Back in 09 I was finally diagnosed with PTSD, and shortly after Crohn's. Since 09 I've gained about sixty pounds, mostly due to my PTSD meds, so my doctor doesn't seem to take me seriously about my Crohn's getting worse. I'm in the bathroom several times a day and it's always a loose stool. All my doctor has me on is 6 375mg tablets of Mesalamine every morning, but it doesn't seem to be helping. What should I do?
Combat Veteran with Crohn's
- Thread starter BLangston
- Start date
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It's my GIs PA. Being that it's service connected I go to the VA for treatmen of my Crohn's. I've even gone so far as to say that I want the colon resection done, but the VA is all about putting a band-aid on a sucking chest wound. I can understand that they deal with a lot of vets, but at the same time I can't afford to go to an outside specialist. Hell I haven't even had a colonoscopy since my first one in July of 09.
Angrybird
Moderator
Hello and welcome to the forum.
I am sorry to hear you having difficulties the doc, just because you have gained weight does not mean your tum is fine - that is such an ignorant way of looking at things. Is it possible to ask to see someone new? Do you get any other symptoms with the loose BM's such as pain etc? Have any bloods been done recently to check inflammation levels? Is the Mesalamine the only med you have ever been on for the crohn's? Do you notice sny improvement with dietary changes? It certainly seems like this should be looked into further especially beings your last scope was done so long ago.
AB
xx
I am sorry to hear you having difficulties the doc, just because you have gained weight does not mean your tum is fine - that is such an ignorant way of looking at things. Is it possible to ask to see someone new? Do you get any other symptoms with the loose BM's such as pain etc? Have any bloods been done recently to check inflammation levels? Is the Mesalamine the only med you have ever been on for the crohn's? Do you notice sny improvement with dietary changes? It certainly seems like this should be looked into further especially beings your last scope was done so long ago.
AB
xx
Pretty vague description but some things I rely on are:
-1 or 2 Papaya enzymes chewed with big meals (I use NOW Brand)
-4 (2 in morning/2 dinner)enteric coated fish oil caps, 850 mg of actual omega3s each (Source Naturals Ultra Potency 120caps)
-2 or 3 drops (3x daily) of liquid paracasei/curvatis probiotics (livingstreamsmission.com) no refrigeration required
-1 cap (3x a day)curcumin (NOW/Doctor's Best etc.)
Go to a big online retailer for good prices. Just some pointers.
-1 or 2 Papaya enzymes chewed with big meals (I use NOW Brand)
-4 (2 in morning/2 dinner)enteric coated fish oil caps, 850 mg of actual omega3s each (Source Naturals Ultra Potency 120caps)
-2 or 3 drops (3x daily) of liquid paracasei/curvatis probiotics (livingstreamsmission.com) no refrigeration required
-1 cap (3x a day)curcumin (NOW/Doctor's Best etc.)
Go to a big online retailer for good prices. Just some pointers.
If you dont mind me asking, are you retired or were you med separated?
David
Co-Founder
Hi there and welcome 
Unfortunately, many VA doctors may not have much experience with IBD because that's one of the quickest ways to get a medical discharge. I'm not surprised that mesalamine isn't helping you much considering it isn't even approved for use in Crohn's Disease. It's approved for use in Ulcerative Colitis, another form of IBD, but the diseases are VERY different and no mesalamine has done well enough to get approved for Crohn's. Point being, if the mesalamine isn't doing much for you, you really need to get on a new medication. But first, you need a colonoscopy, CTE, MRE, or something so they can evaluate your disease state. Fight for it.
All my best to you.
Unfortunately, many VA doctors may not have much experience with IBD because that's one of the quickest ways to get a medical discharge. I'm not surprised that mesalamine isn't helping you much considering it isn't even approved for use in Crohn's Disease. It's approved for use in Ulcerative Colitis, another form of IBD, but the diseases are VERY different and no mesalamine has done well enough to get approved for Crohn's. Point being, if the mesalamine isn't doing much for you, you really need to get on a new medication. But first, you need a colonoscopy, CTE, MRE, or something so they can evaluate your disease state. Fight for it.
All my best to you.
- Joined
- May 5, 2012
- Messages
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If you are not happy with your care, request a new primary care provider at the VA. They are the gatekeeper for all specialty care like GI consults. If you are still unhappy with your care, go to the patient advocate and you will likely get the care you deserve. It depends on the VA, but my husband is a veteran and had ischemic colitis that was treated by a VA. I thought his care was better than any I have ever received. He had endoscopy/colonoscopy, CT scan, liver ultrasound, tons of blood work and follow up CT a few months later. Point being...VA's can and should have excellent specialist. Best wishes in navigating the system and getting the care you deserve.
