How to approach my GI?

[nolsen311]

So, I've just been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. (01/10/12)

My particular symptoms are stomach, rather than lower. (full blockage of Pylorus)

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I should mention up-front that I've been a "medicinal" user for about the last decade for anxiety and stress. (take that for what it's worth; I'm not ashamed, just closeted)

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I've been hospitalized for about the last month, first treating the immediate symptoms of dehydration and K-deficiency (Potassium) from excessive vomiting.

(Was admitted to the wrong Hospital first, not realizing what the ultimate consequences of "no Doctoral privilege" was for my care)

I've been on IV steroids (hydrocortisone) and TPN since 01/10/12, for malnutrition and to bring down inflammation on the Pylorus. Which had the desired effect; we were able to balloon my Pylorus last night and I'm able to start having clear liquids again. (I've never been so happy to have broth)

However, in talking about which direction we go from here...we've started down the road towards some extremely strong TNF-a Blockers and Immune Suppressants (Humira/Imuran).

At least verbally; I'm not committing to anything until I know more about it.

But the real reason I wrote today is to ask about experiences with having this discussion with a "Medical Professional"-type. My doc seems extremely knowledgeable and amazing, but I want the best care *AND* to not have to take extremely dangerous drugs.

 

[Ducey99]

Hey,
I'm in a similar situation in terms of approaching my GI about MMJ. I recently started using it nightly (for about a week) and find that it's helping me sleep through the night, as well as with D and 'leakage'.
Anyway, I figure instead of telling him that I started it I'm just going to ask him what his thoughts are on it as an alternative treatment and go from there. It should be easy to tell if he's for, against or on the fence about it.

Michael

 

[Rain]

I have found that marijuana really helps with my nausea, better than any nausea pill or suppository. It also helps somewhat with pain and loss of appetite, which of course is really common with bowel disease. I'm in the hospital right now though, so unfortunately I'm stuck with zophran. I would'nt replace the remicade with marijuana alone. I believe marijuana has excellent abilities to control the symptoms of bowel diseases, among many other diseases, but I don't think it's a permanent treatment for disease..especially crohn's..But, that's just my opinion. Good luck in figuring it out. I wish it was legal where I live.

 

[nolsen311]

...but I'm feeling a bit betrayed by my wife's response to all this.

She never encouraged me to quit when I was a recreational user, but now that I want to use it medically she's talking about addiction clouding my judgment.

Perhaps so... but it'd been a solid month without any at all until I was able to nibble enough of a cookie to reduce anxiety and allow a full night's sleep in the hospital.

Just needed to vent I guess.

 

[Rain]

I'm sorry.. I'm in the hospital right now as well and I totally could use some special cookies instead of this fentanyl crap.

 

[Rain]

oh.. I think it should be legal for recreational use as well. We have ciggaretts and alcohol, so why the hell no weed?

 

[nolsen311]

My GI seems more concerned with the extra fiber in my "full liquid diet" rather than drug interaction. Which I suppose is good...but it doesn't change the feeling of judgement.

Any way the cookies are rad but I'm in the doghouse for taking them. FML.

I guess I have to wait for worse side effects to crop up before I'm worthy of medical marijuana.

(Sorry, after 3 weeks I'm finally feeling a bit sorry for myself)

 

[Rain]

three weeks in the hospital? Maybe you should buy a vaporizer. You shouldn't worry about what other people think. If it helps you then don't feel bad about doing it.

 

[nolsen311]

No I shouldn't, but my childhood was spent full of implied judgement so I tend to be a bit sensitive. My bad.

I'm also new to Crohn's and not really in any pain; I just can't eat. I'm anxious and not sleeping. No nausea. I just started Humira & am set to start methotrexlate.

I've got a volcano at home but nothing portable. I'm looking at the magic flight.

I'm just bummed because things have gotten so shitty with my wife. I just want to relax and be able to deal with this but she's worried about making sure I'm healthy. (How DARE she?!)

 

[Tantan74]

Nice that your wife cares about your welfare.
I'd like to know the real long term effects of medical marijuana. I have been on a severe flare of Ulcerative Colitis for over a month now. Was hospitalized twice because I was vomiting and bloody diarhea- plus severe pain. I was placed on Remicade and just this weekend on Imuran - I read the side effects of Imuran and Remicade and am terrified- no risks meaning no snowboarding, rockclimbing, stay at least 5 feet away from sick people- increased risk of cancer- increased risk of contracting Hepatitis- Pneumonia-
Now doc wants me to talk to surgeon about having colon removed since it's been more than a month of these severe symptoms-
I hope medical marijuana is an alternative treatment= I'm open to anything that will help.
And am sorry nolsen311 you are feeling trapped just being in the hospital for a week was torture for me. But be grateful for your wife-
I hope for a full remission for you soon. And any thoughts or suggestions about how to avoid surgery from anyone will be welcome.

 

[Rain]

I'm going to be on imuran soon but I am a cna. I will be around sick people all the time. I'm afraid of the hair loss side effect! Good luck to you Tantan! If you have been on a lot of meds then you may have to have the surgery. I waited a long time before having mine and it only resulted in losing more than I bargained for. Be careful.

 

[Tantan74]

Rain you had colon removed? Has this helped your symptoms improve at all?
Were you given pneumonia and flu vaccine prior to getting meds?
I also fear the infertility side effect of imuran.

 

[Rain]

I did not accept the flu or pnemonia vaccine. It has improved my symptoms. I only go to the bathroom two-three times a day. The only problem I had was an infection at the site where I had my ileostomy. I hear that surgery reduces fertility, and that the crohn's disease in general affects it. Fortunately I am not worried about having kids. I don't think I want them. If I did someday I would adopt. I do not want to pass on the crohn's disease to a child.