What is MrBeast Disease? Exploring YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson's Crohn's Diagnosis

What is MrBeast Disease? Exploring Jimmy Donaldson's Crohn's Diagnosis

Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson is an incredibly popular YouTube personality and philanthropist. In 2017, at just 19 years old, he announced he had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. This revelation led many fans to start referring to Crohn's as "MrBeast disease." Here's an in-depth look at what exactly MrBeast disease is and how Jimmy Donaldson handles life with this challenging chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Who is MrBeast?

For those unfamiliar, Jimmy Donaldson (born May 7, 1998), better known by his online alias MrBeast, is an American YouTuber, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He started his MrBeast YouTube channel in 2012 at the young age of 13.

His channel found huge popularity among younger viewers through stunts, challenging videos, massive giveaways, and acts of charity. He was named the 2021 Creator of the Year and is one of the highest paid YouTubers in the world.

Jimmy's Crohn's Disease Diagnosis

In May 2017, at age 19, Jimmy Donaldson uploaded a YouTube video titled I Have Crohn's Disease. In this emotional video, he explained to fans that he had been diagnosed with Crohns disease after dealing with symptoms like mouth ulcers, bloody stools, and fatigue.

The Crohns diagnosis came after his health issues had worsened over the previous two years. He had undergone an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy which confirmed inflammation consistent with Crohns disease.

While coming to terms with a lifelong chronic condition was difficult, Jimmy expressed determination to not let Crohn's define him. He assured fans he would continue pursuing his passion of creating fun videos, while managing his health.

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract, but most commonly impacts the end of the small intestine and beginning of the colon.

Some key facts about Crohn's disease include:

• Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition.
• Complications can include strictures, fistulas, bowel obstructions.
• Causes are unknown, likely autoimmune and genetic factors.
• No medical cure, requires lifelong management.
• Periods of remission alternating with flare ups.
• Can start at any age, often diagnosed in teens/young adults.
• Higher risk for colorectal cancer.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, achieving remission, improving quality of life, and preventing complications through medications, diet, and sometimes surgery.

MrBeast's Crohn's Battle and Treatment

Since his diagnosis, Jimmy Donaldson has been open about his struggles and treatments for Crohn's in interviews and social media.

He manages flares with medications like Remicade, an intravenous TNF-alpha inhibitor. He also follows a modified diet, avoiding triggers like pop, candy, and fried/greasy foods which can exacerbate GI inflammation.

In 2018, two sections of his small intestine had narrowed significantly due to inflammation and scar tissue, requiring surgery to remove those sections. Intestinal strictures are a common complication of Crohn's.

He continues to adjust his diet, stress levels, and activity to try to stay in remission. However, he still experiences periodic flares, stating in a 2020 interview that he was back on prednisone after a recent flare up.

Despite the challenges of living with Crohn's, Jimmy continues to maintain a remarkably positive attitude and outlook.

Raising Crohn's Awareness

Being one of the most influential and followed creators on YouTube, Jimmy Donaldson has used his platform to raise awareness about Crohn's disease. His openness has helped educate millions of fans worldwide about this poorly understood condition.

He partnered with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, filming a promotional video for their #GetMeToTheBathroom campaign which highlights the need for understanding that people with IBD often urgently need restroom access.

He frequently responds to fans asking for advice about their own Crohn's diagnoses, encouraging them to stay strong. He hopes increased understanding will remove stigmas around bowel diseases.

Life with Crohn's Disease: Coping and Support

For both MrBeast and the nearly 800,000 other Americans living with Crohn's, the disease can be unpredictable, painful, isolating, and frustrating to deal with. But there are many ways to manage symptoms and live well with this condition.

Understanding Flares

Crohn's symptoms come and go in cycles of flares and remission. Identifying and avoiding personal flare triggers is key to reducing symptoms:

• Stress management
• Balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Adequate sleep and exercise
• Avoiding smoking
• OTC and prescription medications as directed

Finding the Right Treatment

Everyone's Crohn's is different. An effective treatment plan may include:

• Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) to reduce inflammation
• Corticosteroids to treat moderate to severe flares
• Immunomodulators
• Biologic therapies
• Antibiotics
• Nutritional therapy
• Surgery for complications

Work closely with your doctor to find the right medications to induce and maintain remission.

Eating a Crohn's-Friendly Diet

While no specific diet can cure Crohn's, certain foods may help minimize symptoms while providing balanced nutrition:

• Low fiber fruits and vegetables like bananas, applesauce, cooked carrots
• Lean protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy
• Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts
• Limit dairy, fat, processed foods if they trigger symptoms
• Stay hydrated
• Take vitamins to correct deficiencies

Finding Support Systems

Don't go through Crohn's alone. Support groups, forums, friends and family, and mental health counselors can help you cope with emotional and social challenges.

Making Lifestyle Adjustments

Adapt your daily life to reduce stress and accommodate symptoms through steps like:

• Carrying extra clothes or supplies in case of accidents
• Planning for frequent bathroom access when away from home
• Building in rest periods and saying no to overcommitting
• Working remotely if possible
• Talking to supervisors about accommodations

Seeking Emergency Care if Needed

Promptly seek emergency medical treatment for severe symptoms like high fever, vomiting, inability to drink fluids, or intense abdominal pain which could indicate a bowel obstruction or perforation.

Outlook for MrBeast and Others Living with Crohn's

Currently there is no medical cure for Crohn's disease. However, new research provides hope for better treatments and potentially a cure within the coming decades.

Jimmy Donaldson and the millions of others living with Crohn's can still live full, successful, and productive lives with proper disease management and support.

Thanks to the courage of high profile figures like MrBeast openly sharing their journeys, there is increasing public understanding and support for those affected by this challenging lifelong condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.