crohns and Boxing?

Well, aside from the potential danger of open wounds in incredibly unsanitary conditions while on an immunosuppressant (as many Crohn's treatments are), there's really no difference between boxing with Crohn's and boxing normally. So if cauliflower ear, severe concussions, and recurring infections don't scare you, and you're feeling well enough, I see no reason why you shouldn't pursue your dreams.

Hey, I just wanted to say that I appreciated your comments on one of the other threads. You got a lot of heckling for standing up for your standards and your beliefs. It's refreshing to see someone your age with your faith and convictions. Keep it up - that's the only way to push through this darn disease and be fully happy and satisfied in spite of everything.

Sure! Why not? I find exercise helpful and took Tae Kwon Do classes for 6 years from the age of 24-30.

We know of several professional athletes who have crohn's disease during their playing years, including WWF wrestler George the Animal Steel, NFL QB David Garrard, NHL hockey player Kevin Dineen, and NFL offensive lineman Matt Light.

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7903017/matt-light-reveals-decade-long-battle-crohns

 

I'm super late on this post, but figured I'd chime in. I'm 35 now and have been boxing on and off since I was around 16. I've had symptoms most of my life, but I've been a fairly competitive amateur during that time. I'm not going to claim to be the greatest boxer, but I think many of my opponents would be surprised to learn the level of pain I'm operating on sometimes. I'm not gong to lie, sometimes I have needed to take time away as I was undiagnosed up until a couple of years ago and just felt like crap overall, but I feel like Chron's toughens me up. When I'm in remission I can probably walk through much more pain than someone who feels 'normal'. That means I'm able to walk through some guys I probably wouldn't have been able to otherwise. We live in a lot of pain, I know, but I have been able to channel that into somewhat of a positive (if you count being punched in the face a positive). I often wondered if I could have 'made it' if I didn't have Chron's, but as I've gotten older I have realized that the only reason I've been able to push myself through some of these fights and training while other guys my age drop off is because I have been forced to find a way to deal with pain and appear to function normally on a day-to-day basis. Without that I doubt I would have kept it up as long as I have....I've still got some left in the tank and I'm more aware of the disease now so who knows, I might be able to squeeze in a pro fight or two before I get too old...I'm sure I wouldn't be the first and I bet many athletes with Chron's have a similar feeling about it.