, 2009.
This network's goal is to help people living with Crohn's Disease, along with the families and friends of Crohn's patients. Family members and friends need support also because it is never easy to see someone you care about suffer.
There is a large majority of people who know someone with Crohn's or have heard of it, although they have no idea what it is or how serious it can be. Hopefully through the CDSN these people can connect with each other to offer support, awareness, and education.
This site is geared towards Crohn's Disease though ANYONE is welcome especially those with other Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
One great feature is the Live Chat. When you sign onto CDSN you automatically log into the live chat as well.
You MUST be 13yrs/older to join CDSN - and 16yrs/older to use the chat.
Together as a community we can make a difference - one voice at a time!
Contact Jason Leitman: CrohnsDiseaseSN@gmail.com
Stay up-to-date with CDSN on Twitter & Facebook!
Member Photos
Birthdays
Groups
Events
@CrohnsDiseaseSN Twitter Feed
Videos
Recognition
CDSN Updates and News
CDSN Featured Member: Linda Keigher! Read about this wonderful member under the right column!
Questions on how to use the live chat? Check out the brand new Live Chat Instructions Page - and instructions right below the live chat window on the CDSN main page with picture links!
Check out the brand new Specific Carbohydrates Diet (SCD) Group - created and moderated by Patrick Leger
A SUPER-MEGA-MASSIVE thank you to Patrick for taking on the role of CDSN's newest Administrator!! We're beyond grateful for your help - Jason & Kelly
There are lots of terms and medications in the IBD world - there is now a page with Common IBD Terms for reference.
Rachel Miriam Jewelry presents the The CDSN Signature Bracelet! There are two versions of the bracelets to choose from. One bracelet is made of suede/leather - while the other is a wax linen. Each bracelet has sterling silver findings with extensions (7 - 8.5" long) with an included sterling silver inspirational charm of your choosing (there are five charms to choose from, and you can add extra charms for an additional fee). The CDSN bracelets are a representation of the bond and understanding that those living with IBD’s share. This bond is represented in the bracelet’s intertwined braid – similar to the intertwined lives shared by patients.
You can now "LIKE" CDSN on Facebook with the brand new CDSN Organization Page! Take a minute and "Like" it if you would be so kind! Don't forget to check out the CDSN Facebook Extension Group which is extremely popular and active - it is a tiny piece of this network! Check it out today.
CDSN is extremely honored to announce TWO GORGEOUS NECKLACES - Baby Blue Chalcedony and Emerald Necklace ~ available now through Warm Giving and designed by Rachel Miriam Jewelry. On 11/13/11 Warm Giving added these STUNNING earrings - check them out! Thanks to the amazing Stacey Kohl and Rachel Miriam their organizations are helping individuals and organizations in need; they are truly remarkable women.
Does your child have Crohn's Disease? Check out the group Pediatric and Crohn's, and the discussion in the Family and Friends Group: Parents of Children with Crohn's hopefully can be of some assistance.
Please - member feedback is extremely appreciated! Submit your ideas/comments to Jason Leitman on CDSN or crohnsdiseasesn@gmail.com Thank You!
Added a page CDSN Experiences. If you feel CDSN has helped in any way - or you want to comment about CDSN...please share your experiences!
Have a question on some of the features on CDSN? Check the UPDATED Features Tutorial- now with DIRECT LINKS! There is also a Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ page containing links with step by step instructions and images!
Check out the IBD Country Directory with phone numbers, email, addresses, etc for many Crohn's/ IBD foundations across the world.
Curious about Crohn's and IBD in the news? Read the MANY articles posted in the Crohn's/IBD in the News section of the forum.
Curious on how to Tweet with Twitter on CDSN? Check out the CDSN and Twitter discussion. Are you on Twitter? Share your Twitter name here!
Do not forget to check out the unique Groups - especially the Rate your medications polls in the Crohn's and Medications Group. Need a good laugh? The Healing Through Humor Group should do the job!
DISCLAIMER
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on CDSN. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. NEVER try any medication or supplement without consulting your doctor first. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Forum
Crohn's and the Body
This is for Crohn's issues within the GI tract, and outside (eye, skin, joint issues).
9 discussions
Crohn's/UC/IBD in the Work Place
This topic is for discussions relating to working (or not being able to) with an IBD.
2 discussions
Crohn's/IBD in The News
This is for articles/news pertaining to Crohn's Disease. These articles are emailed from Google news alerts - for anything pertaining to Crohn's Disease.
99 discussions
Medication Side Effects/Mystery Symptoms
This is for Medication side effects, as well as any mystery symptom/side effects you feel you are experiencing.
17 discussions
Crohn's/IBD Medications and Studies
This is for discussing medications and/or studies you might be participating in.
24 discussions
Tests, Scans, and Procedures
This category is for people who would like to discuss any tests, scans, procedures, etc they would like to discuss/share.
5 discussions
Crohn's/IBD and Alternative Therapies/Supplements
This category is for therapies/treatments that are not prescription.
9 discussions
CDSN Live Chat
Sign up to chat on Crohn's Disease Support Network - CDSN.
*CDSN LIVE CHAT INSTRUCTIONS*
*When you sign onto CDSN you automatically log into the CDSN Live Chat as well.
*You can disconnect from the chat by clicking on the green circle at the top right of the chat window.
*Clicking on a member name gives you two options: View Profile and Private Chat. View Profile takes you to the memers personal page. Private Chat opens a tab that only you and the other member can see.
*Clicking on the grey squares beside the green dot will make the chat box pop out into an independent chat window.
*When you navigate off the main page the live chat becomes a chat bar on the lower right corner. You can maximize and minimize the chat by clicking on the arrow with the line over it.
*If you need to chat with an admin and we are not available, please leave a comment on one of our pages - or send a private message. We will get back to you ASAP - Thank You: Jason, Kelly, and Patrick.
