I have had Crohns for 37 Years

[Sunshine120]

:Flower: Hello everyone. I have had crohns disease for nearly 37 years now. I was diagnosed when I had 2 young children during a very stressful time in my life which I think finally triggered it full front. I refused to take drugs when diagnosed. I was told I had a fistula and a near obstruction. And I knew I was going against all the doctors traditional ways of dealing with this. but I had heard of supervised fasting at the time and knew of many people including a Dr. Named Dr. jack Goldstein. He wrote a book called Triumph Over Disease Through Fasting. I read it and contacted him and decided to go that route.

I did a 36 day water fast and a clinic run by a doctor. The fistula closed. the obstruction opened. And from that day to this I became a vegan. I have been in remission for most all these years until the last 4. I have had many bouts as of late and resorted to taking Entocort a few times. i am back on track and now plan to do some supervised short fasts now.

I have seen for me that what I eat plays a big part on whether I have pain or not. I love support to give it and to get it. I would love to share some of what has helped me with eating. I know for me red meat is a killer. I love to feel good and on this entocort I have gotten very depressed and gained 20 pounds. I am now weaning off of it. I love to read how others are healing

 

[kenny]

Hello and welcome

I look forward to seeing some of your experience offered here. I can't say I am a vegan by a long shot but I think I know exactly what mean about the type of food intake that causes problems. I have changed how I eat quite drastically too and do not want to get in the situation where I am taking meds just so I can go to The Keg for dinner and such

 

[Sunshine120]

What I Eat

Hi Kenny
I am so grateful to be able to eat raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and beans and legumes. I know it is because I have spent many years fasting when I have flares and resting and drinking distilled water. And allowing my intestines to heal. I also try to lead a life where I manage stress.

I feel wonderful today!

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Sunshine -

I also follow a mostly vegan diet, and very little processed food. I can eat seeds, nuts, beans, whatever with no problem - just need to CHEW very well.

Have you not taken any drugs for Crohn's in 37 years, other than the Entocort?? That's amazing if you have been able to manage the disease without any significant drugs for that long!

Hope you are successful wiht your next fast - keep us posted!

- Amy

 

[Sunshine120]

Hi Amy
THat is correct I have never taken drugs except those 2 times. I am not off totally and in about 10days I will embark on a 6 day fast. Here is my doctors web page, you may find him interesting. He is a Medical doctor and a vegan. He has written lots of books and does a tele conference each month and has a support group to join on line. And he answers medical questions. I used to see him when I lived in NY. He does phone consults now and patients send blood results etc to him
http://www.drfuhrman.com/members/default.aspx

 

[Sunshine120]

Can anyone tell me how I can have my photo show up on here like you all do? I have it in my profile but I think it may be too big to put in because every time I try it will not let me

 

[Lydia]

I follow a whole foods diet for the most part. I was vegan for 8 months. Back when I came out of remission I wanted to use diet as a means to control my crohns, before I considered trying meds, since I was med free for so long. I was also breastfeeding at the time and not ready to wean my daughter. Initially it worked well but, I started severely flaring inspite of my efforts.

I know for me red meat, and wheat/yeast products are bad. Dairy is a toss up. I cant handle a glass of milk but I can tolerate yogurt. I am on pred right now and all common sense has gone out the window as far as my diet goes, but when not on pred I am very good at following a strict diet.

I had the longest remission following a whole foods diet and taking supplements. I definitely believe diet and taking good care of yourself make a world of difference in crohns disease.

This disease is so unique for people and it takes a lot of effort and hard work to figure out what works best.

 

[Sunshine120]

Hi Lydia

I do know what you mean about the work it takes. I have been doing so well and I have to admit I needed a cheat day and I took it today. For dinner I had my husband go get a pizza and we had a bottle of wine. I know that is nuts. I have been doing so good. I tell you I find it easier to just not eat at all and then no pain, no worry and well....no energy...but it is so hard at times. I cook, shop, freeze, prepare, and at ties it feels like a full time job. but I so do not want to take drugs. Well clean up day tomorrow

 

[Lydia]

LOL since starting pred all common sense has gone out the window. I am eating what I want. I think I put on 5 lbs this week, but I needed to gain some weight anyways. Once I am off the pred its back to the strict diet for me.

Oh and I hope you dont think I was implying being vegan wouldnt work. It works for a lot of people. My friend with RA, came off most of her meds after going vegan. I totally believe that diet can help people.

I hate drugs too. I really really do. I think I let disease go a little too far because I was so anti drug. I hope to be drug free again someday because it was nice. I think its good to give our liver and kidneys a break once in a while.

 

[alexandros8]

Hello Sunshine, and welcome.

Very impressive about the fasting... I am curious how you are able to manage your weight. I have to watch certain things I eat but I'm far from most people on this site as far as managing my diet.... and I still have a hard time keeping my weight up. I'm not sure I could fast! I am happy its working for you though!

Alex

 

[theend2]

I have issues with no matter what I eat. Unless its just clear liquid.

 

[Sunshine120]

I guess I am very fortunate. I have been fasting and being a vegan since first diagnosed 37 years ago. So I have kept it in remission most all those years. I do fast often. I do make all my own foods. I make soups and fresh veggie juices. I have those daily. I blend my soups at times with raw nuts to give them a creamy consistency. I fast if i begin to get any pain at all. I just never try to eat with pain. I also eat nothing like the standard American diet. I really pride myself in respect to taking a lot of time shopping for Organics and cooking and planning. It is alot of work, but I guess I have always been willing because I did not want to take the drugs.

i am grateful to share anything with anyone.