The journey with Crohns Disease and the fight for a cure

<IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/london.jpg" width="1000" height="700"> You've just started your third year at university and are enjoying life as a Londoner. At every chance you get you travel, it is in your very nature. You are a curious individual that enjoys going out with friends like most university students - despite the workload. Everything is going fine... but you do get the occasional stomach cramps, you feel as if you've lost your appetite recently and you seem to be losing weight quickly. <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820018.jpg" width="700" height="500"> In fact you've felt very tired lately and as a result, seem to be going out less and less. Your friends have even pointed this out. You feel frustrated however you assume all of this is temporary and simply caused by the stress of university. You are quite busy so you don't think much on it - it's just an inconvenience, however ... it has been happening fairly often. <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820001.jpg" width="700" height="500"> What do you do? [[You decide to go to your GP, peace of mind is priceless |Get it checked out]] [[You pass it as normal, your body is simply the sensitive type so carry on with life |Relax, everything always works out]]

No point worrying about it. Some people just have sensitive stomachs, it will pass. <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820029.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> ...Well, after some time you realize this isn't going away. You have two options: 1. It's very normal for university students to become overwhelmed and fall ill because of their unhealthy diets during stressful times. Perhaps changing what you eat will help?... 2. At the same time you recall an old piece of advice that you always heard from health professionals: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/symptons-keep-calm-and-call-your-doctor.png" alt="" width="500" height="600" /> You mull this over and decide to: [[Try changing your diet, a sensitive stomach needs a proper diet|Change your diet1]] [[You feel as if you've let your laziness get the better of you, you finally decide to go to your GP |Get it checked out1]]

You decided to get it checked out by your GP immediately. <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/doctor-563428_1280.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> It seems to have been a good decision, the GP has told you that you only have <a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-gastritis" target="_blank">gastritis</a>, an inflammation of the stomach lining, so that is a load off your shoulder. It can be easily treated, he gives you some <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antacid-medicines/Pages/Definition.aspx" target="_blank">antacids</a> and you carry on with your life. Peace of mind is priceless after all, now: [[You try to wait it out using the antacids... but something feels off |After a few months]]

When you get home you immediately go online to research around <a style="color: #000080;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx" target="_blank">Irretable Bowel Syndrome</a>, once you feel satisfied with that you start to research the type of tests that hospitals perform for bowel related examinations: <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/part-1-exams.jpg" width="700" height="800"> <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/exam-part-2.jpg" width="700" height="800"> The letter for the hospital appointment soon arrives and it appears that you are due for a blood test and Barium X-ray. Your appointment is tomorrow but you accidentally lost track of time, you spent most of the night researching a variety of terrifying illnesses you could have. Thinking about how each can affect your life differently... You don't get a lot of sleep that night and can feel worry bubbling up inside you. [[...Go to the hospital |Diagnosed with Crohns]] <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820027.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" />

... You decided to leave, you have not yet accepted what you have just learnt and without paying attention to your surroundings you eventually get lost. Perfect! You reach the end of the hallway and see three paths. Straight down, left or right. Which way will you go now? <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/empty-hallway.jpg" width="700" height="500"> [[Take a right turn |The hallway to the right]] [[Take a left turn |The hallway to the left]] [[Walk straight down the hall in front of you|The hallway in front of you]]

-Place the mouse cursor over the image and scroll down- <iframe src="http://social.shorthand.com/_Alex_Iaco_/jgciOcJ008/you-see-a-young-girl-with-crohns-disease-and-sheepishly-decided-to-approach-her" width="1500" height="1000"></iframe> [[You decide to talk to her for a bit longer |Talk to her a bit longer]] [[Go back to the main hall |Diagnosed with Crohns Disease1]]

Gastritis is manageable. Using the same <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1127.aspx?CategoryID=51" target="_blank">NHS website</a> you've decided to change your diet in an attempt to get it under control: buying fruits, vegetables, watching your salt intakes among other suggestions on the list. <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820031.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> ... The first few weeks of following the suggested diet and you already feel a bit better. However, a few more days and the previous symptoms reappear. Worst of all you saw a bit of blood in your stool again and this time it hurt a lot. All of this was an indescribable feeling, no amount of sleep got rid of this tired, nagging feeling. Your friends and family noticed your weakened, thinned state and even without mentioning the blood they started pushing you to... [[Get a second opinion |Get a second opinion]] <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820010.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" />

