Can smoking be detrimental to diagnosis chances?

[crag]

The title says it all really!

I'm just a little curious about this as I've been a regular smoker for several years and have been trying to get a diagnosis for the last year. I've read up on much of the info on here and wondered whether I'm actually hampering my chances? I know it's a delicate subject and is still lacking a lot of scientific fact but wondered if anybody has any experience of trying to get a diagnosis whilst being a smoker?

Thanks for any input, take care.

 

[vonfunk]

yes.
Marijuana is used as a treatment option and some people are using it completely as the only method of treatment to various levels of success. It can be masking symptoms.

 

[crag]

Hi vonfunk,

Many thanks for the speedy reply. I wasn't aware that some people are using it as their sole means of treatment, it's certainly given me some food for thought!

I have another test coming up on Tuesday, I'll mention it to a doctor if I see one and see what they have to say. Thanks again for the input and nice to meet you too.

Take care of yourself.

 

[effdee]

In addition to what vonfunk said marijuana can be anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is usually one of the main signs of IBD. There isn't enough research to tell you much more than that, unfortunately. The best I know to say is to work with your doctor. Hopefully he/she has some insight.

 

[vonfunk]

There are some people who can use it as the sole means of but with any medication it depends on the severity of the disease.

Actually there is lots of research, NORML has lots of links to medical studies. The cannabids interact with the CBD receptors lining the gut which delivers the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties directly to the digestive tract. As a muscle relaxant it helps smooth the muscles helping to reduce the cramping. And it acts as a mild TNF inhibitor, which is the same method of action as Remicade and other biologics, although it's not nearly as strong.

 

[crag]

Thanks for the added input, a bit more info is always welcome!

I'm definitely going to approach the subject the next time I have a face to face consultation, here's hoping the doctor has some decent insight!

Thanks again and take care.

 

[vonfunk]

Doctors can be surprising. When I switched GIs they asked for what medications I use I am always straight forward an put the approximate amount of pot I smoke each day. My new GI looked at and said "really that's it, that's not very much at all".