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July 27, 2008, 7:52 am
Flag as Inappropriate KrisNY  

My friends mom had this disease and I was told it was a major hassle. She has since passed away (heart attack).

My friend has been having some odd stomach problems. She seems to have cramping a lot- and goes to the bathroom a lot.

She has not been tested for the disease - out of fear I think. (She said not in her adult life anyway).

Does anyone know if this is hereditary?

I read that, although they don't exactly know what causes Crohn's disease, they do see that it tends to run in families. I think that they said that 20 to 25 percent of people with it have a relative with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.

But then again, if you look at it from the other side of the equation, then 75 to 80 percent of people with it do not have any relatives with the disease!

If your friend has it, she should be tested for it. There's a good chance that she might not have it and that knowledge would be as helpful to her as getting it treated early if she does have it.

My mom had it for years and it was tough on her. From what I understand it does run in families as relatives have had it also.

she should get checked, regardless. There are less serious diseases that can cause similar symptoms but if it is Crohn's, waiting will just make it worse. Leaving it as is can lead to much worse symptoms and even necessitate surgery.

Since my son just went through this I can tell you that the surgeon said it does run in famlies.She needs a colonoscopy like he had. I need one too because I have had problems in the past but thought nothing of it. It can be treated just not cured. They use meds and diet changes.