Crohns and colitis group offers a place for discussion

Those dealing with Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis will have a space to discuss challenges, share helpful ideas and seek emotional support during a new Chrons and Colitis Support Group meeting Dec. 3, organized by Dawn Duncan and Darcey Schultz.

The meeting, which coincidentally falls during Crohns and Colitis Awareness Week, will be at 7 p.m. in the Jackson library meeting room.

Chrons and colitis are chronic autoimmune diseases in which the bodys immune system mistakenly tries to fend off an infection thats not really there. Both are types of inflammatory bowel diseases, which affect an estimated 1.4 million Americans.

Duncan has ulcerative colitis, which affects only the colon. Schultz has Chrons disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Both cause similar symptoms, including diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal cramps, weight loss and fatigue. Remission is possible, with short or long periods of no symptoms.

When Duncan and Schultz first met at Duncans hair studio, it didnt take long for the two to discover they were dealing with many of the same issues. It can be a tricky subject, which is why they wanted to organize the support group.

Its one of those things that its not real common, and people arent really comfortable talking about it, Duncan said.

Diagnosed 15 years ago, Duncan had her entire large intestine removed two years ago when doctors told her she had an 80 percent chance of developing colon cancer from her colitis, which had spread to her entire colon.

It was a big decision for me to do the surgery, but Im happy I did it, Duncan said.

Schultz got her diagnosis 11 years ago and has taken a variety of medications, including strong steroids, to help manage her symptoms.

She also follows a restricted diet.

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Crohns and colitis group offers a place for discussion