Some years ago my brother was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. We think he had this since about age 15 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He developed an absess he went from Dr to Dr and finally I suggeted that he see the GP that I was seeing. That GP sent him straight to hospital (thinking but not telling him that he thought it was cancer). My B had two lots of surgery one to remove the absess. They then removed the lower part of his bowel which was worst area affected. That was about 15 years ago. He is fit and watches his diet but he has had no further problems. It is hard as the severity of Crohn's differs from person to person. It is treatable and my brother has been well since the surgery. If you check out colitis and Crohn's on the www there is a support group and you can get further information there. It tends to run in families and both sides of our family have different types bowel/inflamatory disease. I hope this info helps in some way. Good luck and take care.