Is Crohn's seasonal?

[JenniferH]

I am convinced my Crohns flare ups are seasonal. I am having ANOTHER flare up....and it's happening in the autumn..again Does anyone else notice this? I am sure the majority of my flares happen this time of year?! When I least need it with the run up to Christmas!! Has anyone else notice their symptoms are worse this time of year?

 

[Hobbes650]

Hi Jennifer! This is the first I have heard of any seasonal correlation. I do believe though that stress can bring on a flareup and this time of year can certainly be stressful. Love to hear your thoughts on that. Hope your feeling better soon!

 

[muppet]

Holiday stress is a more likely culprit. Although, if you have seasonal affectedness disorder it might also contribute, so that season would be an indirect contributor, I suppose... that feels like it's reaching a bit.

 

[shamrock15]

I have noticed this myself, and my first GI said it was a pattern that he observed as well. My symptoms generally do get stronger over winter. My first GI thought that this might be related to natural vitamin D production, and I have noticed that since I have started taking D supplements, I am not as affected. I couldn't get him to prescribe a trip down south each year though!

 

[robbo87]

It's been discussed on here a few times and I'd be inclined to agree with you Jennifer. In my case whenever I've had bad flare up's they have always been around this time of year.

I think it has something more to do with stress/depression being a trigger in some people. I don't think it''s a coincidence that around every November I start to feel blue which soon follows by a flare up.

Now you mention it, I've never ever flared during spring/summer

 

[JenniferH]

Interesting! I do agree that this is a stressful time of year but I have had MUCH more stressful times at other times of the year when I've ended up having a flare up, but they haven't lasted so long. I don't feel particularly stressed at mo (most of Xmas shopping is already done!) and I actually really enjoy the festive season! Like you Robbo, I have NEVER had a bad flare up in the summer. Weird.
Changing subject a little bit, but was wondering how long people have to wait in between B12 injections. My next one is due the 23rd of Dec but I always feel so tired about 2/3 weeks before I'm due. Was wondering if dr would agree to give it to me 2 weeks early (which would make it 10 weeks between injections). Has anyone managed to get it a bit early?

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Not sure, I usually get an injection once a month, but I just had an injection two weeks ago, am scheduled to get another one next week (it was the only day to see my doc that worked for me) and no one has mentioned it as being a problem. In fact she was considering upping my dosage anyway.

I guess you could just call your doctor's office and ask if it is okay to make the appointment and get the shot sooner.

 

[JenniferH]

Think it's time I make a dr's appointment. I need to get myself sorted before Xmas.
I wonder if there is a different dosage system between the UK and the U.S as the usual dose of B12 in England is every 12 weeks while it seems it is monthly in the U.S.
(Btw crohnschicago, I am originally from Arlington heights although have lived in England for 20 years.)

 

[KRT]

When I flare it's always during the winter months. The last hospital I had was last year right before Christmas.