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Crohnies with Diabetes Support Group

Hi everyone,
Just wondered if anyone out there living with both conditions would like a support group where we could share our stories? Where we could rejoice in our successes and empathize on our negatives......This is my story....

1996 Insulin dependant diabetes diagnosed, my children were only little so I thought I need to look after myself so that I can be around for them. I did really well the first couple of years then it went pear shaped and no matter what I did my HbA1c was never below 9!! ...

1999 Started to experience extreme hip pain, then my SI joint got sore, I plagued my Dr until I paid for a private rheumatology appt, got physio and it improved :) ....

2009 Lost my amazing mum very suddenly to cancer 2 days after my fortieth birthday :( :(

2010 experiencing left shoulder and right wrist pain, had surgery on both 4 months apart, the wrist was first. Took much longer to heal than expected and lost my job as a result :( ....

2011 now having lots of joint pains kept asking my gp if they were related but he kept saying no. My diabetes was taking a bit of abuse so was having lots of highs and lows. Was still doing daily physio for shoulder, wrist and then left Achilles where I discovered a lump, turns out I have a lypoma wrapped around my Achilles. I was beginning to get embarrassed every time I turned to for physio cos it was my gps answer for everything! Lol......

2012 Starting to think I'm in a body of a 90 year old!! Most of me hurts. Then I discover a book called think like a pancreas, it was amazing, really helped and I got my HbA1c down to 8 for the first time in years, the result prior to that had been over 10 so I was overjoyed :)) I lost weight and was exercising and thought I was getting control of my life back, even started looking for a new job......Then in Nov I pulled a muscle in my abdomen, or so I thought. Had to go to hospital when it got unbearable, was kept in for 2 weeks and that's when crohns joined my life. One week before Christmas I had my first laser treatment for diabetic maculopathy.

2013 since then I have found life to be really difficult, I have been diagnosed with OA in my lumbar spine with protrusion of 2 discs, also OA in my right hand (which consultant says will never get better after the surgery). I've had more laser treatment. My diabetes and crohns don't like each other lol, I'm still having tests now checking for strictures then hopefully decide a plan for meds. Until then my diabetes is on the back boiler but as long as I keep doing what I'm doing my Dr is happy :)

My daughter suggested I joined a forum to get some support and she found this one for me, it was one of the best gifts she gave me. I would love to here from anyone living with IBD and Diabetes, please come and share your stories.
 
Hi Lizbeth and welcome to the forum!

I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes in my early thirties but did not use any medication until my early forties. I was just shy of my 47th birthday when I was diagnosed with Crohn's. The two diseases have not mixed well for me. Prednisone was a nightmare for my bg levels and veggies,fruit and fiber irritate the Crohn's. I just started taking Humira weekly and that has greatly helped with the Crohn's induce arthritis and urgent trips to the bathroom! I am still working on getting better control of the diabetes and just started insulin (Lantus).

I am still struggling with the fact that I have these diseases. This forum has been a Godsend for me!

Carol


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 
Hi Carol and thank you for posting :)

I really think these 2conditions together are a bit of a curse, everyday is like a balancing act and I keep dropping the balls! Lol. I was doing okay with the diabetes but now having crohns I'm finding it a real challenge. I'm having a bad day today, my abdomen is be sore and my joints are shouting at me too, I take pain relief everyday and wish it wasn't required.

How do you find the azathioprine, did you have any problems starting it? Think that's what my GI is planning next, my gp reckons it would be better than pred.

It's difficult to control the bg when diet is such a big part of it. Good luck working on yours will be thinking about you.:thumright:
 
Lizbeth, I have not had any problems with Azathioprine or the Humira. Actually I am feeling much better, but with that comes eating more and now the problems with the diabetes.

I agree these two diseases are a real challenge together!

Hang in there!


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 
Hello ladies, my name is Cathy and I also gave been dealing with this lovely pair of diseases. I have had Crohn's sibce 1989, which us when I had my girst resection. Found out I had tyoe 2 diabetes in 2007, after having a stroke. Glucose level was 1100. Since that day I understood why my life had become a living hell. My Gadtro doc told me I couldn't gave found a worst combination of diseases if I tried. I am so sorry you all are having to deal with this, but have to admit I am happy to know I'm not alone.
 
Hi there Happy Easter everyone :)

Thanks for joining us Cathy, I agree that it's really good to know you're not on your own, although I wouldn't wish these 2 lovely diseases on anyone. It seems like life has thrown you some hard knocks too.

Do any of you wonder why we experience lots of health problems? I never actually ask myself "why me" cos the answer to that would be "why NOT me", but I do sometimes ponder the reasoning behind it all.

I'm really bad.....my husband asked me if I wanted an Easter egg and I said of course! Couldn't believe he asked. Normally I try to avoid sweets etc but Easter just isn't the same without an egg :) Do you allow yourselves treats or are you very strict with what you eat?

Have a great Easter
 
Cathy,
You have been through the ringer with these two diseases! I agree with your GI! What a horrible combination of diseases!

I am so great for this forum and especially this thread right now. I have recently gained some weight back and now my bg levels are out of control. I am taking Victoza, glumetza and Lantus. I struggle with what to eat. If I eat to keep my gut calm my bg levels rise and if I eat low carb high fiber my gut pays.

I would love to hear how you and Lizbeth try to balance eating.


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 
Hi Carolhew

I'm just like you, having the same diet issues, I have put a lot of weight back on after 10 weeks of steroids. When my weight goes up so does my BGs. For now I'm focusing on controlling my tum and less thought on the diabetes, I'm very lucky that a Dr at my diabetic clinic also works for the IBD clinic and he is very encouraging. He said not to worry too much about BG control until we get my Crohns symptoms sorted out, him telling me that has really helped cos I was really panicking about elevated BGs.

Diet wise at the minute I try to follow a regime that manages strictures, a very low residue diet. This has helped the tummy pain I think? It's not a very satisfying diet cos I feel hungry more often, but if it reduces pain then I will continue for now. Try talking to a dietitian, they should be able to help you work out a plan with you diet , maybe your diabetic meds need to be adjusted too so try and talk with your specialist? It's a balancing act and it's difficult. I tend to eat less carbs now and more protein, I think this has helped with the BGs.

Keep a food dairy, it's good for both the tummy and the diabetes, also keep note of how your feeling each day, I keep a journal where I record my BG, how much insulin I took, how much carbs I ate and make note of pain levels, activity and general observations of each day. I take it along to appointments and then my medical team can look back and use the info to make alterations to meds etc. Good luck hope this helps.
 
