Hello buggy!
I was also 30 when the Crohns hit. I am now 46, male, married two kids.
Hard to say what is in store for you as it affects everyone different. Not gonna lie,the last 16 years have been a bitch for me, but ya do what ya gotta do. I am very thankful to have wonderful kids. Having known me with Crohns all my life, i often feel they understand me more than more adults. They are 13 and 10.
Over the years I have had numerous hospitalizations, but so far i have always bounced back. I have been dependent on 5-10 mg a day of prednisone for 16 years. No others meds have worked for me. I seem to tolerate the prednisone better than most but it is starting to take its toll. Had an abscess drained a few times, but so far no major surgeries.
I am fortunate to live in MN and treat at the Mayo. About three years ago i started developing strictures and they have recommended it all come out. I have said no to that and seem to struggle on. So far I have avoided major surgery, but i feel the writing is on the wall there.
Over time you learn to avoid the things that cause you to flare, and since there is no cure you do have to become your own doctor over time. You have to learn to take care of yourself, because it will get old for others fast , lol. This site is an amazing place to start. As i read these posts it occurs to me that except for re-sections, i have experienced just about everything everyone else here talks about.
My biggest regret with Crohns is the loss of athleticism. At 30 i was incredibly fit, playing tennis and basketball almost every day. At 46 I have the cardio of someone twenty years older. I wish I could have stayed on track a little more there, despite the energy drain and pain. My best advice is to stay as fit as your disease will let you. As cliche as it may sound, you have to enjoy the little things more with a chronic disease.