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I'm my own Doctor!

Hi Everyone,

Came to this site to find out about a medication my "new" doctor suggested I try, Mezavant. After finding out it's no better than Salofalk, think I'll pass, thank-you!

Diagnosed in 2005 with Crohn's (38yrs old), basically had IBS for 10 yrs prior to that. My first doctor suggested prednisone & the 5-ASA. The prednisone did control it, but the side-effects, short & long term are well documented. The 5-ASA just made things worse. I'm on my 3rd specialist, and after another colonoscopy was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. So, he suggested I try Mezavant.

Really, these doctors are throwing darts with blindfolds on. Rarely is there any discussion on what I eat or if I exercise. Therefore 4 yrs I decided to become my own doctor. I might use dart but I'm not blindfolded, hello Google!

After 21yrs I quit smoking tobacco in 2009, and started vaping electronic cigarettes. I had tried every other quit smoking option, nothing worked. That first year my attacks were cut in half. Normally I get 24 severe attacks per year that would require prednisone, I'm now down to 5-7 severe attacks per year. Sure, my bowl movement isn't great, but it's manageable day-to-day to the point I don't believe I have the disease. At this point, when I feel an attack coming I take 6 pred's and it seems to subside quickly.

Since quitting smoking, I exercise moderately and realize that "my" trigger was just eating regular meals. The other trigger was stress of course, hello yoga. I've broken all my meals up the entire day. The only no-no is salad on it's own. My weight has normalized. I could live like this, I hope this keeps up, it's been 4 yrds now.

I guess there is no silver bullet with this disease. But for me, who knows my health better? Not my doctor.

Good luck!
 

Kev

Senior Member
I found one. It isn't silver, or even gold, it is pure platinum. I eat anything/everything I want (my dietary restrictions extend only to diabetes... although I try to limit my gassy foods simply due to the amount of scar tissue I have). So, I can eat either at a fine restaurant or a fast food joint. I hold down a job that involves physical exertion and long hours... averaging 10 - 12 per day, 5 days a week. I've missed less than a day a year over the last 5 years. I don't know of anyone where I work with a better record.

I guess the yoga comes in handy for performing your own scopes (Kidding, no offence meant...) Sure, doctors aren't perfect, but they can come in handy for some things. My current GI is my 5th doctor (and that is not counting my GP). Took me a year on a list to get in to see her. Best investment of time I ever spent. She literally saved my life.

So, can one cope with this disease without benefit of a doctor. Well, you proved that it could be done. Will any doctor place as much interest in your health as you would? Yes, some do. My experience proved that. The problem with being your own doctor is that it is up to you to stay current on every medication, treatment, option, or Crohns advance that comes along. That can be a daunting challenge when you aren't feeling the best. Problem is... if you don't, you might miss the one "new" thing that makes it all go away.
 
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