Alleviation of flare-up symptoms

[mdstuart]

I know that everyone is different, however, I'm wondering what other people do during a Crohn's flare-up to alleviate symptoms. I am currently doing a full liquid diet and drinking lots of water but it's not doing anything. I'm on 150mg of Aza and PRN Percocet for pain (which I'm not taking now because I know the negative effects it can have on the disease). I just don't know what to try and I'm scared that I will end up back in the hospital.

My regular diet is vegetarian, no milk, no raw veggies, no spicy food, rare yogurt/cheese, no chocolate, no soy. Mostly rice/pasta/soups.


Advice?

 

[Terriernut]

I too go straight to a liquid diet. But you may need some help in the way of an anti inflamatory drug, be it entocort or pred. Dont let it get out of hand!
:ghug:

 

[mdstuart]

I started on Entocort and Pentasa before I started Aza. I have pred on hand but I haven't called my GI to tell him about this yet. I was just wondering if anyone has ever had some "magic" trick that has helped. I heard that ginger is a good anti-inflammartory. *sigh* I guess if there was a magic fix everyone would know about it.

 

[Avw]

What are your symptoms? Diarrhea? A lot of people swear by Psyllium Husks for diarrhea.

 

[mdstuart]

Uggghh the diarrhea. Yes. I live in the bathroom. But my pain is my biggest concern. I can't eat anything. I don't have sick time at work so I can't call in. I'm sufferring 12 hours a day at work and I just don't know what to do. It's been a long time since my last flare. I used to take L-glutamine powder, but because my meds at the time sucked, I didn't notice anything from it.

 

[Terriernut]

You really need to get to the GI. The longer it goes on the more damage it does.

 

[Avw]

Do a search on the forum for psyllium husks, there are lots of very informative posts on here about them.

For the stomach pain- I take lots of hot baths, or lay/sit in fetal position with a pillow and/or heating pad pressed against abdomen. Although, these things probably won't do you any good when you're at work... I could swear I've seen a small heated pillow from a store like Brookstone or something like it.

If you can't find one already made, you could get one of those pillow pets or just any small pillow, insert a small heating pad, plug it in at your desk and Voila!

You should still go see a doctor, though. But hopefully those tricks will help you get by until your appointment.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

 

[Avw]

Also- try taking Probiotics. I can definitely tell a difference when I don't take them!

 

[Ozboz]

Try juicing and take some curcumin/tumeric they have anti inflammatory properties i dunno my flares seem to pass when doing this I'm in pain now but my fault i had a family dinner and indulged a bit more than i should of so from tomorrow i'm juice fasting cause i feel pain coming on and on top of that my crohns always reminds me its constantly there so a juice fast will be the best thing juice fast are good cause your getting all the vitamins and benefits of the veg but you strip the fiber so it doesnt have to get digested and your gut has a rest so with all the nutrients your giving your body a chance to fight if the flare thats just my way

 

[mdstuart]

Yeah, I know I need to call my doc. I will try the psyllium husks! I made some juice this morning in the juicer and I'm drinking that here at work. Unfortunately, I work in a hospital and I can't sit down for long periods at a time. I hate seeing my patients while I'm in pain and agony myself. It's a tough front to put on. :frown:

 

[2thFairy]

Often I have used the ThermaCare HeatWraps that wrap around and are secured with velcro http://www.thermacare.com/why-heat-therapy?s_kwcid=TC|18049|heating pad||S|p|13102377636 that are made for lower back and hip, and just wear them backwards so the heat is on my abdomen. They last for about 6 to 8 hours and are completely portable (no cords!) They are only one-use and throw them away after you are done. They really saved me while at work years ago when I was a machine operator and standing/moving all day.