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Wednesday, April 5, 2000
Dineen knows pain of Crohn's
The death of Cindy Lloyd, wife of Montreal Expos pitcher Graeme Lloyd, from Crohn's disease, hit close to home for Senators winger Kevin Dineen.
He was diagnosed in 1987 with Crohn's, a painful disease that causes inflammation of the intestines. In most cases, it can be controlled by medication, but it can be fatal, as in the case of Lloyd, who died Monday at the age of 25.
"It's just terrible," said Dineen. "I've read in the past where it can be fatal, but a lot of the times it's such a debilitating disease."
Dineen has experienced five "flare-ups" of the disease in the past 13 years. Twice he's been admitted to hospital; four years ago, he spent 10 days in a sick bed because of Crohn's.
He said the disease affects those suffering from it in different ways, but it is never easy to handle, and always painful.
"When I have it, it's not minor," he said. "It knocks me right down. I lose a lot of weight, and I've had very serious cases of it."
There is no permanent cure for Crohn's. Medication provides temporary relief.
"I recognize the symptoms (cramps, diarrhea, severe pain) when they come and I get on my medicine," said Dineen. "It's major, heavy doses. It puts a halt to the Crohn's, but it affects me a lot of other ways ... It's a disease and it's always going to be with you."
Dineen will participate in a golf tournament fund-raiser for Crohn's and colitis this summer in Ottawa.
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