Latest Activity
Jeffrey LeVine updated their profile
Mike Jackson updated their profile
Kelly Daroschak left a comment for stefanie levitz
Hope you enjoy your day Stefanie!
Kelly Daroschak left a comment for marsha taylor
Have a wonderful day Marsha!
Jason Leitman left a comment for malinda egdorf
Welcome to CDSN Malinda! I see you are someone living with Crohn's Disease. Here at CDSN you…
Hipster Alice commented on Patrick Leger's group 'SCD (The Specific Carbohydrates Diet)'
Pat,
Thank you for starting this group. I'm interested in trying out SCD and it will be…
SCD (The Specific Carbohydrates Diet)
The Specific Carbohydrates Diet (SCD) was developed by Elaine Gottschall after her own daughter…See More
Hipster Alice joined Patrick Leger's group
Days Like Today...
Days like today I feel incredibly sad.I feel far from normal, disgusting, pathetic, and just sad.It…See More
Blog post by Kamie Leigh Vanover
Kamie Leigh Vanover updated their profile
Member Journal Posts
Days Like Today...
Posted by Kamie Leigh Vanover on January 26, 2012 at 6:42pm 0 Comments 0 Favorites
Trying to find out whats going on
Posted by Patrick Leger on January 25, 2012 at 8:42am 0 Comments 0 Favorites
Thank you Dr Dortin!
Posted by Jason Leitman on January 24, 2012 at 8:03pm 1 Comment 0 Favorites
The Toilet
Posted by Liselotte Appelin Hall on January 24, 2012 at 11:35am 0 Comments 0 Favorites
Facebook Post
Posted by Patrick Leger on January 24, 2012 at 11:21am 0 Comments 1 Favorite
Recovering from my experiment
Posted by Patrick Leger on January 21, 2012 at 11:56am 0 Comments 0 Favorites
Trying to sleep without meds experiment
Posted by Patrick Leger on January 20, 2012 at 9:33pm 3 Comments 0 Favorites
I want ...
Posted by Paul Geaf on January 20, 2012 at 10:30am 0 Comments 0 Favorites
Crohn's Monster Diaries.
Posted by Paul Geaf on January 20, 2012 at 10:27am 0 Comments 0 Favorites
A Crohnie Win day!
Posted by Patrick Leger on January 19, 2012 at 6:49pm 1 Comment 0 Favorites
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Read more on the CDSN WANTED: Crohn's End - Page.
The User’s Guide to Being a Crohnie
Learn more on the CDSN Foul Bowel Page.
Warm Giving - Feel The Warmth, Change The World! Read more on the CDSN Warm Giving Page.
Rachel Miriam Jewelry is one of a kind gorgeous pieces. Read more on the CDSN Rachel Miriam Jewelry Page.
Everyday Health Crohn's Page is a wonderful educational resource. Read more and a review on the CDSN Everyday Health Page!
Read about one of the best Crohn's recipes site on the CDSN ADAPT Cookbook Page.
Karen Langston is a Nutrigenomic Nutritionist living with Crohn's Disease. learn more on the KarenLangston.com CDSN Page
What is Crohn's Disease?
What is Crohn's Disease?
Classified as an Auto-Immune Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Crohn's Disease (also known as granulomatous colitis and regional enteritis) is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from anus to mouth, causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, or loss of weight, but may also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis and inflammation of the eye.
Crohn's is genetic, and caused by an unnatural build up of the protein in the body called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).
TNF tricks the immune system into attacking the GI tract, as well as other complications.
Crohn's can range drastically from patient to patient. Some people with Crohn's maybe have to see their doctor once a year or two - whereas some have to see their doctors nearly every week / month.
The fact that Crohn's is an autoimmune disease can make it incredibly challenging, at times causing a poor quality of life, complicated treatments, and complications.
Currently there is no cure. Awareness is essential in hopes for more funding to find a cure. Please help spread awareness for Crohn's Disease, other IBD's, and CDSN.
Featured Member!
CDSN likes to recognize our members. Here you will find the current featured Member - this is a way of saying thank you.
Current Featured Member: Linda Keigher
Linda is an active member over on the CDSN Facebook Extension group, supporting other members from around the world every day. She has a positive attitude, shares her experiences, has great advice, and is always willing to listen to what other members are going through. Linda is also a member of CDSN – joining March 28th, 2011. She is more active on the Facebook Extension group, but she does check in here at CDSN from time to time. Linda is a certified Medical Laboratory Technician, and her knowledge from this is truly invaluable. She replies very often to members concerns and questions - there truly isn’t a day when she doesn’t interact in someway with the members.
Linda is also an active member of the Mt Sinai Toronto Crohn's Support Group. Out of kindness she let them know about CDSN - which they then passed along to their members as an online resource (something that is greatly appreciated). In the end of November via Twitter the Mt Sinai Support Group did a brief question and answer with Jason Leitman about CDSN and Crohn’s. It was truly an honor to have her think of CDSN and be asked to participate in this exchange.
She enjoys life and loves to travel and see the world. In Linda's blog I Own Crohn's she states "I OWN MY CROHN'S - IT DOESN'T OWN ME!" - After reading her blog that statement is fiercely true! She has gone through other medical conditions and trials – such as a brain bleed almost 6yrs ago now; she is a true survivor. I strongly suggest you read her blog for yourself so you can see how strong she is.
Linda is absolutely one of those people in this vast world that once you talk to her a few times you realize just how special and selfless she is - with so much to offer the IBD community. All of us at CDSN are glad to have her as a member of both the network and the Facebook group. If you aren't a member of the CDSN Facebook Extension group take the time to join and get to know her - so you can see how special she is.
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© 2012 Created by Jason Leitman.
