Need Advice.

[NSB]

Attention fellow Crohns suffers'
I've been suffering from crohns for a number of years now and it has progressively gotten worse and I've finally been officially diagnosed earlier this year. I've been admitted to the hospital for treatment after years of suffering without knowing the cause, as steroids don't seem to be successful enough to put me in remission. GI specialists are telling me I have the option of surgery or the bio-injections. Being only 21 and having a fistulotomy last year I've been going through a lot of **** these last few years. I'm looking for guidance from people who've been through similar treatment to hear their feedback on these two options. I'd like the opinion of some patients not just the doctors. Also what about the natural diet and marijuana approach? Why hasn't this been brought to my attention before the drugs which increase chance of cancer or organs damage.. Please any educated feedback is appreciated.

 

[mish2575]

Remicade worked wonders for my fistulas.
Asacol has been my maintenance drug for 15 years.
Green tea (2-3 cups a day) instead of coffee has been a big relief to my gut inflammation. I no longer hurt in the gut area after a bm.

Good luck

 

[SarahBear]

I haven't had surgery or been on biologics, but personally, I would try biologics before surgery. Surgery is best kept as a safety net in case the medications don't do the trick.

I have no experience with treating with diet or MM, but some have had great success with it. You can read about others' experiences in the Diet, Fitness, and Supplements forum and the Medical Marijuana forum.

Personally, in your situation, I would try biologics first, perhaps with a carefully planned diet as well. If medical marijuana is available to you, that could be useful for pain control and weight gain. If you have no or limited experience with MM, I simply wouldn't start it at the same time as any new medications. You want to be able to keep track of all side effects and accurately report them to your doctor.

:hug: I'm sorry to hear what you have to deal with, especially so young. I hope things start looking up for you soon!

 

[dave13]

Welcome NSB,sorry you are going through a rough time. This disease is not easy on us. You are young and want to live your life. Since you have progressively gotten worse,I'm sure your doctor wants to take a more aggressive approach.

For some doctors,biologics are the first go to approach,to try and get the upper hand on CD quickly.Others take the opposite approach,start with something like Pentasa,for example.See if the milder drugs work before moving on to others.

I had a fistulotomy in June of this year and started Remicade in July.I have noticed improvements since the infusions.More energy for longer periods of time is the biggest benefit I experience.Like everything CD,Remicade helps some and not others.What biologic did your doctor recommend?

Check out the links SarahBear posted.I would also add fistulas,fissures and abscesses as a support group to check out. http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=47942

Why doctors don't bring up options that are available to patients can be varied.Ask your doctor his/her reasons.

Good luck! Feel free to ask me any questions.

 

[NSB]

Thank you everybody for all of your support and input I just need some time to go through all of your comments and links to gather the information you've shared. I appreciate the information and experiences you've shared with me. I hope to try some of them soon as I am currently in the hospital receiving treatment and will be for a few days. Take care.

 

[dave13]

Good Luck! Let us know how you are doing.