Everything flares up my crohns I am past worrying about it. I just pass blood throw up pass gas bloat up have diaria then constipation and gerd 5 minutes later Insides hurt guts twist and I just move on whatever I don’t even care. I stopped eating and tryi to bodybuilding in my 20s becasue of it but I am in my 40s no longer going to allow it to limit me going to do what I want to do
I actually had a bit of a flare up right before the night show at the contest guys were twisted the problem is when I flex my abs it also puts stress in the guts I often feel sick after flexing the abs
On one hand I admire you for sucking it up and not letting this stuff hold you back from bodybuilding.
On the other hand, I'm sure you already know that the bodybuilding is "optional".
We were BOTH in the military so I don't need to remind you what's "required " vs " optional" for one's survival.
EVERYTHING has some form of risk and we all need something to go for.
I'd be a f'n hypocrite to even suggest nobody needs to go hard and compete in bodybuilding.
Believe it or not, your current competition example , makes me reflect on my bodybuilding life.
Part of me would rather compete again and get last, then just stand by and watch others.
Then reality kicks in and my own "issues"* kick me in the ass and jolt me back to reality.
*I'm 62 now with ostero-arthritis in the right shoulder, shot low back and surgically reattached achilles tendon.
LOL, my fuked up shoulder prevents me from doing a correct lat pose/position ( 100% serious).
Oh course when I read your issues, it makes it tougher to have a viable excuse LOL.
I really do admire you sucking it up and just going for it as you deal with various health issues.
Let's be honest and just admit , they'd still be there, regardless of your bodybuilding, so WTF.

Enough rambling and I sincerely want to wish you success on your new BB quest.
Maybe this statements will provide some insight into me and give you some food for thought.
" I loved bodybuilding and gave it my best. Sadly, bodybuilding never really loved me back."