You visit another GP - finding blood in your stool is far too enerving. After you catch him up on the symptoms he says you have a very bad case of Gastritis. Once you mention the blood he thinks quietly for a bit and you immediately feel a sense of dread at the silence in the air. He than carries on to say blood in the stool means a hospital examination is in order. The letter for the hospital appointment is printed out and given to you for a [[blood test and Barium X-ray|Tests they run]] <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820026.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> A few days pass and you realize that the hospital appointment is tomorrow but lost track of time. You spent most of the night researching a variety of terrifying illnesses you could have. Despite trying to resist, you also search online for diseases and minor ailments that are often misdiagnosed with each other and some common ones appear to be: *Interactive image below* <iframe src="//www.thinglink.com/card/662841587809648642" width="1033" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> and [[Crohns Disease]]. Thinking about how they can each affect your life differently, ... You don't get a lot of sleep that night. [[Have you been misdiagnosed? |Diagnosed with Crohns]]

You've decided to change your diet in an attempt to avoid any future health problems. You Goggled balanced diets and was taken to the <a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1127.aspx?CategoryID=51" target="_blank">NHS website</a>. <iframe src="http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1127.aspx?CategoryID=51" width="1000" height="800"> allign="center" </iframe> ... The first few weeks of following the suggested diet and you already feel a bit better, in fact, perfectly fine. However a few more weeks into your diet and the previous symptoms reappear. No, it feels worse than before, you feel extremely weak and bowel movements take more effort than ever. The stomach pains come back more frequently and worse of all you saw a bit of blood in your stool accompanied by needle-like pain before you flushed. It was an indescribable feeling - your friends and family immediately noticed your weakened, pale state and started pushing you to... [[Finally get it checked out by your GP |Get it checked out1]] <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820019.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" />

You finally decide to get it checked out by your GP. <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/doctor-563428_1280.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> It admit-ably took you longer than you should have and the GP has told you that you have<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Treatment.aspx" target="_blank"> Irritable bowel syndrome</a>, a long term condition of the digestive system that is becoming fairly common. This is bad news, but he tells you that it is at least manageable and likely caused by a combination of your previous unhealthy diet and the stress you face at university. You get up to leave, still absorbing the news, but quickly remember to mention the blood in your stool. He immediately turns around and tells you in that case, it will be better to send you to a hospital to have some tests done sooner rather than later. He warns you that the next time alarming symptoms crop up that you immediately seek help, the sooner they detect a problem the better the treatment works. You take his advice to heart and ... [[Go back home |Diagnosed incorrectly]]

A few months later, you find it quite strange. It isn't passing. In fact, at first it was over a long period of time so you didn't think much of it but the symptoms are occurring more often. In fact you feel worse than before - weaker with increased, unbearable stomach pains. Just yesterday you felt the color drain from your face when you saw a bit of blood in your stool - that's the last straw! You quickly researched Gastritis on the <a style="color: #000080;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx" target="_blank">NHS website</a> and after a bit of nervous research, two sections stand out to you: .<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx" target="_blank"><img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/option1-e1433447990130.png" alt="" width="600" height="500" /></a> It seems that a healthy diet and lifestyle are often enough to cure this problem, together with the antacids you already have - you can treat this yourself, the amount of blood in your stool was very small and it only happened once ...or twice   <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache-abdominal-pain/pages/introduction.aspx" target="_blank"><img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/option2-e1433448087537.png" alt="option2" width="600" height="500" /></a> At the same time, it may not be gastritis. There seems to be several other, more severe illnesses it could be. Perhaps there is a better way to treat this - is waiting it out from the comfort of your home worth the risk? Based on what you've read: [[You decide to visit a different GP to get a second opinion |Get a second opinion]] [[You read up on Gastritis and decide to change your diet|Change your diet]]

