Crohn's, Crohn's go away

[Jeremiah]

So I've finally taken the Remicade plunge. Thursday Feb. 9th was my first infusion. So far have had no reactions (fingers crossed) but havent felt any better (still on 30mgs prednisone). The 12 years I've had Crohn's, my diet never really changed, I was on and off prednisone and had averaged one hospital visit every year (few years of none, and a few with more). But now my Crohn's is at its worst. Almost 6 months of 24hr pain, bloating, diarrhea, 2 hospital stays. And thru all this, what bothers me the most is the fact I changed my diet excluding caffeine, lactose, gluten, and wheat (yes I cheated but the amount of "normal" and junk food decreased greatly from my diet before). Took supplements religeously (fish oil, probiotics, flaxseed oil, vitamins, silver, digestive enzymes, ect.). Drank lots of Pineapple juice, coconut water, and of course spring water. Stopped smoking, and drinking (very little alcohol on occasion). All this for 4 months and not a noticible change. I really wanted to go the all natural route, and really wanted to believe in the body being able to heal itself.
So, feeling disapointed, I'm still gonna stick with my healthier choices. I mean it certaintly can't hurt, but I don't feel that just diet can cure Crohn's like so many ppl think. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it helps. But probably just as much as if a person without Crohn's did it. Did I not stick with it long enough? Did my cheating here and there affect it? I don't know. But I do know that I had reached my limit with the pain, and my quality of life. For those of you who claim to have gone into remission thru diet and exercise alone, I congratulate you. You are the lucky ones. Unfortunately I don't think it works for everyone.

 

[Grumbletum]

Hear, hear Jeremiah and a big warm welcome to the forum Certainly sounds like you've been having a real battle, so I hope the Remicade does it for you. I've gone into remission after three infusions, feeling a huge improvement after the second.
A good sign is if you're tapering off the Pred and there's no worsening of symptoms.
I tried SCD with some relief from symptoms but like with you, it didn't heal chronic inflammation, so I had to quite quickly climb the drug ladder. I will continue to watch my diet cos, like you say, it can't do any harm.
Keep us posted on how it's going with the Remi.

 

[Angrybird]

Hi Jeremiah and :welcome: Fingers crossed the Remi gets things sorted for you hun, I know for many it has done the job. I am the same with the diet, it can't hurt to still be careful but it certainly has not been able to keep me med or completely symptom free, I will also keep having the odd treat as well and not feel guilty.

Please keep us updated on how you get on.

 

[Jessi]

:welcome: to the forum, Jeremiah.

I understand your feelings about diet vs meds. I went through the same struggle. The key is to not feel guilty about the choice that you've made. You know your body better than anyone here, so you are the one to make the decision.

I started with the SCD, but chose Remicade like you. It is working really well for me. And i hope that it starts to do the trick for you. It does take a little bit of time, and sometimes it takes some adjusting, so just hang in there. :hang:

Have you been to our Remicade Club yet? Join us. Lots of answers and support there. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

[stratford]

I really wanted to go the all natural route, and really wanted to believe in the body being able to heal itself.

Have you considered trying AMP (extract of Aloe).
I'm having terrific success with it after many years of Crohn's.
I tried many of the things you speak of but had no real success.
I've been taking AMP for 14 months now.It's helped me so much better than any of the drugs i ever took.
As it's a natural product which nobody can ever patent i don't think it's ever had the tests the drugs my Dr gave me(i never found any).

 

[Terriernut]

Jeremiah, I've got all the T shirts for the diets. Alot of folks with very very mild crohns probably do find alot of success with the diets. Even light moderate disease. Do I think the diets helped you probably yes. Can they keep moderate to severe crohns in check, probably not. As the disease does progress in many instances, diet doesnt do it anymore. And most of us on here have genuinely gave it our all. Then yes, time for the meds.

The Remicade will hopefully take effect in you very shortly. And I hope with all my heart that it does the trick and puts you in remission for a very long time! You've been through enough!

Welcome!!!!
:kiss: