Newly diagnosed, need help

[RaWilson]

Hello.
Nice to meet everyone here.
I recently been diagnosed with crohn's.
Meal planning has been difficult for me so far. I'm on a low fiber diet 'cause I heard it helps with crohn's. So far my bowel movements have been alright. Also I'm on prednisone right now but I'm about to run out.
I'm planning to see a doctor next week, on thursday.
Is there anything I should ask/mention to them?

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome. I am wondering if you want to visit a dietician or a nutritionist to help with the meal planning?

 

[MamiDoll]

Hello there!
First off your first question should be What medication and treatment plan is he putting you on? Prednisone is not best used as a long term medication for Crohn's. It's great at quickly reducing inflammation at diagnosis and during a big flare up but there are plenty of maintenance medications that have the actual potential to "heal".
I'd also suggest making a list of your symptoms, all of them. Even the ones that don't seem could possibly be related to Crohn's. If you have more than 5 I write them down and give a copy to the Dr. I like to make sure everything is addressed when I go.
Let us know if you are in a severe spot with Crohn's and you'll probably get plenty more suggestions and advice. Welcome!

 

[RaWilson]

Welcome. I am wondering if you want to visit a dietician or a nutritionist to help with the meal planning?

I'm considering that when I go see my doctor to see if they will refer me to recommended dietician since I have a vitamin d deficiency as well. I'm taking a calcium supplement for it though.

 

[RaWilson]

Hello there!
First off your first question should be What medication and treatment plan is he putting you on? Prednisone is not best used as a long term medication for Crohn's. It's great at quickly reducing inflammation at diagnosis and during a big flare up but there are plenty of maintenance medications that have the actual potential to "heal".
I'd also suggest making a list of your symptoms, all of them. Even the ones that don't seem could possibly be related to Crohn's. If you have more than 5 I write them down and give a copy to the Dr. I like to make sure everything is addressed when I go.
Let us know if you are in a severe spot with Crohn's and you'll probably get plenty more suggestions and advice. Welcome!

Thank you!
Yes I have severe abodemen pain(near the belly button) when I was getting treated in the hospitial. It's getting better now though. I know I probably shouldn't be on Prednisone since it seems to be causing swelling in my feet and ankles. I also heard about it's long term side effects.
Thank you for suggesting I make a list. I will and see what the doctor has to say about it.

 

[polgara59]

I'm considering that when I go see my doctor to see if they will refer me to recommended dietician since I have a vitamin d deficiency as well. I'm taking a calcium supplement for it though.

Why not just take Vitamin D? D is used to help with calcium absorption.

 

[RaWilson]

Why not just take Vitamin D? D is used to help with calcium absorption.

I'm sorry. I didn't make myself clear.
The supplement is a caltrate supplement, which is a calcium and Vitamin D3 supplement. Which is what the doctors who discharged me prescribed me.

 

[martajayne]

I would suggest looking into natural treatments. Most gastro drs receive payments from big pharmaceutical companies to push their drugs on patients. It's not for our benefit...trust me! The typical drugs prescribed long term for Crohns are horrible (in my opinion) and will not treat the actual problem which, most likely, is unbalanced gut flora and vitamin/mineral deficiency. Humira practically crippled me. I treat my Crohns with diet, supplements and lots of clean water (no tap!). I now have no diarrhea and no pain unless I stray from my daily protocol.