Happy Easter ladies!

Thank you for your replies. Your words of encouragement really do help.
Carolhew, I only take insulin for my Diabetes. Both Novolog and Lantus. I have kidney disease so they have taken me off all oral meds. For my Crohns, I take Azathioprine, and now with the ileostomy they have added Loperamude and Opium. I took both Cimzia and Remicade and neither worked for me. Doc said no sense in trying Humira.

Lizbeth, I too try to limit carbs and eat a lot of protiens. This gets tricky for me because with bad kudneys, to much protien can be harmful. I have talked to several dietians and have come to the conclusion that they have no better idea of a diet to manage these two nasty diseases than we do. It is just a guessing game, ay least for me, because one time I can eat something and be just fine, and the next time I eat it I pay.

I'm happy keeping a food diary works for you. It doesn't for me. It makes me feel like the diseases are controling my life and I just refuse to let that happen. Believe me, we have battles, but it just doesn't work for me.

I look forward to getting to know you all and am so happy to have found this group. Enjoy your holiday.
 
Hello happy April fools, I hope no-one played a trick on you today :) How is everyone today?

I understand what you mean about the diary, I felt like you did about it,it was like there was nothing to me except my diabetes and that it controlled all aspects of my life, so I stopped recording and sort of went off the rails, eating what I wanted and not thinking about it at all. I realized recently that by keeping a journal I could control the diabetes and not let it control me!! In a strange way I now feel by recording stuff that I am setting the rules and it does help when I go for check-ups.....the diabetes team can see that I'm working at it and not give me a hard time :) lol. Plus my memory is crap and I can never remember stuff when I'm at clinics.....think i'm having senior moments :ybatty:

Take care.
 
I have tried the diary and counting carbs in the past and I always seem to fall off the wagon. I know some of the foods that trigger my Crohn's, some don't always affect me the same way. Counting carbs really helps with the bg levels, but it only last a few months. I don't know why I fall into denial, both of my parents were diabetics and I know the long term effects. I just get so frustrated at times. I need to just keep trying!


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 
I know what you mean, I think it's so hard to keep up the good work, it lasts for a while and then I slip out of the habit, I was away last week aand when I should be recording everyday I didn't do it until I came home. It's just so frustrating :ybatty: living with these 2 diseases that I long to feel normal and be spontaneous.......huh I'll never be spontaneous again! My husband and eldest daughter are sitting with me getting stuck into massive amounts of food and I envy them, wouldn't it be lovely to just eat without all the thought that has to go into it?

I do find too that the same foods will effect me differently at times, it makes BG control a bit tricky. :yrolleyes:

My GP said take it one day at a time and that's all I can do. Take care everyone.
 
Here is what I have decided.........I am tryin to appeciate the good days. You know, where the bg is not crazy high and where the pain from the Crohns is not putting tears in my eyes and I have not spent most of the day going to or coming from the loo. These days just don't happen often enough!
Hope the day is a good one for you
 
Yeah it would be lovely if more of those days happened :) I'm ot feeling too bad today, how are you all today?
 
Today is give yourself a B-12 shot! Other than that it should be an okay day. Happy your day isn't too bad. Here's to good days for all ;-)
 
Today was a good day! :)


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 

ron50

Well-known member
Hi All,
I was originally dxed with Ibs though they were not sure as I had been prescribed naprosyn and had been taking it for years without any safeguard (I am now taking somac every day). Unfortunately with the Ibs dx they pretty well ignored all of my symptoms and in 1998 I had emergency surgery to remove what turned out to be a stage 3c bowel cancer. I had a year of chemo,one of the drugs I was on was banned for human use a year or so after I was on it because of fatal side effects. In 2004 I was check for diabetes and although not fufilling the profile ,they told me I was insulin resistent. I suffer severe neuropathy in feet legs and hands now and I started losing protein thru my kidneys,up to 4 grams a day. I was under a nephrologist and he decided I had minimal change disease and put me on 75mg of prednisone a day for 18 mos. It made no difference to the peotein loss but it left me with type two diabetes. I have had three kidney biopsies and still can't tell me what I have. Apparently not much research has been done on long term side effects of the chemo I was on. So now I have severe neuropathy,no treatment. Type two diabetes 1000 mg of metformin daily,severe psoriatic arthritis and proteinurea 20 mg a week (actually .8 of ml via injection) of methotrexate,vertigo and somewhere along the line I have developed an ectopic heartbeat along with congestive heartfailure and pulmonary oedeema thanks to the protein loss. I am on lasik and two bp meds for that... Life is a struggle ,I turn 63 on Sat and I suspect there may not be many more, Ron.
 
Thank you for sharing your story with us ron50,

Sorry doesn't seem enough to convey how I feel after reading your story, I strongly agree that life is a struggle, it appears that one trouble comes along and before we get a chance to deal with it something comes along and then more and more. There is no rhyme nor reason and it is very difficult at times to accept. I wish for you to have some relief from your symptoms, please take care and keep in touch. :ghug:
 

Karen

FRIEND 4 1 & ALL
I hope that it is ok that I come into this group ... why do I ask ? :smile: because ... 1 - I am the Diabetic - TYPE 2 & my loving hubby of 35 years is the Crohnie of 7 years and counting ... so do let me know if it is ok that I am here !!! :smile:
 
Hello Everyone!
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in December 2010. I was just 28 :( It was a sad day for me. They put me on Metformin right away- with a warning that it can cause intestinal issues. So I didn't think much of it and just kind of suffered until 6 months later I had lost 30lbs, was running to the bathroom over 15 times a day and noticing blood in my stool. I also had some kind of skin infection I thought. Turns out I was presenting with Crohn's and the skin problem was a fistula.

Went on Metformin ER 2000mg a day and then added in 2mg Glimipiride. Started Imuran for Crohn's. Had relief for a couple months but then Crohn's just got worse over time.

Diabetes is luckily VERY good right now. My last A1C was 6.3! yay!
It's the Crohn's that's being a pain in my butt right now. Literally. ;)
Had a colonoscopy in February 2013, everything looked okay, but definitely flaring in the rectum. Doc was going to switch me to Remicade. Two weeks after Colonoscopy I had growing abdominal pain. Went to the ER- Burst Appendix and Gallstones! BARF! 1 week hospital stay to get the infection under control, drain put in to get the stuff out. And sent home with a PICC line and more antibiotics for a couple weeks.

