New to this site

[Joshua_A_B]

I just found this site and it is comforting to know that there are others who understand and have experienced what I'm going through.

So here it goes... it was not Appendicitis...

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with small bowel Crohn's and had to have some small bowel removed along with a surgical fix to an adhesion and a couple of lower quadrant abcesses that kept recurring. I was placed on 6MP and Asacol and had a good run of about 6 years with an occasional flare here and there. Unfortunately it is trying to make a comeback and have had kidney stones twice, revealing the spread of Crohn's to the large bowel. I have alleviated some distress with a change in diet along with a change to Pentasa but symptoms of Diverticulosis and inflammation persist. Vulnerability to infection has led to abcesses again as well. Has anyone had success with in an increase in dosage of these drugs to avoid taking the Big Guns or even further surgery??

-New Here

 

[Guest]

hi Joshua, and welcome to the forum

sorry to hear that the Crohns has recurred. i can't really be of much help with your meds question, but just wanted to say its good to have you here, and i'm sure others will have more experience with those particular medications.

 

[Kev]

Joshua.. welcome to the forum. sorry to hear about the relapse. If you have a chance, maybe take a look at LDN. Might give you an option other than the BIG GUNS or surgery.

 

[Joshua_A_B]

Thank you, dingbat and Kev. Your greetings and comments are much appreciated!!

 

[BWS1982]

Genetically I'd have had a risk of Kidney stones from my mom even without Crohns, now I'm extra concerned.

Welcome Joshua.

 

[Jeff D.]

Welcome to the forum Joshua. I hope you can get things under control soon so that the flare doesn't hit too hard. That's the one thing with this disease. It likes to throw curve balls at you. You may feel 100% one day and the next feel like your dead. It likes to tease and play with your mind. Also, for the kidney stones try to stop drinking soft drinks and add teas and lots of water if you haven't already.

Best of luck

 

[Joshua_A_B]

Soft drinks cause the stones, no more soft drinks!
- Thanks Joshua

 

[Joshua_A_B]

Pen in another thread wrote that surgical resection causes a greater risk for stones. Have you had a resection BWS?

 

[BWS1982]

No, no resection (yet), the GI has a few more cards up his sleeve for this flareup, including Humira and maybe even Cimzia, if the higher dose of Remicade doesn't do the trick this week.

 

[Joshua_A_B]

Best of luck, I wouldn't wish intestinal surgery on anyone!

- Stay strong

 

[Joshua_A_B]

Thanks for the informatio Pen,
I had my Appendix removed and a resection as well as four stones in the past five years.
If I drink regular tea will that have the same effect as Green Tea?
- Grateful

 

[JXC]

I'm new to the site as well. I had kidney stones a couple times after being diagnosed with Crohn's. But I have never had surgery for the Crohn's. Joshua...I hope things can take a turn for the better for you. I'm sorry to hear about the relapse. Best wishes!

 

[Joshua_A_B]

Pen,
Stones are rough but mine have been around 3 and 4 mm, no need for lithotripsy. I was given stuff but it never really helps 100% and I don't want to come across as addicted - very awkward to have to ask for more because they don't believe you. They usually take a week or so and then I feel like I'm in heaven after so I guess I can call it even.

JXC,
Welcome! Thank you for your sentiments and I hope we all can be of some help as we all travel this interesting journey we call Crohn's.

 

[Joshua_A_B]

They gave me nothing other than pain meds to manage until they passed on their own. Your stones average 7 and 9mm and the doctors say you have a low pain threshold?? Those are huge... I know what 3 and 4 feel like, I can only imagine what 7 and 9 feel like. Unfortunately I'm of no help on this... sorry Pen.

 

[Joshua_A_B]

People who aren't truly in pain don't appreciate the effects. I always hate to ask for it because I'm afraid of the way the hospital will judge me for it.