Todd Helton Being Treated for Crohn's Disease

A two-day battery of tests and subsequent laboratory analysis at Rose Medical Center in Denver has confirmed that Rockies first baseman Todd Helton suffers from exacerbations of Crohn's Disease. Crohn's Disease causes Todd Helton to suffer from an inflammation of the gastrointestinal system that can lead to various ramifications, including abdominal discomfort and fever due to infected ulceration. Todd Helton, 32, who was put on the 15-day disabled list after suffering painful stomach cramps and a high temperature last Friday, is resting comfortably at home after being treated with anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics. Helton's diet is being modified and he has been placed on a regimen of light excercise. There is no timetable for Helton's return. Crohn's Disease is treatable but virtually incurable and in rare cases can lead to fatal complications. In Helton's case the manifestation is concentrated at the end of the lower intestine, being diagnosed as terminal ileitis, one of many variations of Crohn's Disease. Tennessee Volunteers quarterback A.J. Suggs also suffers from Crohn's Disease. Helton is also a former Volunteers quarterback.