Need some answers.

My mom was diagnosed with chrones about 15 years ago,and about 5 years ago my dad was diagnosed with it.I have heard there is a chance that it could be hereditary if a family member has it but what if both parents have it?I have asked my Dr. but he kind of beats around the bush and says he will look into it.So Iwas wondering if anyone else would know.
                  Thanx Hank78

[lizziecee]

Hi hank, and welcome to our Crohn's Community Forum ...we are not doctors or nuses, so please bear in mind that we only talk from our own experiences and research.

I just looked at the Mayo Clinic site today for Crohn's, and their research seems to say that some 20% of Crohn's disease is familial. My own research has led me to believe that if we are of European Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which I suspect I am, we are more likely to be afflicted.

In my own case, I got Crohn's at 24 yrs - optimum age, and it then peaks in the 60-70 yrs age brackets. Neither my late parents &  twin brother nor older sister had/has Crohn's, although my father died at 59 yrs old of colon cancer, which if you have Crohn's you are at greater risk. I do wonder if my father had Crohn's, but he was an "ostrich" and would not have his rectal bleeding addressed until the colon cancer had spread to his liver and kidneys.

I am not surprised you Dr "beats about the bush", because no medical researchers or gastroenterologists can tell if you are suspectible to this terrible disease, although there are some newly found genes (Nod2 is one) that can pre-dispose you. Just keep proactive with any bowel changes....and seek out a good gastro if you have any symptoms.

Take care,
Liz.