You enjoyed talking to Courtney and decide to carry on the conversation more deeply, after a while you both open up to each other: "I'd give anything to even be in remission and be able to have a life outside of being sick - but to be cured would be so much more. I never got teenage experiences but I'd like to hope I have a chance to have adult experiences. I never got to go to prom I went to my 8th grade promotion in a wheelchair after being released from the hospital only 16 hours before. I wasn't even expected to live long enough to see my 8th grade promotion. Almost everyone I knew acted like I didn't exist anymore because it was too much work to be friends with a kid who was sick." <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/11281835_867324926661216_505978661_n.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> She has clearly been through a lot more than you and you cannot help but hang on to her every word. <blockquote> "I was bullied and even threatened because of an illness I have no control over. This disease isn't just physical it's mental too and it's really hard. Having everything taken away from you - especially so young is heartbreaking at least it was and is for me." </blockquote> You tell her some of your own worries and find great comfort in talking to her about it. You ask her for her Facebook name and she mentions a group on Facebook called the <a href="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/" target="_blank">Crohns MAP Vaccine</a> that are working on a vaccine that you may be interested in checking out. You thank her and... [[Say goodbye |Diagnosed with Crohns Disease1]]

<img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/words-in-head.png" alt="" width="900" height="700" /> When you get home you collapse onto the sofa, exhausted. Your stomach starts to hurt and acts like a trigger to let out the emotions you failed to express at the hospital. You feel like you are on the verge of tears but worst of all you feel helpless. Helpless on what the future will bring and helpless to this pain and tiredness. You feel this heavy, mixed wave of emotions for a while and eventually it tires you out... you fall asleep, clenching your stomach. <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820012.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> A few hours later you wake up a little bit more collected. You eventually call your friends and family over to tell them the bad news and once they arrived you dreaded telling them, but within a few minutes, before you had a chance to tell them, you find yourself miraculously laughing with them as if all of this had been a nightmare - friends and family are truly invaluable during these tough times. They greatly raised your spirit up and once you told them the news they were a huge comfort and very understanding. As the day comes to a close and everyone leaves, you think back to those you talk to today in the hospital and decide to visit the group they suggested. <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fbpage.png" alt="" width="700" height="400" /> You talk to those in the group and see some familiar names on it. They direct you to the <a href="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/" target="_blank">MAP vaccine website</a> where you began reading around what they are working towards... [[The Crohns MAP vaccine |Crohns MAP Vaccine Infographic]]

You trace your steps back and once again arrive where you started at, you feel much better having talked to someone in your position but still can't help but let out a sigh... why do hospitals always have to feel like mazes! Reevaluating your choices you decide to: [[Take a right turn |The hallway to the right]] [[Take a left turn |The hallway to the left]] [[Walk straight down the hall in front of you|The hallway in front of you]] [[Ask a passing nurse where the exit is |Go home]] <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/empty-hallway.jpg" width="700" height="500">

<img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/title.png" alt="" width="800" height="400" /> As the main character, you and your GP are fictional but the people you encounter, the choices you make and the lessons you learn are all real. [[Start your journey now |Your life]] <iframe style="visibility: hidden; width: 500px; height: 500px; position: absolute; top: -1000px; left: -1000px;" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/final-sad1.mp3" width="300" height="150"></iframe> <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820006.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /> Table of content: This is a simplified, shortened version of the interactive adventure for those that want to experience all the paths. <table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 1 - Your life |Your life]]</td></tr></tbody></table> <hr /> <table border="2"width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 2, Path 1 - Get it checked out |Get it checked out]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">[[Chapter 3, Path 1 - Option 1 |After a few months]]</td><td align="right">[[Chapter 3, Path 1 - Option 2 |Change your diet]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2"width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 4 - Get a second opinion|Get a second opinion]]</td></tr></tbody></table> <hr /> <table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 2, Path 2 - Relax, everything always works out|Relax, everything always works out]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">[[Chapter 3, Path 2 - Option 1 |Change your diet1]]</td><td align="right">[[Chapter 3, Path 2 - Option 2 |Get it checked out1]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 5 - Hospital test research |Diagnosed incorrectly]] </td></tr></tbody></table> <hr /> <table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 6 - Hospital visit |Diagnosed with Crohns]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 7 - Types of tests they run |Tests they run]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 8 - Diagnosed with Crohns Disease |Results come back]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">[[Ch9, Option 1 - What is Crohn's exactly? |What is Crohns exactly?]]</td><td align="right">[[Ch9, Option 2 - The type of Crohns you have|The type of Crohns you have]]</td><td align="middle">[[Ch9, Option 3 - Treatments |Treatments]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 10 - Any more questions? |Results come back1]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 11 - Time to leave|Time to leave ...]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">[[Ch12, Option 1 - Take a right turn |The hallway to the right]]</td><td align="right">[[Ch12, Option 1, Part 2 - Carry on talking to her|Talk to her a bit longer]]</td><td align="middle">[[Ch12, Option 2 - Take a left turn|The hallway to the left]]</td><td align="middle">[[Ch12, Option 3 - Walk straight down |The hallway in front of you]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 13 - Return to the start |Diagnosed with Crohns Disease1]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 14 - Return home|Go home]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 15 - What is the MAP virus?|Crohns MAP Vaccine Infographic]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 16 - Visit the Crohns MAP Vaccine FB group|Go home]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left">[[Chapter 17, Option 1 - Read more answers |Read more answers]]</td><td align="right">[[Chapter 17, Option 2 - Check out another conversation |Look at another conversation]]</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 18 - Reload the page |Read more answers1]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 19 - Put down your mobile |Put down your mobile]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Chapter 20 - How they use donations |How they spend it]]</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="2" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="middle">[[Ending - To be continued |Ending - To be continued]]</td></tr></tbody></table>

