Newly Diagnosed

[ariel_mermaid]

My name is Ariel, I am 18 years old and I have recently been diagnosed with Crohn`s. At first I wasn't really phased by the diagnoses but now having had a few weeks pass it is slowly setting in. It has been difficult for me to do daily activities, since standing for a long period of time or walking can cause serious stomach pain. I used to enjoy eating but now it feels like a chore. Almost every thing I eat causes me some amount of pain. I have been doing a lot of trial and error with my meals. Fortunately I have stumbled upon a couple safe foods- PC White Cheddar Deluxe Mac and Cheese, tilapia (really delicious fish when baked with lemon and garlic) and pancakes with bacon. Although unfortunately almost everything else gives me a substantial amount of pain. I can handle the pain to a certain point but a lot of the time the pain is so serve it causes vomiting, which can make it difficult to eat in a restaurant because I am unaware of what may result in a attack. Does anyone else have an excessive amount of vomiting? Because with all the people I know who have Crohn's vomiting is'nt a big issue. Also any suggestions on safe foods would be appreciated

Ariel

 

[Rebecca85]

You sound like me in the run up to my diagnosis. I was sick just about every evening regardless of what I ate. First the stomach pains would start, then the vomiting.

Fortunately, I stopped vomiting after I was hospitalised and put on steroids. What meds have you been put on? And how long have you been taking them for? Maybe they need a bit more time to kick in, or maybe they're not working for you and you need to try something else.

As for diet, you might have some luck with the low residue diet, since the safe foods you listed seem to be low res. There's information on our wiki. But basically, it's soft, bland foods- no fibre or crunchy stuff. And while it may sound counter productive, sometimes processed junk foods are easier to digest than the healthy stuff. Don't worry about eating lots of junk if that's all you can handle, you can gradually switch to healthy eating once your guts have had chance to heal!

 

[ariel_mermaid]

Thank you for the advice Right now I am currently on Prednisone and I have only been taking it for two weeks now. Although the doctor said it should take up to four weeks to have any results, so I'm really hoping the pain and vomiting will subside in the next few weeks.

 

[Niklovely]

When I had my first major flare up, nausea and vomiting were huge issues for me. I could not keep anything in my system, not even the medication I was on. You should ask your doctor for nausea medicine.

 

[ariel_mermaid]

Thank you I thought I was the only one who threw up this much. It's good to know that it is normal among others. I hope you are doing well.

Ariel

 

[Thermo]

What tests did they use to diagnose you with Crohns? Also where are your pains located at and what do they feel like?

 

[Sherikins]

Hello! Yes in trial and error I have several safe foods that may work for you. Mine are: plain white rice, salmon, chicken, unsweetened apple sauce and rice baby pablum. I know last ones weird, but it doesn't bother me durng a flare up and has lots of nutrients in it to keep me going.

My experience is try to stay away from anything processed, natural foods are best. For me, pop is out (Waaa I miss Dr Pepper), fast food (maybe twice a year I can cheat) and anything deep fried, high in fat or fiber and sodium. I've also had to give up dairy, well not completely can cheat with cheese in small doses but milk, ice cream, yogurt, for sure an issue. So.....Basically anything good lol. But, when you feel good it is worth not eating them so you keep feeling good. I don't even wanna try anymore, too painful!

Good luck and I hope this helps

PS I puked A LOT! Still do if I get a flare up.

 

[ariel_mermaid]

What tests did they use to diagnose you with Crohns? Also where are your pains located at and what do they feel like?

They did an ultra sound, took several blood tests and they preformed a colonoscopy. My pain is mostly located below my belly button which spreads from side to side. Also have been experiencing pain closer to my rib cage, it's been travelling upwards lately. My pain is very sharp, basically feels like I am being stabbed from the inside.

 

[ariel_mermaid]

Sherikins

Thank you for the ideas! :ysmile: I have been meaning to try salmon. I've heard that white rice is supposed to be great for people with Crohn's unfortunately that's one food I really dislike. That really sucks that pop bothers you because Dr. Pepper is the best! Maybe just sneak a sip or two :ytongue: Anyways thank you again, take care.

Ariel

 

[Thermo]

Yeah I highly recommend the low residue diet it's great when you are flaring, very bland and calming. Has anyone spoken to you about a PPI like Nexium? I think this might help you with some of your symptoms and allow you to keep things down a bit more. Regardless since you are on steroids you should be on one since the steroids will wipe out your stomach lining. Ask your GI about it, I really think it would help.

 

[EthanPSU]

Hey Ariel, I agree with the people here. Def trial and error is the way to go when you first start out, I'm in my 5th year of having crohns and still don't know 100% what good or bad for me. You sound alot like I felt when I was first diagnosed, pain after every meal, ect. It will get better though. Anyways, welcome to the forums, its a great place to get your questions answered.

P.S. Sweet name

 

[ariel_mermaid]

Thermo: Nobody has spoken to me about PPI but I may look in to it

 

[ariel_mermaid]

Hey Ariel, I agree with the people here. Def trial and error is the way to go when you first start out, I'm in my 5th year of having crohns and still don't know 100% what good or bad for me. You sound alot like I felt when I was first diagnosed, pain after every meal, ect. It will get better though. Anyways, welcome to the forums, its a great place to get your questions answered.

P.S. Sweet name

Yeah I'm finding that I am able to handle most foods when I don`t have severe pain before eating but unfortunately I can`t handle eating popcorn :yfrown: Hope you are doing well and thank you :ysmile: Take care.

Ariel