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Jodi Eller is a typical 22-year-old. As a senior psychology major at the University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL), she's preparing for graduation and hanging out with friends. Her jam-packed schedule includes keeping up with numerous campus activities and finding time to exercise through swimming, biking, and yoga.

But Jodi's life in high school was different. There were times she wouldn't even leave her house. The problem? Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It's a lifelong disease caused by an overactive immune system that specifically attacks the intestines. Sufferers (typically between the ages of 15 and 35) often complain of symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and rectal bleeding. There's no cure, although medication to manage symptoms is available. If not managed properly, however, Crohn's can be fatal.

Since this disease is in the gut, many who suffer are too embarrassed to talk about it. "I didn't tell anybody because I was in denial," Jodi says. "I didn't want it to be who I was."

She soon began to withdraw from activities for fear of a flare up. "[Crohn's] is stressful and frustrating," she continues. "You don't know when you're going to get sick."

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of Crohn's disease, make an appointment with your doctor. Only s/he can determine the severity of your condition.

"Because I caught the disease early, I'm able to figure out what works for me through trial and error," Jodi says. "I've simplified my life, and I make time for exercise and rest."

>>For more info, surf www.voicesofcrohns.com, and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's Web site, www.ccfa.org.

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