-Place the mouse cursor over the image and scroll down- <iframe src="http://social.shorthand.com/_Alex_Iaco_/3ge4ILayh/you-walk-by-an-open-room-and-hear-laughter-your-curiosity-gets-the-best-of-you-and-you-peek-inside" width="1500" height="1000"></iframe> [[Go back to the main hall |Diagnosed with Crohns Disease1]]

-Place the mouse cursor over the image and scroll down- <iframe src="http://social.shorthand.com/_Alex_Iaco_/32FjI2UgM/you-walk-down-the-hallway-and-hear-someone-say-crohns-disease" width="1500" height="1000"></iframe> [[Go back to the main hall |Diagnosed with Crohns Disease1]]

You arrive at your local hospital for the [[blood test and barium xray|Tests they run]]. As you sit in the waiting room you eventually doze off ... <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/time-is-ticking.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> You are not sure how much time passed but you eventually hear them call your name and you jolt up to get this long day over with. The doctor talks you through the process and it seems simple enough. A nurse soon came in to take a sample of your blood and shortly after you find yourself swallowing the [[Barium|Tests they run]] you read about last night - not the tastiest thing on earth... <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/S1820034-e1433286854643.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> The tests were quick and to be honest, the waiting was the most unpleasant experience of the day. You go home and await the results. [[A few days later & the results come in|Results come back]]

The hospital eventually calls you back in. The fact that they didn't simply tell you over the phone - you are admit-ably terrified now. Despite feeling shook up you head off to the hospital - not much else you can do at this point except pray. You get in and meet with your doctor. At this point time is going painfully slow. He sits you down and slowly announces: "You have Crohns Disease". ... <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hospita.jpg" width="700" height="500"> Thinking back you are surprised you didn't feel a surge of negative emotions at that moment. You couldn't process it at all. You did not feel sad about having an incurable disease, you did not feel angry at the GP's misdiagnosis, you did not feel scared of what the future will bring - nothing. You felt what could only be described as a numbing sensation, time might as well have stood still. As you eventually break out of your trance-like state, the Doctor notices the pause and summarises what you need to know: [[What is Crohn's exactly|What is Crohns exactly?]] [[Treatments|Treatments]] [[The type of Crohns you have|The type of Crohns you have]]

The doctor explained: "Crohns disease is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, in other words the patient's own immune system is causing the damage. Crohns Disease can affect anywhere along the GI track this includes: The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anal region. However, the problem is that Crohns Disease is still not completely understood. There still exist disagreements on issues such as whether or not Crohns is an autoimmune disease or bacterial and the fact that it can only be managed - not cured at this stage." He than goes into it in more details using medical terms you are not familiar with. You quietly say you do not completely understand and he takes out his iPhone saying he saw a video yesterday that simplified this well, by the <a href="http://( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc4O7QaHIc07UInXe3Qa8IQ )" target="_blank">You and IBD group</a>: <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k0kRSF80PJ0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [[He finishes what he is saying and ...|Results come back1]]