Now I'm scheduled to have surgery April 17th :( Hoping they can complete Laproscopic remove appendix and gallbladder. Doctor thinks there might be scar tissue and a need to do a bowel resection. If that's the case they'll switch to open surgery :(. I'm supppppppper nervous. Diabetes is doing okay right now- it's a little harder with the low residue diet I have to be on for now. Nothing spikes me faster than mashed potatoes!

Sorry this is so long. I'm so glad I found you guys. It's hard to have diabetes and it's hard to have crohn's. Its darn near impossible to keep them both under control at once!!!
 
Welcome Karen & Ron50,

Ron what a rough road you have been down! Prednisone was a nightmare for me! I hope they find what is causing you to spill protein in your urine. My mother had something similar due to type 1 diabetes, she had to follow an extremely strict diet.

Karen, I have both diseases and my hubby has type 2.


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 
I'm so pleased that so many of you are sharing your stories here :) Thi forum has been fantastic for me, I only joined a couple of months ago and have 'met' some wonderful people, thank you every one.

Hi JeepBeep, welcome to the group. You definitely have had a lot to cope with and a bit more ahead. I'm not surprised you're nervous.

I tried metformin twice but both times couldn't tolerate it, the most recent attempt was last September but it was so bad that I was rolling around the bed in extreme pain after just 4 days of pills, shortly after this I started to present with Crohns symptoms (although didn't know it was Crohns), my sister also had a similar experience and she now has UC. Has anyone else had any difficulty tolerating metformin and if so what treatment did you have instead?

Karen how is your diabetes and how is your hubby at the minute? And where do you get those lovely images?

What's today like for eveyone, mine is not so good sadly :( lots of pain and tooooo many BMs, been awake since 3 this morning. I've been strict with my diet (I think) so not sure what's caused this flare up? Hope you're all having a good one.
 

Karen

FRIEND 4 1 & ALL
Karen how is your diabetes ... My diabetes is doing well as I need to go into the DOCTOR OFFICE sometime soon and get my A1C checked out ... I am on 2 different medications: JANUVIA & Glucophage (metformin) and so I am still on them so we will see what happens next !! But I will be back to share UPDATE when I do get the test done !!

Hubby ... He is doing well as long as he does not OVERDUE things and when he does that he just feels awful ... but he has not been sick, has not had any flare up's or has been back to see his GI DOCTOR so overall he is doing well. Keeping busy with work and things around the house !!

Where do I get all my pictures ... Well the one I shared this morning I have in my collection and love to share them with the different groups I am on to make someone smile if they are down ... so then the one that I made up for my hubby and son in my signature tag I made up on a place called DAISY PATH and so if you want something made up let me know and I can see what I can do to make something up for you ...

So ... take care and I shall be back soon !!!

:ghug: :ghug:
 
Jeep beep,
Wow...I hope you continue to heal! I know when I am in pain my bg levels spike, part of my problem now.

Lizbeth, I have had issues with metformin. A lot of it depended on the manufacturer. They now have me on Glumetza which is an extended release metformin and I seem to be tolerating it well. I also take Victoza daily injections which work great but can cause nausea.


Currently taking Humira 40 mg weekly and Azathioprine 150mg daily.

Crohn's Dx June 2011, primarily in the TI some in the colon.

Past meds: Entocort, prednisone and Pentasa.
 
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 3 months after my Crohn's diagnosis. The diabetes consumes my life. It's been ~2.5 years now, and I've yet to get my diabetes under control. I have even been on an insulin pump for almost a year, but I haven't had luck with that either. Fortunately, I haven't had many stomach issues -- just coping with the diabetes...
 
Hi mermanbananas welcome on board :). I reckon cos you got both so close together that is why your having trouble gaining control of the diabetes, I have found it difficult controlling mine before I got Crohns, now....well my BGs have a mind of their own!! Keep at it, you will get there.

Carolhew..I'm not sure what metformin I had but what ever it was my tummy did not like it :) My sister was started on Victoza to help her lose weight, she also experienced nausea but it passed and she has lost 56 lbs! It has been fantastic for her.

How is everyone doing today?
 
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ron50

Well-known member
I get so totally frustrated. It has been over fifteen yers since I had cancer. After ca I was a health nut ,I walked up to fifty miles a week. I lost 33 kilos and I have never felt so bad in my life. I was rushed to hospital and dxed with acute pancreatitis. A small gallstone had blocked off my pancreatic duct. I lost my gallbladder. A month later the same doctor did an endoscopy. His primary dx was stomach ca. The biopsies showed it was severe ulceration. I stared on 80 mg of somac instead of 40. The ulceration gradually eased. It was at that stage that I gradually lost touch with my feet,the start of the neuropathy. So I have had 15 years of absolute rubbish health. I follow all the rules ,I don't drink or smoke. I am careful of what I eat . On 1000 mg metformin a day my blood sugars are regulrly betweeen 5 and 7 (australian measure) which is about as good as it gets. What frustrates me is they can't find reasons for anything. My diabeties is not bad enough to cause the severity of the neuropathy. The kidney biopsies do not show that my problem relates to any of the known kidney diseases including diabetes. They don't know why I suddenly developed an erratic heart beat even tho it it can be caused by neuropathy. I keep suggesting that all of my ailments have a common cause but they keep on treating me as though they are all separate illnesses. I am sure that the latest flare in the neuropathy coincided with when I went back on methotrexate. If the original cause of the neuropathy was toxic chemotherapy drugs it would follow that taking another chemo agent ,methotrexate, would not be helping.. Sorry,vent over...Ron.
 
Vent away, it's better to get it off your chest! I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Life can be very cruel. :ghug: sending you a big virtual hug.
 
Hi all!
I have diabetes type 1 and Crohn's desease.
I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 16 and my life was pretty good until I was diagnosed with Crohn's at 24 (in 2010).
After that all my body started to ruin.

Though my Crohn's is rather mild, I started experiencing lots of health issues that came together with the first signs of Crohn's: fatique, food allergies, skin rashes, loss of smell, easy to catch colds and what's the wosrt is the constant back pain. Mostly it's an upper back pain but it may migrate to the lower back. Docs said it'd due to scoliosis but I've never had any sign of back problems until the Crohn's appeared.

I beleive that most of my health problems can be solved by the proper diet (like all organic, non-processed and no gluten) but I'm too lazy for that :)

I love my job, it allows me to forget how sick I am and normally I feel much better when I'm at work.
The diabetes itself is just a regime for me and it brings much less probelms comparing to the back pains and Crohn's side effects.

I'm glad to find people here who understand the problems of having both tough diseases.
Having Crohn's and diabetes separately is already a daily challenge for many, but imagine that you have both.
 
