Although I could write a short novel on my health journey over the last two years, I will try to keep it brief. In May of 2011 I gave birth to my fourth child, shortly after I experienced some serious family trouble that could have triggered everything. My symptoms were all throughout my body, but my bowel issues were only minor. After seeing more doctors and doing more tests than I can count, I finally requested a Celiac Test in August of 2012...it came back positive. I was so relieved, but that relief soon dissipated when I only seemed to get worse on the gluten free diet. My weight continued to drop and my other symptoms persisted. I only began to see improvements after going dairy free, nearly sugar free and began over the counter allergy meds. I gained 5 pounds in 6 weeks and my hair began growing back. But, despite the improvements I could tell something was still off with-in me. Long story short, I was finally just diagnosed with mild Crohns in December. It is only in the terminal ileum, with no narrowing or strictures or fistulas. This is where I need advice, my doctor advised me to start on Humira or Remicade. I, however, from two years of trial and error have been able to maintain a semi-normal life by altering my diet. I only have one bowel movement a day, I have never had bloody stools, and I only experience minor abdominal pain and discomfort depending on what I eat. I struggle to gain weight, but being gluten free, dairy free , and sugar free I'm not pounding the calories. I have become keenly aware of what my body does and doesn't like. So my question is, do I trade my mild Crohns symptoms for crazy side effects of toxic drugs, or do I listen to my "gut" and give Paleo/SCD diet a good try before diving into the hard-core meds. I don't want to be stubborn and refuse meds, but I don't want to be more miserable on meds than I am off them. Any input would be great! My head is still spinning, but trying to keep an open-mind.
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