The doctor tells you bluntly - current medicine has no cure for Crohns Disease. It can only be managed with a variety of treatments. The best outcome would be to induce remission (a period with no symptons) for as long as possible - which greatly varies between individuals and the severity of the Crohns Disease. He lists out just some of the medications and treatments available and you can't help but be overwhelmed by it: <iframe width="844" height="590" src="//www.thinglink.com/card/665020999133036546" type="text/html" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen scrolling="no"></iframe> [[He finishes what he is saying and...|Results come back1]]

The doctor explains that Crohns Disease symptoms can vary depending on the severity and where, along the GI tract, it is located. In your case, you seem to have a moderate case of Perianus Disease - meaning it is around the anal region. He pulls up a graph and explains to you how it is different to other types of Crohns Disease and some of the symptoms you may soon face. <iframe src="//www.thinglink.com/card/664882113123713026" width="902" height="1500" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <a style="color: #000080;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-tags/Pages/Introduction.aspx" target="_blank">Skin tags</a>, <a style="color: #000080;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Anal-fissure/Pages/Introduction.aspx" target="_blank">anal fissures</a>, <a style="color: #000080;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemorrhoids/Pages/What-is-it-page.aspx" target="_blank">hemorrhoids</a>, <a style="color: #000080;" href="http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anal-fistula/Pages/Causes.aspx" target="_blank">anal fistula</a> and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/anal-abscess" target="_blank">anal abscess </a>- these were all terms that caused discomfort and that you may soon have to face. [[He finishes what he is saying and...|Results come back1]]

As he finishes explaning he asks if you need anything repeated or have other questions. [[What is Crohn's exactly|What is Crohns exactly?]] [[Treatments|Treatments]] [[The type of Crohns you have|The type of Crohns you have]] [[Time to leave ...|Time to leave ...]]

One clear<a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/" target="_blank"> infographic of their website</a> answered the first question on your mind - What is the MAP virus? <iframe src="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MAP-infographic-portrait.pdf" width="100%" height="1300"></iframe> It turns out this group believes the disease is not autoimmune based but rather bacterial. The cure they are working on aims to focus on this MAP virus itself. It isn't another way to manage Crohns but rather to cure it. It is still on the testing phase but seems to have <a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/downloads/" target="_blank">clear evidence to back it up</a> as well as seeing successful results when applied to animals. Why did the doctor not mention this? You decide to delve into this more deeply later, for now you contact their Facebook group. [[Go on their Facebook page and talk to them |Go on their Facebook page]]

You add yourself to the group and start talking to them. They welcome you with open arms and it doesn't take you long to feel comfortable around them. Once you explained your journey so far you actually ended up meeting many like-minded individuals.   You decide to ask: "What is the most difficult challenge you face when having a loved one (or yourself) suffer from Crohns Disease? & What does the hope of the MAP vaccine cure mean to you? Putting aside whether it will definitely work or not." It doesn't take long to see a variety of responses: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/talking2-1.png" alt="" width="800" height="900" /> [[Read more answers |Read more answers]] [[Look at another conversation going on in the group |Look at another conversation]]

The next day you notice your mobile vibrated a few times, you pick it up and find out that more people have answered your question, you are surprised how openly they shared their valuable experience with you and you can't help but feel thankful to them:   <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/talking-1.png" alt="" width="800" height="900" /> [[Reload the page for more answers |Read more answers1]] [[Put down your mobile |Put down your mobile]] [[Scroll down to another conversation |Another conversation1]]

Scrolling down the group you see a few interesting conversations, one that caught your attention was where the community was asked - in one word what would you say the vaccine means to you. It was difficult to express their feelings in one word but they certainly tried: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mehh.png" alt="" width="700" height="500" />   After reading through the comments you added your own word and... [[Check for answers the next day|Read more answersop2]] [[Put down your mobile |Put down your mobile1]]