Hi everyone, hope you've had a great day.

I had a small bowel serious today, the prep yesterday didn't go well, the picolax didn't work until 11pm so I spent most of the night on the loo. My bgs were really elevated so I dose adjusted and got it down...but too low so I halved my levemir. I was first on list at 9am and finished by 11. I felt really sick and was so glad to get home to bed. I didn't expect to feel so ill, is this normal? My bgs are still high :( Sorry for moaning, it's been one of those times when diabetes and crohns have clashed again.

Hi Jen, thanks for your post. It really is a challenge living with both conditions, I'm happy that your diabetes is working out for you. :) what job do you do? What medications do you manage your conditions with?

I'm going to bed now wishing you all a peaceful day or sleep depending where you are. Take care.
 

ron50

Well-known member
Hi Lynda,
Since ca I have had a colonoscopy most years around 13 so far. The first few ,afterwards I felt great. Then I had one during chemo. I thought I would die. In recent times they have tried me on colo-caps for the prep . They don't clean me out and my gi started whinging so last two have been done in hospital the first with colocaps ,still didn't clear and the last one with the old pico prep . She made them give me nearly seven and a half litres of the stuff. I was not a happy camper. They checked my bs regularly and it was low but still safe.It took days to get over it so hugs to you I hope you come down to normal soon. It is like walking a tightrope ,if you fall or get pushed off ,it is so hard to get back on and get your balance again...Ron.
 
Nice to know that I'm not the only one, this combo really does suck. I've been sick a long time, took forever to get a confirmed diagnosis. I can't get treated till they know what's wrong right? The meds are scary though, Imuran 50 mg 3 x a day. On the bright side the nausea should help me lose weight!:eek:
 
Thanks Ron, I'm still feeling a bit unwell but nothing like I did on Monday, my BGs are still high though. 7 1/2 litres, did you not feel like you were going to pop?

Hello grandmajese, welcome to the group :) How is your diabetes medicated? I thought I would lose weight especially after the barium breakfast, but no I'm still heavy, others think I've lost but I think they need their eyes tested lol. My GI is considering imuran for me next possibly? I take it the meds are making you sick? Have you had any other side effects?

How is everyone today? Hope you all have a great day.
 
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Hi Lynda!
I'm taking Salofalk for Crohn's and my insulins are Novorapid and Protophane.
I've recently returned to insulin pens after 4 years of wearing insulin pump.
It is weird but I have better compensation on shots than on pump.

For CD I'm trying to avoid a lot of meds while it is possible. 1 gramm of Salofalk keeps me more or less in shape. I've also noticed that gluten worsens many symptoms for me: not only bowel-related but also back pain, headaches and general mood. So I try to avoid gluten as much as I can.

I'm working as a software analyst in the medical area (software for planning knee and hip replacements, etc.).
Work really keeps me alive as I have no time to think about health!
Of course I measure BG many times a day and etc. but this is more a routine and it is not disappointing.
I also try not to spend much time on the health forums, this one is great though and I cannot help watching it from time to time :)
 
I'm not on the imuran yet, I'm stalling.the side effects really scare me. I'm on glucaphage for the diabetes. still around 200. barium is disgusting!
 

Karen

FRIEND 4 1 & ALL
Welcome grandmajese ... Good to see someone new join in !! I too am on Glucophage for my diabetes ... and so I remember when my hubby was on imuran and so he is no longer on any of his meds for his Crohn's so that is a good thing. I do recall him saying that the barium was awful tasting so ... I do not miss those days of going with him for some of his check ups !!! So, take care and stay strong !!!
 
Hello everyone, ho have you all been? I'm feeling much better just very tired but that's not unusual. I agree...barium is yuck!! and it's hat happens when it goes through you! Oh my goodness I wasn't expecting that lol.

Hope you 'll have a great day, k care.:ghug:
 
Good morning everyone, how are you all today?

I'm going to a physio appt later on when I hope to be given something that will help get my joints under control, been having a rough time lately with my back and wrist especially. Still having difficulty too controlling my BGs, they're a bit all over the place these days?

On the up side , it's a beautiful day :) the sun is shining :sun: hope you're all okay, best wishes.
 

ron50

Well-known member
I'm going thru my weekly cycle,Inject mtx on Sunday night ,feel like crap on monday and tuesday then gradually feel better until sunday when it all starts again. Don't know what is happening with my left hand. I have neuropathy in both feet and legs and in my left hand. Mid last week the lower half of my hand went from numb and tingly to almost totally dead and has stayed that way. Neuropathy seems to be the thing that doctors completely ignore yet its the thing that bothers me the most. Ages ago I tried lyrica ,neurontin and endep. They did not work at doses I could afford and at doses I couldn't they turn me into a zombie. I have been doing a lot of reading on neuropathy in particular a fact sheet from the National Institute for Neurological disorders and stroke. In the paper it says that neuropathy can cause irregular heartbeats and breathing problems. I am starting to get some really bad vibes on where I am heading....Ron.
 

Karen

FRIEND 4 1 & ALL
Hello Ron ... I will be praying for you to find the answers that your looking for and also to find the HEALING that your needing too !!! Stay strong and keep your head up !!!
 
Yikes Ron I can see we're you're going with that thought.....try not to worry but you should have a chat with you gp (and about your hand) to put your mind at rest.

I knew nothing about diabetes when my sister was diagnosed 4 months before me so I got a book about it......well I couldn't read it coz it scared me!! I recently read somewhere that the eyes are an indicator if what's going on inside so as I've had 2 laser treatments on my right eye I began to panic a bit. I don't know if what I read was correct and I should have taken more notice of the source.

What is endep.? I'm not familiar with it.

Keep your chin up :ghug:
 
ciroflaxacin, metronidazole. sound familiar? they are anitboticts, my doc started me on them friday and I've been REALLY sick all weekend. I could barely stand sunday. I'm going to try taking one and not the other to see which one is making me so sick.
 
Have you tried taking them either with or without food? I know it sounds obvious and I don't intend to be disrespectful. Sorry you're feeling rough :(
 

ron50

Well-known member
Endep is one of the tri-cyclic anti-depressants that also acts as a neurological analgesic. Was only on it for a week and I was off with the pixies. I may have lived thru the sixties but I'm not into substances that are mind altering,they scare me. When I had my ca removed I could not take morphine,same deal.. Ron.
 
