About Operation: Combat Crohn's

Operation: Combat Crohn's is a Veteran and Veteran Spouse run project created to help bring awareness to this life long disease that affects over 66,000 Veterans daily.

Our goal is to help bring more awareness for Crohn's Disease to the military, veteran, and civilian population through the creation of relatable products. These products will help to eliminate the stigma associated with the medical procedures, painful symptoms, and unlucky aspects of this disease. From funny toilet humor to a warrior's stance we will try our very best to help military and non-military members bring more awareness to our life long battle with Crohn's Disease. #OpCC

Fact about Crohn's Disease:

Crohn's disease is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from end to end.

Crohn's Disease has no cure. Only medical procedures, medications, and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms, which often include alternating periods of severe flares and remission.

Crohn's Disease commonly affects young adults (aged 15-30), but it can strike at any age.

Approximately 780,000 to over 1 million people in the United States have Crohn's Disease with 66,000+ being Veterans. 

Crohn's Disease affects more than just the gut. It can cause issues outside the digestive tract, including skin rashes (like Erythema Nodosum), joint pain (arthritis), eye inflammation (uveitis), and mouth sores.

Symptoms can also include severe fatigue, unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, fever, fistulas, and bowel obstructions. 

While food does not cause the disease, certain diets can trigger flare-ups; it is a common myth that diet is the primary cause.

Sometimes, the first signs can be subtle, such as oral inflammation or even skin tags, before gastrointestinal symptoms become severe.

Treatment involves suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation, using medications like steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics.

Although there is no cure, about 1 in 5 patients who experience an initial flare may never experience another, while others manage their condition with long-term medication.

Approximately 50% of individuals with Crohn's Disease require some type of surgery within 10 years of diagnosis. The most common procedure is a bowel resection.