After simply reloading the page, you are surprised to see even more answers to your question. This will be the last set you read for today as you are starting to feel sleepy: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/talking3.png" alt="" width="800" height="900" /> <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/talking-4-1.png" alt="" width="800" height="900" /> You thank them all for the messages they sent, shared one more tidbit about yourself and, still going over the depth of these messages in your mind, you decided to... [[Put down your mobile |Put down your mobile]]

You put down your mobile - and suddenly feel exhausted. You've decided not to allow Crohns Disease define who you are. But it is still getting in the way. You've fallen behind on work and may need to apply for mitigating circumstances to extend the deadline for your coursework. While on their website, you noticed the Crohns MAP Vaccine's slogan which said it all: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/to-be-cured.png" alt="" width="800" height="650" /> "I want to be cured, not managed" - Simple, yet powerful. You can feel a fever coming up, but after checking the <a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/" target="_blank">Crohns MAP vaccine webpage</a> you feel as if you do not need to suffer in silence the rest of your life - you have something you can potentially fight for. You never did like the idea of feeling helpless. Before going off for the day you check out how [[they spend the money donated to them |How they spend it]]and decide to donate £50 to the MAP vaccine charity yourself. <iframe src="https://www.justgiving.com/CrohnsMAPVaccine-MEN9150/" width="950" height="900" align="middle"></iframe> On a side note your doctor has just called you in, in order to explain what [[Treatments1]] you are going to go through in the coming months. After previously hearing about some of these treatments you are not particularly looking forward to them. This news brought back that horrible sense of helplessness and anxiety. You let out a loud sigh. It has been a long journey and you decide that in the coming weeks you will definitely read more in-depth around the Crohns MAP vaccine, their research, the community and what you can do. For now you lay down on the bed for some much needed rest, you still feel weak despite all the sleep you've been getting recently ... [[Goodnight |Ending - To be continued]]

The next day you notice your mobile vibrated a few times, you pick it up and find out that more people have answered your question, you are surprised how openly they shared their valuable experience with you and you can't help but feel thankful to them:   <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/talking-1.png" alt="" width="800" height="900" /> [[Reload the page |Read more answers1]] [[Put down your mobile |Put down your mobile1]]

Scrolling down the group you see a few interesting conversations, one that caught your attention was where the community was asked - in one word what would you say the vaccine means to you. It was difficult to express their feelings in one word but they certainly tried: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mehh.png" alt="" width="700" height="500" />   After reading through the comments you added your own word and... -- [[Put down your mobile |Put down your mobile]] [[Refresh and read more answers |Read more answers1]]

<img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/to-be-cured-p1.png" alt="" width="850" height="700" /> Along this you also find some other <a href="http://crohnsmapvaccine.com/" target="_blank">highlights on their website</a>: <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/crohns-map1.png" alt="" width="700" height="500" /> <img class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/crohns-map2.png" alt="" width="700" height="500" />

~To be continued~ Although each sufferer's experience with Crohns Disease differs greatly between individuals - what it does always cause is a lifetime of frustration and a weight not only physically but mentally. This project allows a peak at just a piece of what they often have to face. Be sure to: <a href="http://bit.ly/1JDDYvw" target="_blank">Tweet about your journey here</a> or [[Click here to return to the content page and explore the choices you've missed - colors differ on the path you've not chosen |Start]] <IMG class="displayed" src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/final.jpg" width="900" height="1300"> The second part, the main project, will be released towards the end of summer. Keep your eyes open on my<a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/" target="_blank"> blog</a> or <a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://twitter.com/_Alex_Iaco_" target="_blank">twitter</a> for updates. Special thanks to those with Crohns Disease & their family that shared their experiences, as well as <a style="color: #000080; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://bit.ly/1e1LHXk" target="_blank">Mia Cheng</a> for her drawings. <iframe style="visibility: hidden; width: 500px; height: 500px; position: absolute; top: -1000px; left: -1000px;"src="http://www.journalisticblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/final-sad1.mp3" width="300" height="150"></iframe>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

You rememeber a video you saw yesterday that simplified what Crohns Disease was, by the <a href="http://( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc4O7QaHIc07UInXe3Qa8IQ )" target="_blank">You and IBD group</a>: <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k0kRSF80PJ0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [[He finishes what he is saying and ...|Results come back1]]