Hello All,

Am new to the forum. Question, please. I see that some of you here are taking Humira. My new gastro doctor wants me to begin taking it. (If and when my insurance company decides to cover the cost.) How long before there are signs that it helps the pain and the multitude of bm's every day? Any info is most appreciated. Thank you.
 
Have you tried taking them either with or without food? I know it sounds obvious and I don't intend to be disrespectful. Sorry you're feeling rough :(
yes, they both say on the label to take with food. didn't help. my regular doc told me not to take them. I have ulcers in my colen and it was making the bleeding worse. the specialist that i see for my guts isn't very sympathetic to my intolerance for most meds. My regular doc told me to research alternatives to the imuran. she doesn't want me to take it. she's really cool. it's saturday and she just called me to see if the new med to help me sleep worked. she's great!
 
Well that's great that you have someone in your corner. So what's the next step for you regarding medication?


How is everyone today? Thinking about you all.
 

Karen

FRIEND 4 1 & ALL


Have a great Wednesday !!! I wanted to tell you all that I went in and had my BLOOD WORK and for those here in the US I am sure that those who are DIABETIC know what a A1C is ... well mine had not changed so I am sitting at 6.9 and so for the next 4 months I am needing to be GOOD and to watch what I am eating !!! So, stay strong and I shall see you all soon !!
 
Well done Karen I would love mine to be that level, keep up the good work :thumright:

Happy Wednesday to you too.....

It's my wedding anniversary today...24 years, so I'm doing a special dinner and I'm going to have a treat of pudding :) hope I don't regret it the morning...
 

Jennifer

Adminstrator
Staff member
Location
SLO
Alright, I need some help for my mom. She doesn't have Crohn's but is a diabetic.

She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 2 years ago yet I'm pretty sure she was dealing with it for many years before as she would often vomit in the mornings for no reason. Since she started treatment, the morning vomiting stopped. She's 56 years old and her blood sugar was over 400 when she was finally diagnosed. Now her blood sugar fluctuates between 110 (rarely that low) to over 200.

She takes Metformin but I don't know the dose. She's been taking just that since her diagnosis but since her blood sugar doesn't seem stable after all this time, I don't see it as the best treatment plan for her (the dose has been tweaked at least once, honestly I think her diabetes doctor is a dip). She's already changed her diet and checks her blood sugar regularly and exercises everyday. She's lost a lot of weight fairly quickly since her diagnosis and now she's at a normal weight (she was never obese, just overweight).

Her father also has type 2 diabetes and takes Metformin and insulin (one as needed, I think NovoLog and the other is once every morning and is supposed to last all day, I forget the name). I don't understand why my mom isn't on insulin as well when his blood sugar is and has always been much lower than her's.

She also has heart problems and takes medication for that. The main problem now is that her triglycerides are over 800 and have been for a while. Diet and exercise aren't helping in that department. I read that poorly controlled diabetes can cause your triglycerides to be high. I'm really hoping that someone on the forum will have some information on how to get the triglycerides down or control the diabetes if its that. The diet for lowering triglycerides is very similar to a diabetic diet (except she can't add a lot of fruits because of the diabetes) and she did use fish oil in the past to try and lower it but she didn't see any improvement from that either. She's going to try it again but I still think it may be related to the diabetes.

Any help is appreciate. :)
 
Hi, I take metformin 850 x 3 times per day. I have type 2, like my mother, nana and grannie did. I also have crohns, my diabetes is well controlled on this amount of metformin and on my current diet which is basically eating what works for my body and trying not to be too naughty. Find out her dose, and is she taking them when she needs to.
 
If your mom is going to try taking fish oil again, an area I've seen others become confused on is the amount of fish oil to take. From what I've read, most therapeutic doses begin with taking 2000mgs of the active ingredient EPA/DHA a day. A typical fish oil capsule contains 300mgs of EPA/DHA, so around 7 capsules a day is wanted to reach that amount of EPA/DHA. If that isn't helping enough, then upping the dosage of fish oil might get the job done.

Another area that can cause confusion with triglyceride numbers is weight loss. If when your mom was first taking fish oil and also was loosing weight at the same time, chances are instead of her triglyceride levels dropping they rose higher. Weight loss can cause triglyceride, and lipid levels overall, to go hay wired for awhile.

A cardiologist's blog that I follow has written some about this:

"What is this wacky thing called “weight loss”?"

http://blog.trackyourplaque.com/2011/09/what-is-this-wacky-thing-called-weight-loss.html

&

"Getting your dose of fish oil right"

http://blog.trackyourplaque.com/2008/12/getting-your-dose-of-fish-oil-right.html
 
Hi Jennifer,

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/lowering-triglyceride-levels?page=2

Found this on internet and wondered if it could help your mum, although I think from what you've said she is doing all those things ? Reducing the amount of carbohydrate would help in 2 ways, 1-less carbs to process into blood glucose in body, thus metformin has less BG to work on which should lower the overall sugar levels and 2-less carbs will help reduce levels of triglycerides. I have always found if I put on weight it's harder to control my BG and when I lose weight it's easier. I had previously reduced my carb intake and it was much easier to control my BG.

Armed with the info you have about your Grandfathers diabetic treatment, I think it would be perfectly reasonable to speak to your mums Dr to discuss a more effective treatment plan, maybe going onto insulin, a combination of metformin and insulin or a change to a different oral medication? And if your mum isn't happy with the outcome of that discussion maybe consider a change of Dr?. I hope she gets something a bit more satisfying and her levels begin to reduce, good luck.
 
I have decided that my doctors are stupid. This is my life and they don't seem to realize that. I am NOT taking a medicine that makes me so sick that I can't function. I just started the "Eat Right 4 Your Type" diet, has anyone else tried this? When I did an elimination diet I "eliminated" most of the stuff that the book says I shouldn't eat. so far so good. I do feel better and the bleeding ( my colon) has slowed down. I have noticed that when I don't sleep well, which is most of the time, my blood sugar is higher by at least 40 points. the nurse told me that is normal. of course the only answer the doc has is more pills. doctor suck:ybatty:
 
Grandmajese do you ever do your BGs through the night? Reason I ask is I was thinking about nocturnal hypos, before I realize I'm having a hypo at night I toss and turn and can't sleep, if I do get to sleep then most often my BG will be high in the morning. Oh it's such fun!......NOT! :) Which medication is it that you're not going to take? Sorry I don't know anything about the diets you mentioned, my elimination diet is just me cutting out things I know I can't eat, I do find it's very restrictive trying to manage both diseases :(. I do need to look into diet management more.

Karen ......how did your surgery go?

Jennifer...........what about your mum, how is she getting on?

