The Journey of Healing: A Personal Account of Crohn’s Disease
By Dr. R. Balfour Sartor, MD., as narrated to Stacia Friedman
My battle with Crohn’s disease dates back to my sixth-grade year when what was initially thought to be appendicitis turned out to be the first signs of inflammatory bowel disease. The misdiagnosis is a common occurrence for many individuals struggling with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of IBD often mimic those of a gastrointestinal bug, leading patients to mistakenly dismiss them and opt for self-treatment with over-the-counter solutions like Pepto Bismol and probiotics. The delay in seeking proper medical attention could also be attributed to primary care physicians failing to consider the possibility of IBD and not conducting the necessary diagnostic tests such as a CT scan and colonoscopy.
Personally, my journey towards becoming a doctor began in high school when my penchant for mending wounded animals earned me the nickname “Dr. Balfour” among friends.
A Rocky Road to Diagnosis
It took a whole decade for me to receive a definitive diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. It was during my senior year as a pre-med student at Washington-Lee University, already accepted into Baylor College of Medicine, that I finally learned about my condition. Despite the discouraging advice to avoid medical school due to my health, I pursued my dreams and even found unwavering support in my wife.
Following a 6-week hospitalization during my internship for a Crohn’s flare-up, where I underwent total parenteral nutrition therapy, I pondered my career trajectory. Though initially inclined towards GI surgery, I eventually chose the path of gastroenterology.
The Quest for Better Treatment
Expressing disappointment in the limited treatment options available for Crohn’s, mainly revolving around steroids and surgery, I felt compelled to delve deeper into the underlying causes of the disease. This led me to challenge the prevailing autoimmune theory and hypothesize the involvement of gut bacteria in driving the immune response.
My research journey spanning over 40 years has focused on identifying the key gut bacteria triggering the immune response in Crohn’s and IBD patients, as well as exploring ways to rebalance the gut microbiome. The goal is to differentiate between aggressive bacteria fueling inflammation and protective bacteria that prevent it.
Genetics vs. Destiny
While genetics undoubtedly play a role in the development of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, these diseases are not predetermined. For instance, if one identical twin has Crohn’s, there is a 40% chance the other twin will be affected, leaving a significant 60% likelihood of remaining unaffected.