*Confused doctor with spouse who has Crohns*

[silveyk]

I am a confused doctor with a spouse who has had Crohn's and its associated arthritis for the past 2 years. We are currently riding out her first flare, and hoping it will end soon. Current drug regimen includes 6-MP, Asacol, Humira, and steroids, with as needed antispasmodics and laxatives. As a doctor, I must say I am not very thrilled with my gastrointestinal colleagues at the local University hospital. If anyone knows a good GI specialist in the southwest, please drop me a reply. I am also looking for a good probiotic. My spouse is currently using a probiotic by Jarrow. Also, I would be happy to receive any advice on laxatives and anti-inflammatory alternatives.

Thanks,

Dr. S

 

[ChampsMom]

Hi Doc,

Welcome... I'm a new member and it's my son (age 14) who was dx last year with Crohn's. I asked earlier a question about edible/drinkable aloe - and it seems to give a lot of folks "movement" - as for some folks said they couldn't take it while others love the effect.

I'm sure you'll find a lot of answers here - and support too...

 

[silveyk]

Champ's Mum

Thanks for the post. I found someone else who suggested mixing 4-oz of aloe vera juice with a cup of apple juice daily. I think I shall suggest my spouse try that. Thanks again, Dr. S

 

[Keona]

thanks for passing that on. I am using lactulose right now 30 ml twice a day along with senekot and colace. Sometimes I wonder if my bowels will get lazy using it. I will try the aloe and apple juice - thanks!.
A lot of people on here swear by flax seed capsules for anti-inflammatory. I am taking them but I really don't notice anything yet. Might be worth a try.
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here.
Hope your partner feels some relief soon

 

[Crohn's 35]

:Welcome: to the forum. So great of you to come on here and seek advice for your wife, she is a lucky lady. I was using VSL#3 for a probiotic, but it isnt cheap, but I heard in the states if you double the dose a prescription can be used and insurance will cover it. Not sure about that one. I also use gingerforce from New Chapter it really helps to take it to get rid of bloat, pain and helps other organs. http://www.newchapter.com/targeted-herbal-formulas/gingerforce.. if you are in the states, Amazon.com is the best place I found. I have had Crohns over 20 years, and trying to stay off meds. As you know vitmin D3 and b12 is crucial for her also. Hope this helps.

 

[xJillx]

Hi Dr. S and welcome! I am sorry you aren't happy with the GI team at your university hospital. To be honest, I am going to a large teaching hospital in Philadelphia, and I haven't been happy with the service either. I hope you find someone good soon. And as far as a probiotic, my GI suggested VSL #3. She was to call in the prescription, but hasn't yet. I hope it will help.

 

[Jer's Girl]

Hi Dr S! Where in the SW are you? I live in Albuquerque, and have a pretty great GI. Message me if you are in my area.

Also- Welcome to the forum!

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Dr. S and welcome!

Wow, your wife is on a pretty big cocktail of meds. I hope she starts to find some relief soon. There's lots of info floating around here about probiotics and other alternative treatments, so keep searching around. A lot of us take fish or krill oil, ginger and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Good luck to you and your wife - Amy

 

[CDDad]

Hi Dr. S,
I don't think we see too many doc's on here! Welcome to the forum. I had the same thoughts as Amy above - seems like alot of meds. She must be pretty sick. I always had diarrhea myself so certainly never needed a laxative. I don't think Asacol ever did a thing for me. But sure was expensive! Of course Humira too.

I hope she starts feeling better soon.

 

[KaLa]

Welcome. I use Healthy Trinity by Natren (probiotics). They have to be kept refrigerated and are expensive, but seem to help with diarrhea. I use Rowasa, which has the same ingredients as Asacol, and it does constipate me.

 

[mizgarnet]

Doc S- Aloe- the best I have found that will not cause more potty breaks is George's Always Active. I drink it when needed. L-glutamine (I apologise for the spelling) is very good. The pure powder will help stop the diarreah and it is healing. If constipation is an issue always take the L-glut with food. Boswellia is a good natural anti inflammatory.

I can only imagine how frustrating this is for you. Hugs to you both.

Wendy
PS... I am a holistic nutritutionist so pm me with any questions you may have. I am in remission and I have "tested" alot of things.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

Hi, Doc. Hope you and wife find a good GI doctor. Are they checking all your wife's nutrition? I have to have those blood tests done pretty often and take more vitamins than drugs.

Well, just in case - I'll share that I had a bad reaction to Asacol, and it gave me symptoms that appeared to be from my IBD. When I stopped taking it, the symptoms went away.

I don't need laxatives.

 

[mommytocrohn'steen]

Has anyone used TOTALLY TEA?? I do not have crohns (my son does). I have an issue with constipation, and totally tea is the best thing I have ever tried. I get it at my chiropractor, but I am sure you can ebay or amazon it.