How is everyone else doing these days?
 
That's great news, I love it when that happens but sadly for me it's not very often lol, I am finding it difficult to control my BGs at the minute.

Question for everyone.....do you find that your body reacts differently even if you were to eat the same foods regularly? I'm finding that even if I eat the same foods everyday that my BGs won't necessarily be the same and I need to adjust my insulin all the time.
 
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/nocturnal-hypoglycemia.html

This is a link about nocturnal hypos that you might find helpful. I have quite a few hypos during the night, although I do generally wake up I also suspect that I've slept through some as well. It also explains why I might have higher than expected BMs in the mornings.

My blood glucose readings would be effected by stress and sickness too, but I have occasionally found that instead of going up they drop and I even ended up in hospital once because of it.
 
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ron50

Well-known member
I saw a neurologist a few months back. I gave him my full medical history including being dxed with type 2 diabetes after being on 75 mg daily of prednisone for 18 mos. He scheduled nerve conductivity tests and yesterday I finally got in for my tests. I had some done years ago and I remember thinking that they were no big deal. Yesterday I felt like I was in an electric chair being operated by a sadist, Halfway thru the tests the technician called the neurologist in and he re-did several of the procedures.
When I first saw the doctor I told him that I thought I had severe peripheral neuropathy. My question was ,What was causing it and how did I limit or reverse the damage. At the end of the tests yesterday he told me I had severe peripheral neuropathy in both feet and legs. He did not know what caused it and he could not help me. Those words of wisdom cost me close to $600.00 for the two visits.
I have had several long glucose tests over the past thirty years. They have shown me to be close to but not in the diabetic range. One doctor asked for a glucose test with insulin levels. At two hours insulin levels were supposed to be back to under 20 mml per litre , mine were 292 mml per litre. It is starting to look like insulin resistance over many years have destroyed my peripheral nerves. Unfortunately in the past six months I have developed an ectopic heart beat. Both my nephrologist and gp claim it is a benign condition , some days when I take my pulse every second beat is missing. I asked the neurologist if it could be neuropathy related . He just said ,get it checked NOW. Unfortunately that seems to illustrate my history with doctors...Little care and even less responsibility. I really don't think I am going to get much further down the path of life I just wish it were quick and clean ,not so drawn out and painful. Ron.
 
My diabetes was diet controlled, but after the onset of my IBD symptoms (something besides Crohns) it returned. I'm reading that metformin does have digestive side effects, but those weren't an issue for me when I first took it, a few years ago. Can Metformin contribute to a flare or make particular types of IBD worse?
 
Just diagnosed with crohns, have had diabetes since my first pregnancy 23 years ago. Have been on insulin for about 15 years. Have struggled for a long time. Things were going really well in January 2012 when I got into a program at a local gym called Give it back, get it back. Something like the biggest loser. I was in a fantastic supportive group of 8 ladies and the most amazing trainer. Have never felt so good.. Lost 30 lbs diabetes fantastic and then last June things went backwards. Thought it was depression but was a flare up. Sugars went all to hell, had to take more insulin which resulted in weight gain. Since then has been so hard to get the weight off. High sugars and lots of insulin. Dr since put me on metformin and victoza. Has helped but it is so expensive. I think my meds without the Humira are running at $500 a month. Thank goodness for BC Fair Pharmacare. Since my recent crohns diagnosis it has been quite a ride but thankful that knowing what I have really explains a lot and now I can move forward to get back to well being and doing some of the things that I have grown to love like getting back to the gym and joining my fitness buddies.
 
:(Hello I have pre diabetes and I have been like this for months but lately for about a month or so my readings have been getting out of hand I have had some that have been 160 and higher and others that have been around 125 to the 130's so I have set up an appointment with my doctor to discuss this and get some blood work done I am hoping it is at worse type 2 and not type 1 like my father had. I also have not been able to get officially diagnosed with Crohn's yet because I have not been able to afford the colonoscopy, MRI, or a catscan. I finally got some insurance now and I hope I can at least get an MRI done because my out-of-pocket is still $1900 for the colonoscopy. My gastrologist says that he can still diagnose me with an MRI just not be able to make any biopsies. Hopefully I can wait till January 14, 2014 to do the colonoscopy when with the Obamacare there will not be a deductible.:ylol2: Well this is my story so far I will write again.
 
Hi riclow, I find when I'm in an active flare my blood sugars are higher due to the fact my body is fighting. I have to up my insulin at that point to get better control. So sorry you can't get your tests yet. In 2011 I had to visit a dr. In Maui and had to pay $300 for the visit while not a lot here in our province a Dr. Would get approx $40 for the same visit. Crazy the difference. Well hopefully things change and you get a better healthcare system. Doesn't seem right that you can't get proper healthcare just because you don't have the money.
 
I have a question for anyone. I have not been diagnosed with neither Crohn's or diabetes. I thought I was going to get some new insurance but then I found out I still cannot afford it. I was going to use the insurance to finally get tested for Crohn's because both me and my gastrologist thinks I have Crohn's in my ileium area. Also, because I am leaking out infection and pus from my anus and I look like I am pregnant and I am a man :lol:. I am going to my doctor in October to get blood tests done to see if I have gone from being a pre-diabetic to either a type 1 or type 2 diabetic; my dad was a type 1. My readings I have done over the past two months I have been very high with the lowest being in the 130's and the highest being 200 or higher. Alright I have read from another diabetic forum they have been taking a medication that starts like this Met-- and I can't remember the whole name but it tears their digestive system up and I read that they have diarrhea quite a bit and other problems. Finally my question is this is there a medication that is better for people with both Crohn's and diabetes that does not tear up the digestion system so bad?
 
Hello members. Just a quick reminder the last post I gave is very important to me because I am very concerned about it. Can someone please give me some kind of reply to it. Thanks. :(
 
The medication that is like metformin is called glumetza. I use it and it doesn't seem to irritate mt gut like metformin. It is a slow release med and I only take it once a day.
 
I take 4 x 850 mg metformin a day, I'm type 2, like my mum, nana and grannie. But it doesn't impact on my guts. It also helps my poly cystic ovary syndrome as well.
 
Hello everybody :) and welcome to all the new members. Sorry I haven't been present for a while, I haven't been having such a good time due to joint and back pains, I saw my GP who has changed my pain relief regime and I started taking morphine and now also acupan. It has slightly dulled the joint pain etc but for the first time in ten months my crohns pain is munch easier, yay!! Then I was told I don't have crohns that it's IBS!! I don't believe it is, not after the experience of living with `crohns` for all this time. So I'm absolutely shattered.

