My heart goes out to Crohnies...

[QueenGothel]

So I have a friend, actually it is my friends sisters husband. He was recently diagnosed with Crohns in the small. I am trying not to be over bearing but am who I am. CookieNo maintenance meds were recommended and a large dose of pred was prescribed for the next 40 weeks. They didn't recommend any vitamins, but told him to come back in 2 weeks. I am under the impression he is pretty sick, been in and out of hospital a few times. I recommended the obvious... High protein, B12, and a great multivitamin... Anything I am missing? They are hoping it will go away after the steroids, planning to deal with it if they have to. I just know how crappy things can get. I think they should have told him these obvious things. Am I wrong?

 

[TwinkleToes]

Hmm...the only thing i'd be concerned with is the high protein. As long as it's not beef, then they should be okay. The thing about beef and protein is that it can actually make you constipated, which could actually be worse for a chronie. I definitely agree with the B12, and the vitamins since those tend to help me. I also take L-Glutamine, Zinc, Fish Oil, and a few other vitamins. L-Glutamine is supposed to help with repairing the intestinal tract. The only thing is remembering to take all of the vitamins!

 

[QueenGothel]

I recommended the protein bc it helps with the B12 and I meantion taking more by using nutrtional shakes. Do u think the course of pred it huge, or is this normal for an adult to take it for 40 weeks?

 

[TwinkleToes]

The best protein will be through Fish, Chicken, and Turkey. But not beef - only because it takes so long to pass through the body. I would say incorporate vitamin D, B12, and iron supplements to counteract not eating beef. As for the prednisone, it really depends on how bad the disease is. Honestly, I hate prednisone and i'd rather stick a fork in my eye than take it because of the side effects.

 

[QueenGothel]

Fork in the eye... Lol I hear you there. Love to hate it too. My DD took it from the moment diagnosed until her recent take down. Even though she was the one taking it, I hated giving it with every dose.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

He really needs to be on some maintenance meds. Biologics, 5ASAs or immunosuppressants. The pred will calm down the immediate inflammation, but it's not safe to stay on forever. 40 weeks seems rather excessive to me. I wouldn't do more than a month or two. Actually I wouldn't take it all and refuse to do so, but that's because the side effects are intolerable to me. But something else needs to be taken to control things after weaning off the pred.

 

[QueenGothel]

So you know the Pred did nothing for him. He is now on Remicade.