Just want to start out by saying that this is a great site. I am surrounded by friends and family to support me with all that I'm going through, but still feel alone at times. I have read many peoples posts and now know that I'm not alone. This is my 1st post and here is my story...
As far back as I can remember high school or earlier, I always had stomach/bowel issues. My fear of doctors kept me from seeking help. I finally decided to see a doctor(s) after having back surgery for a herniated disk in 2001. I had blood tests, an endoscopy, colonoscopy and a barium enema. All tests came back within normal limits. So I kept living in pain. I decided to do my own research and thought it was diet related. Tried not eating fat, sugar, alcohol, raw food diet, proper food combining diet, and eat right for your blood type. I was living off bread, chicken broth and spinach for awhile. Still had major pain. Took a lot of ibuprofin and used the heating pad a lot. Finally read a magazine article on gluten allergy in 2005, thought I'd give it a try, and whamo! I felt sooooo much better! Until 2010 after my second child, I became extrememly fatigued (very anemic) and felt a lump in my lower right abdomen. Went to see the doctor and GI and finally just finished all my tests on Friday... lots of bloodwork, a colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scan and small bowel follow through. I have finally been diagnosed with Crohn's. I have a stenosis of the illeocecal valve and one fistula that is colon to colon. My doctor has written me a prescription (last week) for Entocort EC 3mg (3pills/dy), Imuran 50mg (1/dy) and wants me to start on Cimzia. I am not one to take medication and am extremely hesitant because these are pretty serious meds! I know I need to but am still just trying to understand Crohn's.
She also recommended a high protein, low fiber diet. I guess I'm just looking for feedback on the meds and does anyone believe that diet is related to flareups? Has anyone read Restoring Your Digestive Health by Rubin/Brasco?
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As far back as I can remember high school or earlier, I always had stomach/bowel issues. My fear of doctors kept me from seeking help. I finally decided to see a doctor(s) after having back surgery for a herniated disk in 2001. I had blood tests, an endoscopy, colonoscopy and a barium enema. All tests came back within normal limits. So I kept living in pain. I decided to do my own research and thought it was diet related. Tried not eating fat, sugar, alcohol, raw food diet, proper food combining diet, and eat right for your blood type. I was living off bread, chicken broth and spinach for awhile. Still had major pain. Took a lot of ibuprofin and used the heating pad a lot. Finally read a magazine article on gluten allergy in 2005, thought I'd give it a try, and whamo! I felt sooooo much better! Until 2010 after my second child, I became extrememly fatigued (very anemic) and felt a lump in my lower right abdomen. Went to see the doctor and GI and finally just finished all my tests on Friday... lots of bloodwork, a colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scan and small bowel follow through. I have finally been diagnosed with Crohn's. I have a stenosis of the illeocecal valve and one fistula that is colon to colon. My doctor has written me a prescription (last week) for Entocort EC 3mg (3pills/dy), Imuran 50mg (1/dy) and wants me to start on Cimzia. I am not one to take medication and am extremely hesitant because these are pretty serious meds! I know I need to but am still just trying to understand Crohn's.
She also recommended a high protein, low fiber diet. I guess I'm just looking for feedback on the meds and does anyone believe that diet is related to flareups? Has anyone read Restoring Your Digestive Health by Rubin/Brasco?
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