My diabetes is all over the place and My Dr thinks there is an issue with carb absorption and that I could eat and do the same thing everyday but my sugars would never be the same.......and he's right, I have to dose adjust every injection. He started me on a new long acting insulin called Tresiba, it apparently can keep working for up to 42 hours and can reduce the amount of hypos, I have up to 7 a week.

Does anyone else have trouble controlling their blood sugars?

Riclow I'm so sorry that you can't have your tests, I can't begin to imagine how frustrating that must be. I was wondering why you were worried about having type 1 diabetes, is it that your dad had a bad time with type 1 diabetes and thats why you're worried about it? Please try not to worry. Whatever your concerns are please feel free to ask us anything. I'm sorry I can't answer your question about the medication, I did try metformin and it didn't agree with me but I know that it works well for a lot of people so try not to dismiss it. It might be that it would work well for you too. I wish you well.
 
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ron50

Well-known member
I am on 500gms of metformin morning and night. I have been notorious since chemo therapy for getting bad reactions to most drugs. I'm happy to say it has been no worries with metformin . I don't test every day ,usually every second week and get an average. The week before last it was 5.8 which is perfect. This week I have had a couple of 7.2 but it never gets to 7.5. In the words of my gp I am well controlled. My heart is still doing weird things. They thought I was suffering from a few to many premature ventricular ectopic beats ,so they put a monitor on me for 24 hrs. They said up to a few hundred is ok. I recorded over ten thousand so I see the cardiac specialist in two weeks
 
I am on 500gms of metformin morning and night. I have been notorious since chemo therapy for getting bad reactions to most drugs. I'm happy to say it has been no worries with metformin . I don't test every day ,usually every second week and get an average. The week before last it was 5.8 which is perfect. This week I have had a couple of 7.2 but it never gets to 7.5. In the words of my gp I am well controlled. My heart is still doing weird things. They thought I was suffering from a few to many premature ventricular ectopic beats ,so they put a monitor on me for 24 hrs. They said up to a few hundred is ok. I recorded over ten thousand so I see the cardiac specialist in two weeks
Ron your blood sugars are fantastic, mine swing all over the place, they can range from 2.0 up to 25.6 and I find it really hard to get them under control. I take sitaglipten which is the tablet form of victosa, it seems to have helped with my overall HbA1c which was 8.0 the last time. I'm sorry to hear about your heart trouble, it seems that you never get a quiet time with your health, I do hope the appointment with the cardiologist goes well.
 
Well, about a year ago I was diagnosed as a insulin dependent type 2 diabetic after being hospitalized from it. Yesterday, I was diagnosed with Crohn's.

I find it kind of ironic. If I had known I had Crohn's EARLIER, I may have started eating better and avoided becoming diabetic! But who knows.
 
HavNoFear.....Welcome to the forum and this support group though I am sorry that you've had to join us. Yes it does seem a bit unfair in life, as you say if crohns had come first then maybe diabetes wouldn't have come along.....who knows? How are you finding managing the two? Please feel free to ask us anything and I'm sure someone might be able to help.

How is everyone else doing?
 

ron50

Well-known member
Had a funny feeling so I rang my gastro. She has changed practices and had been trying to get in touch with me. I'm booked in for a scope in October. I don't go too well taking the prep so they put me in hospital for the duration..no escape possible!!! Blood sugars will definitely take a dive that week. Cheers ron.
 
Had a funny feeling so I rang my gastro. She has changed practices and had been trying to get in touch with me. I'm booked in for a scope in October. I don't go too well taking the prep so they put me in hospital for the duration..no escape possible!!! Blood sugars will definitely take a dive that week. Cheers ron.

Hi everyone, just wondering how you are all doing? Has anyone been prescribed any new medications or do you have any grumbles you want to get off your chest :). Would love to hear how you all are.

What date is your score Ron?
 

ron50

Well-known member
I go in on the 29 th. It is first time I have been out to three yearly scopes since I had colon cancer. I am a bit nervous as I have had polyps with pre cancerous changes at twelve months. If it is clear I will be very relieved. Ron.
 
I go in on the 29 th. It is first time I have been out to three yearly scopes since I had colon cancer. I am a bit nervous as I have had polyps with pre cancerous changes at twelve months. If it is clear I will be very relieved. Ron.
I will keep my fingers crossed that it works out ok :).
 

ron50

Well-known member
Scope may not happen . I have developed a flu ,they think it is type A . I went to my gp he is very thorough. He gave me three anti-biots but he also sent me for a chest x-ray and bloods. I have been in hospital for most of the week , got out yesterday. The bloods came back positive for troponin which indicates a heart attack or heart muscle damage. I spent most of my time in the medical assessment ward. They have dxed me with serious chronic asthma , standard environmentally triggered , bronchial from the flu and cardiac asthma which is a pseudo asthma where the effects of congestive heart failure mimic the same symptoms as asthma. They seem to have forgotten about the flu and I fear I am heading toward pneumonia. I have been put on a preventive and emergency inhaler. Both have steroids so my sugars are also mis-behaving. My scope is only a few weeks away so I doubt if they will go ahead. They are going to do follow ups to assess my level of congestive heart failure and if there are obvious areas of damage to my heart muscle. So tired of dying an inch at a time , if I was a dog they would have used the big green needle. Ron.
 
I REALLY hope you get better. Having Crohns and Diabeties sucks. Being on more meds than I can remember sucks. Being on 2 immune suppressors is scary. Steroids too! oh hell no! Be sure to harass the nurses. They get paid good, they should at least be entertaining. :dance:
 
Any suggestions for something to replace the metformin? they lowered my dose and put me on time released and that helped but if things don't get better I'm going to have to take Humira every week. I'd rather not. I am also on amaryl but I'm not sure if that would make it better or worse. Back to Web MD I guess. I get more info there than at the doctors office. thanks, Jese
 
I couldn't do the metformin so I take glumetza once a day. As well I take victoza which has really helped with my blood sugars. I hear you on the amount if meds. Having both crohns and diabetes is so hard. My doctor says no way to steroids. It may take longer together to remission but it will get there.
 
