Complete Crohn's 'Dummy'

[morgane]

As of yesterday I have a 98% certain diagnosis of Crohn's! Woop-dee-doo. I had a colonoscopy and the remaining 2% will most likely come next week with results from the biopsies.
Glad I didn't bother roaming the internet for colonoscopy stories actually, mine apparently went swimmingly in comparison - only had four bowel movements from the Picolax (I admittedly did throw some of it up), my doctor was very friendly and I had chats with the nurses about what TV series we watched. Some pain although I am clearly immune to sedation and they were able to go right into my small intestine.

So yes until last week when the gastroenterologist booked me for my colonoscopy, I had no idea Crohn's even existed. The doctor yesterday said that I would get more info in my consultation next week but in the mean time I have barely any idea about what I can and can't eat. What I've been told (by the internet) to stay away from are the following:

• brown bread/rice/pasta
• milk or cream etc
• butter
• broccoli (sp?), cauliflower, cabbage
• mushrooms
• fruit and vegetable skins
• nuts

Is that all true? I am addicted to cream, I have it with anything - meat, pasta, cake, literally anything. (No worries I am not overweight). Any other things I should stay away from? I know Crohn's varies a lot from person to person and I have a dietitian lined up, but this is all just in the mean time.

Sorry that's so much to read. :boring: But here I am.

 

[Grumbletum]

Hello there, and a big warm welcome. Sorry to hear your diagnosis, but it sounds like you have a good medical team supporting you. Diet can be a very individual thing for Crohnies, but the list you've found does contain a lot of 'aggravators.'
What kind of symptoms do you have?

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome :bigwave: The diagnosis sucks but it's good you had a team on your side for the scope. I'm afraid dairy can be a problem for most crohnies but if you have it and definetly do not have problems then eat it, if you do get a crumbly tummy perhaps have it as a treat every once in a while. I also ask what symptoms you currently have? Also have you been given any meds or do you have to wait for the appt?

 

[Terriernut]

Welcome! You are right that it varies from individual to individual as far as diet goes. We really have to try and see what happens with each food. For instance, dairy doesnt bother me in the least. Neither does cauliflower or broccolli for that matter. But put nuts or popcorn in me, and just wheel me into the A&E. Mexican food, no problem! Wine...no problem!

See...different for everyone. But my problem has always been the big D, not constipation. So, if you have C your dietary issues can be different.

Lots to see and learn on this forum, please, take advantage. And I hope you stay well!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[morgane]

Thanks all. My symptoms are mostly abdominal pain, but also joint ache (hip + back), and tiredness. Interestingly no D or C! Yay. Will see how long that lasts without insoluble fiber now though.

As of yet no signs of specific foods but I have been brought A&E on some really bad nights. How long does it usually take for the effects of a 'bad' food to be felt?

 

[Terriernut]

I'm usually affected pretty quickly. As in minutes sometimes. But again, it depends on what it is.

I realize alot of people think it's all about certain foods with Crohns, but it isnt really. Or at least, thats not the whole picture.

 

[Kelly2]

Welcome to the board

Looks like everyone has done a good job answering your question.

The only thing I would like to add, is that if you find that you cannot have dairy and miss having the cream, there is non-dairy cream that you can substitute it for. If you live in the States, I think there is one called Silk non-dairy creamer - looks like a carton of milk.

 

[morgane]

Back! Lol sorry exams, trips.

My symptoms are abdominal pains, mouth ulcers, sleepiness, and hip&back pain. Interestingly no diarrhea or constipation.

Parents are going wild reading everything they can about Chron's, we are hopefully getting a referral to another hospital in London that have a specialist or two which is/are apparently very good. I am convinced by the elemental feeding method but not sure when to time it with my AS levels being in May. We'll see.

I am being quite strict with myself with the insoluble fibre. I am also cutting down on dairy, hardly any milk and cream, now use olive oil spread instead of butter.

What's annoying is people telling me "you can't just stop eating fibre, it is essential for a healthy digestive system"! NEWS FLASH I am not a total moron..

Thanks everyone!

 

[slightlysilly]

Welcome to the board!

You're going to find a wealth of info here for all of your questions. (or most of them 0anyway) You'll find that the most perplexing thing is that no one really goes by the same diet... I've tried juicing (which actually works for me but doesn't for others) and going low residue... but it's so individual and with a new diagnosis it's hard to weed through the information and find answers... BUT we're all in this boat together, so welcome!!