New to forum

[brookekhayat]

Hi my names Brooke and I'm 23 years old. I've had crohns for 3 years now and have recently had the worst flare up scince being diagnosed. I used to eat pretty well whatever I like avoiding as much as possible high fat foods. Scince beińg in hospital I have dramatically changed my diet to as much fresh and healthy food as possible and have swapped cows milk for soy milk. I have had a few indulgences and had some chocolate and ice cream. I'm just a bit confused about this because it hasn't seemed to affect me. I just would like some advise and comments if I'm doing the right thing and any suggestions for eating and keeping in remission for as long as possible. Its so good to have found this forum and have people who actually know what I'm talking about. Can't wait to hear some feed back and also I have not had an alcoholic drink for quite awhile because im a bit scared, is it ok to have a few? And what is the best if any to drink when you do have a few?
Thanks guys

 

[brookekhayat]

I forgot to add also my medication I'm on is mesalazine 500mg 9 a day, nexium, prednisone tapering but currently on 40mg day, iron supplements, fluoxetine. In hospital I had iron and potassium infusions. Nearly had to go on remicade but the prednisone seems to be working. I feel really puffy from it is that normal? And also a guy I have been talking to has got me onto grape juice. He presses them himself and it's supposed to help with the inflammation and i feel it is working and also have ginseng root every morning and this
Makes me feel great and gives me that extra energy I need to get through the day. Hopefully I can eventually cut right down on all the meds.

 

[David]

Hi Brooke and welcome to the forum. I'm glad you found your way here. Ok, lot's to cover

1. Some people can drink milk without any problem. Others can't. Diet is different for just about everyone, it's about finding what works for you and what doesn't. I personally think that staying off of cow's milk is a good idea since there are so many potential antigens in it. Of course, I also think staying off soy is a good idea too Other common foods people with Crohn's Disease avoid are wheat/gluten and yeast. We have a diet forum that can help you make sense of all of this.

2. You may want to look into enteral nutrition as a means of supplementing your diet or even as your full diet for awhile. There are many studies that showcase its efficacy.

3. Have you had your vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels tested? If so, what were the specific levels? I notice you're on antidepressants which is one of the reasons I asked. People with Crohn's Disease are commonly deficient in one of both of these and deficiency can lead to feelings of depression (and other symptoms as well). I'd hate for you to be on a medication when the root cause is an easy fix.

4. It is indeed common to feel puffy from Prednisone. Drinking lots of water and avoiding foods with a lot of salt may help there.

5. I would avoid alcohol at least until you're in remission.

We're here for you anytime

 

[Astra]

Hiya Brooke
and welcome

Not much more to add except, Fluoxetine & Alcohol don't like each other very much!
They both act on similar chemicals in the brain and prozac intensifies the alcohol effects, I know, my ex was on prozac and was extremely sedated when he drank.
Anyhoo, good to have you here with us
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[Angrybird]

Hello Brooke and welcome to the forum. I can only agree with what has already been mentioned, I will keep fingers crossed that you can soon be right again and hopefully off the pred.

AB
xx

 

[brookekhayat]

Thanks guys. Lots to think about haga. And David why is soy bad??

 

[marjaw]

Diet is different for everyone. I can do most dairy I want without problem. I can't eat something like Activia yogurt without lots of D. I also found I can't eat farm fresh brown eggs. I will get D. But if I eat the regular grocery store white eggs, no problem. I don't get that at all.

 

[David]

Soy is ok for many. But many are also sensitive to it. If people want blanket suggestions then I suggest staying away from it. For those that want a more scientific approach then sensitivity testing and food journals are the way to go.

 

[brookekhayat]

oh ok. i thought maybe it was like cows milk. I seem to be better with soy milk then cows milk. Sorry if i sounded like i was being rude. Im just still learning about it all and i thought if i had been drinking soy milk i was doing something wrong. Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate your guys advise.

 

[David]

You didn't come across as rude at all I'm glad the soy works for you!