Scope may not happen . I have developed a flu ,they think it is type A . I went to my gp he is very thorough. He gave me three anti-biots but he also sent me for a chest x-ray and bloods. I have been in hospital for most of the week , got out yesterday. The bloods came back positive for troponin which indicates a heart attack or heart muscle damage. I spent most of my time in the medical assessment ward. They have dxed me with serious chronic asthma , standard environmentally triggered , bronchial from the flu and cardiac asthma which is a pseudo asthma where the effects of congestive heart failure mimic the same symptoms as asthma. They seem to have forgotten about the flu and I fear I am heading toward pneumonia. I have been put on a preventive and emergency inhaler. Both have steroids so my sugars are also mis-behaving. My scope is only a few weeks away so I doubt if they will go ahead. They are going to do follow ups to assess my level of congestive heart failure and if there are obvious areas of damage to my heart muscle. So tired of dying an inch at a time , if I was a dog they would have used the big green needle. Ron.
Ron are you working your way through the medical dictionary, you've had more than your fair share of problems, wish you could stop all the hurting and have some peace. It's probably no comfort that at least the drs picked up what the heart problem was and appear to be thorough (not including the flu!), cardiac asthma is something I've not heard of before but from what I've read seems it could be tricky to pick up, I also read that treatment will help, I know, more meds :(........but maybe when they get it sorted you will feel better, lREALLY, REALLY hope so. :ghug:

Grandmajese, my suggestion would be to discuss with your Dr stopping metformin for a trial period, switching to victoza instead (my sister has had great results on victoza). It would be useful to find out if your gut problems improve if not taking metformin which might mean you wouldn't need humira. I recently talked with a lady who had your 2 tested with metformin, her bgs were not good so she's being switched to victoza, since she stopped the metformin her chronic diarrhoea has stopped. I am no Dr so this really is just a suggestion, please talk with your Dr first before changing anything.

How is everyone else doing?
 

ron50

Well-known member
I saw my gp again during the week. He had a result of swabs they took at the hospital . It was parainfluenza. Apparently most common in children. (I live alone, go figure). The flu shot does not work on it nor have they been able to make a vaccine for it. Some kids barely know they have it but for adults over 60 with heart or immune problems it can be serious. I can vouch for that . So far the meds have not helped much. Still coughing up my lungs and getting chest pains. They have postponed my scope till Nov 13th. They said no anaesthetic while I have any sign of flu. Ron.
 
I'm sorry to hear that Ron, would it help at all if you steamed yourself over a bowl of boiling water and a towel over your head? Might moisten up the airways a bit and help with the coughing? I truly wish you to have better times. :ghug:
 
Hi all,
I finally found the support group that matched my diseases. With that said, it is time that I involve myself so that I can better understand my condition and maybe provide help for someone else.
I am type 2 diabetic for the last 5 years. I was diagnosed with IBD in October 2012. I was hospitalized for a week with a major flare. I learned quickly the love/hate relationship we have with an NG tube. Over the past year, I have been hospitalized 4 times and had 20 inches of Ileum removed due to 3 strictures. My GI changed my diagnosis to Crohn's and the battle is on. I am currently on Remicade, Imuran (150 mg), 30 mg Prednisone and trying to taper but each time I get down to 10 mg, I start having major flares. I take 1.8 ml Victoza daily, 2000 mg Metformin, Humalog for the bg spikes and 1 other med for my diabetes. My blood pressure also became a big issue this year and now take 3 meds daily for that. All in all, I take 19 prescription drugs and 4 vitamins/prebiotics each day. :ybatty: It's amazing how someone's life can change so dramatically over 13 months.
I will hang in there and share my story as it unfolds. Once I learn all the functions of this forum, I will be able to share more.
Thanks for this opportunity.
 
Hi Mike58:

Your story is somewhat similar being that we are both persons with diabetes and crohns. I haven't had the surgeries as you have but we have some meds that are similar. Keep your chin up and stay positive. It does help!
 
Last April I went in for my physical. Having been on a low residue diet for years the sad state of my health became apparent. I had high blood pressure, diabetes, Crohn's that was not well controlled, AND Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune thyroid disease). Oh, and a rapid heart rate with a resting pulse of 150.

Louann Carroll
www.louanncarroll.com
Crohn's survivor and advocate
Trying the natural method that's not working so well right now. I DO NOT recommend this to anyone.
 
I will try this again... To make a long story short I stopped Humira, went onto the SCD diet and lost 40 pounds. My high blood pressure is gone as is the diabetes. I am trying medical marijuana for its inflammatory properties, but so far no luck. I take meds for a thyroid that can't decide if it's fast or slow and meds for my heart rate. *sigh* So even though the blood sugars are much improved, I have to monitor them 4x a day. This is no easy road to travel.

Louann Carroll
www.louanncarroll.com
Crohn's survivor and advocate
Trying the natural method that's not working so well right now. I DO NOT recommend this to anyone.
 

ron50

Well-known member
Well I finally had my scope. NO CANCER only one small polyp removed. No other problems in there. The same can't be said for my kidneys. I am now leaking around 5 grams of protein a day. My sugars are not to bad considering I am using symbicort every morning. Unfortunately I have to start cyclosporine next Tuesday for nephrotic syndrome. I don't know how I will go. I hated methotrexate when I was on it. If I don't do something I may lose my kidneys and because I am immune- compromised I cant have a transplant. Ron.
 
Carrollco,
My wife read me some info on the SCD diet. I'm not sure what would be worse, that diet or the 30 pills I take daily for Crohns, diabetes, high blood pressure, and Neuropathy. Keep us informed on the diet.
We all can only try what works for us.
 
The diet sucks. No question about it. I'd give a tooth for a chocolate chip cookie. Yum. Anyone who says different is.. Well I'll let it go. In my case, the stress of balancing all these conditions: metabolic syndrome, Crohn's, and Diabetes caused something in my brain to snap. Seriously. One day I woke up and threw down the gauntlet. I just stopped eating except for water for 3 days. That is never a good idea, but I was not responsible for my actions. I had severe gastritis, a duodenal ulcer and iliitis with esophogeal spasms in addition to Crohn's in my colon. I started with broth, added veggies, then chicken. Now, basically eat meat, veggies, and eggs. Dessert is a green smoothie or my version of chocolate yogurt. I have no idea how long I can keep this up, and just go on a day by day basis. Once a week I allow myself one treat like a cookie or whatever. I am a writer so my son bought me this under the desk bicycle for exercise and it really works. I am up to almost 2 hours a day. It was 29.99 and I think he bought it through Amazon. Even when I don't feel well I can do an hour. I guess what I am saying is, I reached my breaking point with docs and medication. Something had to change and it turned out to be me.


Louann Carroll
www.louanncarroll.com
Crohn's survivor and advocate
Trying the natural method that's not working so well right now. I DO NOT recommend this to anyone.
 
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