Abedelia Ashby Brown

Coping, Learning & Living with Crohn's Disease Abedelia Ashby Brown

Coping, Learning and Living with Crohn's Disease traces one woman's course over a period of time, paying special attention to the physical and emotional factors typically associated with a particular diagnosis. In her preface, the author describes, "Through years of firsthand obstacles of this mysterious disease. I have experienced different complications, side effects, medications, diets, surgeries, hospitalizations, and stress" In these terms she endeavors to put human face on the issue through a combination of personal anecdotes, verse, and research. The work opens by identifying Chron's Disease as a condition whereby "the wall of the small or large intestine become sore, inflamed, and swollen. "Potentially "serious if not treated" the malady might "have lifelong effects" and according to the author, "Crohn's disease is difficult to diagnose due to its location and its mimicking of other medical problems" Turning more particularly to her own experience, Brown recounts a rather difficult pregnancy. After pursuing various treatments and test she found a "specialist" and felt "an even stronger desire to live each day to the fullest" Her verse entries suggest a similar feeling, frequently incorporating a spiritual tone. For example "Chronic Pain" expresses, "You have to be strong and believe in God, you can/ask Him to take care of you" Other pieces including "A Mother's Blessing" and "Travis" posit the importance of love and family. The concluding pages of Coping, Learning, and Living with Chron's Disease group documents and photographs, along with a few additional reflections highlighting qualities relating to faith, friendship, and determination. Overall the contribution is designed to communicate phases of the author's own journey as well as to enlightened and motivate the reader who may be following a similar path.