Alcoholism and crohn's

[mschelle0370]

My husband was just diagnosed with Crohn's. He is an alcoholic. Although I am not proud of it, it is what it is. He has tried to stop but that isn't the issue here. With his diagnosis and his alcoholism the doctors pretty much told him that there is nothing they can do until he stops drinking. (His liver tests are elevated). I realize that this is an issue that needs to get under control and we are working toward that goal, but in the meantime he is having severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and is barely eating. Is there any medications we can try to suggest to the doctor or any advice (other than the obvious) that someone has to help him? Thanks.

 

[nativesith]

Antibotics like lansoprazole - clarithromcyin - amoxicillin (HP Pak) or Flagyl and metrozinidal helped me feel better. Try Ensure...gatorade and a low residue diet(google it).
Hugs and prayers.

 

[SarahBear]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

I'm a little confused as to why they won't go ahead and start treatment. Did they give a specific reason? As for antibiotics, they could help but avoid Flagyl as taking it with alcohol can cause a bad reaction. I'm not sure if treating with antibiotics is an option if they don't want to actually treat him now. There is the option of adhering to a diet to try to help his symptoms - you can read about the specific diets here: Diets and Supplements for Crohn's Disease and other IBD.

Has he sought a second opinion on this?

:hug: I hope things get better soon!

 

[CrohnsChicago]

I think in your husbands case attacking the alcoholism is definitely a top priority. The medications we tend to get for treatment of crohn's aren't light on the body.

For someone with alcoholism, certain medications could definitely risk causing too many complications. For example, medications like Imuran, azathioprine and 6MP need use of the liver to break down the medication and have their own potential risks for liver damage.

And UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you drink alcohol while on Flagyl and even on the first few days after stopping the medication . The immediate risks associated with the combination are too great.

I would create a stronger dialogue with his doctors and maybe even get a 2nd opinion with regards to the severity of his disease and his treatment options.

In the meantime, definitely look up the information on diets that SaraBear kindly provided. While food changes cannot cure crohn's, they can definitely ease up symptoms for many people.

 

[nativesith]

It is like what I ave been through. Some nurses said I did this to myself with alcohol. Did na believe me when I said I dont. I tried drinking LONG ago and it made my stomach worse every time. It burned all the way down and made me bleed. Why would anyone put themselves through that when it was na fun at all.
Many make calls like this labeling and refusing to help since they think we ave done this to ourselves.
Thanks for the info on Flagyl and alcohol consumption SarahBear, learn something new everyday . But then again would na alcohol not mix with any type of medication?
It has to be hard struggling with two diseases. Wish I could help more.

My uncle, I know has Crohns and he was a heavy drinker all of his life. I am extremely worried about him. I am worried about his liver and what medications he could take. He is in really bad shape now .
I really do appreciate and am thankful for this information provided today.
This will help.