Why is it important to be diagnosed quickly with EN?

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,Thanks to those members who have already completed our newest "Poll Question" re length of time to be properly diagnosed with EN You may wonder why is it even important to get quickly diagnosed since there is not yet a "universal cure" for EN. Among the reasons I can think of are:1. Since EN is often a marker for something else happening like an infection, a serious illness, or even cancer, letting EN go unidentified loses time to properly treat the underlying trigger. 2. If you don't know you have EN, you may not know how to treat yourself to encourage remission. The literature still quotes old writings that state that bedrest with leg elevation is important. It also states that rarely do patients get EN chronically. However, our Group Members aren't usually advised to spend weeks in bed, and many of us ARE suffering from EN chronically. I do not know if chronic EN will shorten our lives. EN is an inflammatory illness, and from what I have read about inflammation recently, it may lead to cardio-vascular disease.I have had EN for 38 yrs now. I am 58 yrs. old, and I DO wonder if EN will shorten my life. EN certainly is NOT a nuissance rash to be dismissed by our doctors. I still have not heard from "Dear Abby", but I am hopeful she will publish my letter so that EN becomes more recognized by both patients and doctors.Love,Idiopathic EN '68