My mum has had Crohns for years! She was mis-diagnosed at first (which caused a few problems) but even after she was given the correct treatment, she was continually in alot of pain and very limited as to what she could eat. After about 10 years she had an operation and had a colostomy bag fitted (the operation was reversed a year on.) She now eats like a horse, has gained weight (she was painfully thin) and feels better than she ever has! She still has Crohns, but it is under control now. Incidentally - whilst she was originally traumatised by the thought of having a colostomy bag, once she'd recovered from the op, she felt so healthy that she had to be persuaded to have it removed!