A question for LDN users -- just curious

[JDTM]

I'm under the impression that many of those of you who have taken LDN have done a lot of research in general on IBD, and I suspect that many of you use LDN in combination with some other sort of therapy/medication/diet. What I'm wondering is this: Is there anyone out there who's taking LDN to control their Crohn's but not much else?

I ask this because I've done a lot of research too, and while I try to take care of my body, I'm not doing much beyond taking Pentasa and the usual vitamin supplements, and I'm not adhering to any sort of strict diet. (Actually, it's safe to say that my diet got pretty lax over the holidays.) Is anyone out there in the same boat, or do many of you use LDN in combination with other approaches?

I know that David is a fan of the "nuke-it-from-orbit" approach, and I am generally in favor of that as well. That said, I'm feeling pretty OK, and my diet is nowhere near as limited as it was when I was first diagnosed and flaring, so aside from being religious about taking my meds, I pretty much have reverted to a pre-diagnosis lifestyle. Many here on LDN seem to be doing great as well, but I keep reading about things like medical marijuana, gluten/dairy-free diets, and so on.

Interested in what everyone else on here thinks.

 

[JDTM]

You can choose multiple answers in this poll.

 

[ctrl z]

I chose diet, 5ASA, MM, and other (the other being supplements and physical activity).

I feel that if you are going this route, that it is important that you do everything for yourself that is humanly possible to improve your health mainly because it's not "nuking it from orbit". I figure that if I'm taking the path least traveled by, I should do everything I can to guarantee success. If I'm not successful, then at least I know I tried my best. If I have to move on to stronger therapies, then I will continue doing everything I can to be in the best physical condition I can be in just so I will have a better chance of success.

 

[JDTM]

I hear you, and I agree. I do take a few supplements as described in my signature, and I also keep myself active (walk or bike to work every day, spin class at least once per week), and I try to eat relatively healthy. I eat better than I did pre-diagnosis, that's for sure. On the other hand, I'm not on SCD or gluten-free or anything like that, so I was wondering about where everyone else was at. I realize that many people taking LDN are feeling pretty good, so I was wondering who can conclusively say that it's the LDN making all the difference, and not some sort of combination.

In the sense that you describe it, you're absolutely right -- this is not the "nuke it from orbit" approach in that you're not absolutely clobbering minor symptoms with the most heavy-duty western medicines available. I guess what I meant by that was a comprehensive approach -- diet, meds, lifestyle, supplements, alternative therapies, etc. -- in dealing with IBD, as opposed to simply taking a pill and not doing anything else differently, hoping that it works. And as we all know, IBD is so different for everyone -- I'm sure there are people who CAN simply pop a pill and lead a relatively normal life without flaring for long periods of time.

 

[Kev]

I have been taking 4g of 5-ASA (Salofalk) with my LDN, but I stopped the Salofalk early in December, and... so far, so good. Considering all the negative press that 5-ASA has had recently, and that it seemingly isn't considered effective or efficacious (sp?), or that some insurers won't cover it because it is considered ineffective, and that there is major concern about the side effects of taking it.... well, I figured... the LDN has seen me thru a lot... so lets see how it handles going up against Crohns solo, without the help of 5-ASA.

 

[Laura44]

I just recently diagnosed with Crohn's and started LDN about 10 weeks ago as my first choice of treatment - seeing progress! The D stopped almost immediately. I have started several supplements and really understand the diet part of this. I know there are foods I can't eat so I am avoiding certain foods for sure and others just because I am scared what they might do. I am reading about SDC and juicing....so much info to soak up.

Kev I am anxious to hear more about how you do after you stop the other med. Please keep us posted! And can I ask what supps you are on?

 

[LittleChloe]

As far as prescriptions go Chloe only takes Ldn. I tried to get her to stick to a diet but she felt good so she wasn't motivated to do it. She eats healthfully and we don't do junk food around here but otherwise no special diet. We do use colloidal silver and aloe vera juice in addition to the regular vitamins and minerals.

 

[Kev]

Will do. I will say that the bouts of killer heartburn I've been having on an almost daily basis stopped... and the cramping of extremities (esp. feet/legs... damned charlie horses) have also gone. I also notice a dramatic decrease in the almost 'allergy' like symptoms that I experience with my 1st BM. It may be coincidental, but it is a damned remarkable one.

As for supplements.. in a nutshell... Generic 50+ daily vitamin, wild salmon oil, and yogurt containing probiotics.

 

[Jmrogers4]

We are pretty much the same as Little Chloe.
We try and minimize the gluten and he probably should be taking a multi-vitamin but we both always forget. He does eat pretty healthy, not a lot of sweets (doesn't care for them) and loves his veggies.