CHE Standards

Keith Said:

HGH and Crohn's Disease?

We Answered:

hi nothing, I am a female crohn's pt. for 28 yrs. dxed at the age of 12.

Check out the Crohn's & Colitis foundation's site for information on that topic as well as others including diet, surgery, coping, locating a local CCFA support chapter, as well as using their live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts well versed in IBD. There is even an open forum where you can post questions to others in the same situation.

I didn't have any trouble growing seeing as I was started on treatment asap. Ask your GI if you are a candidate for the newer ones--Entocort, Imuran, 6MP, humira, or remicade. Best of luck to you.

Tammy Said:

Crohn's disease...questions?

We Answered:

Colonoscopy's stink...don't they....well the prep sure does anyway. The actual test isn't that bad since you are sleeping.

Like yourself, I freaked out when I heard I might have Crohns. I read the stuff on the internet and started thinking about my funeral. Eight years later, I am married, have a daughter, and don't have plans on dieing anytime soon. My road hasn't been easy but I will be happy to tell you more if you wish to click on my pic and email me.

Contact the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America if you do have Crohns. They are a great foundation for people with Crohns.

www.ccfa.org

Lois Said:

Crohn's disease, need some advice?

We Answered:

hi monroe, i am a female crohn's pt. for 28 yrs. My heart goes out to you. I am on Entocort myself. It takes a few weeks or more for it to kick in. It depends on how the pt.'s body reacts to it.

If you check out the Crohn's & Colitis site, it has information on dietary needs in IBD (crohn's or ulcerative colitis) pts., women's issues, coping skills, surgery, as well as locating a local support chapter near you and an open forum where you can post questions to others with IBD.

CCFA has a great bookstore w/material on a range of topics. I purchased a great book by the American Dietetic Association. Guide to Better Digestion written by Leslie Bonci MPH,RD. Registered dieticians have experience w/folks who have a variety of illnesses and need to be on special diets. The topics covered range from IBD, diverticulitis, nausea, the big "D" or "C", IBS, heartburn, lactose intolerance, etc. It is my bible whenever I flare b/c it offers realistic information on what to and what not to do when the gut is inflamed.

Ask you GI for something for stomach spasms like Bentyl and for pain like Tylenol 3, Demerol, or Darvocet. You are entitled to that as a patient to be made comfortable. My GI told me this when I saw him last week and I was miserable due to pain in my gut. That time of the month may increase your symptoms so keep an eye on that.

I feel for you as I have been there myself and know what it's like to be in pain and feel so alone.

Feel better.

Jaime Said:

How do I get Inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's diagnosed?

We Answered:

They're not going to give it to you for IBS, but if you have Crohn's disease you would know it. Crohn's destroys intestines and you die from it because there is no cure. They have to keep removing portions of your intestines. My professor last semester lost her best friend to the disease and she was only in her 40s. I suggest taking a fiber supplement daily. If you take metamucil with only a third of the water it recommends it will bulk up your stool and your stomach will not rumble as much.

Philip Said:

Crohn’s Disease and Jury Duty?

We Answered:

hi devil, i am a crohn's pt. like yourself. I've had it for 29 yrs. and I feel your pain.

I'd definitely have your GI write you another note.

The Crohns and Colitis foundation of america has information that can help you as well. They have a live chat, hotline, and a forum u can post questions to others like yourself.

FYI: the chat and hotline are run by healthcare professionals well versed in IBD and are open during the week. good luck.

Rebecca Said:

Crohn's Disease and Meds?

We Answered:

hi mel, I am a female crohn's pt. for 28 yrs. dxed at the age of 12.

Probiotics are great to maintain the good bacteria in the gut. I was told by a dietician that yogurt is really good to eat for crohnies like us.

Your best bet would be to see a dietician to work w/your husband & set up a meal plan for him. Try a hospital or ask the doctor for a referral.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has a website you can access that has tons of information ranging from diet, probiotics, surgery, newer treatments, to locating a local ccfa chapter near you. They provide educational & support group meetings. Definitely look into it. There is also a hotline & live chat that is run by healthcare experts well versed in IBD (crohn's or uc). They have an open forum where pts. and family members can post questions to others in the same situation.

Have your husband ask his GI if he is a candidate for the newer treatments--Entocort, 6MP, Imuran, remicade, or humira. Also, pts. are entitled to be on some sort of pain mgt. while flaring such as Bentyl for stomach spasms, a muscle relaxer if the back is sore, and a narcotic such as Demerol, Darvocet, Tylenol 3, etc.

I wish him a speedy remission that lasts a life time and I applaud you for wanting to stand by his side and see him through his illness.

Feel free to email me if you have questions.