Hello, Im 26 years old just got diagnosed with Crohns in may 2011. currently im not on any meds but my Dr wants me to start a steriod and anti-inflamitory. Im not in any pain but from resultes of a small bowel series a tiny party of my small intestine is only a millimeter wide and my dr is talking about removing it. Im just not sure what to think and still processing all of this. I do not want to start meds and would like to try a more natural treatment. But My dr sais that probiotics or fish oils will not do anything for me. Any sugestions or personal experience with natural treatmenst would be greatly appreciated. Im feeling very overwhelmed.
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- Thread starter LisaMM
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I am taking it and have been for a couple years. I have experienced no side effects.
I went undiagnosed and unmedicated for over 10 years and ended up having surgery for a blockage and then was diagnosed. I started out taking Asacol (no problems), then tried Lialda (liked it but got a bad rash from it), then a generic (that caused more diarrhea) and then Pentasa (no problems). As far as I can tell it works well for me. But I basically started out with a clean slate, all the crohns affected areas of my intestines were removed. But its been 4 years and as of my last colonoscopy I have very little active crohns. So I like to think its helping.
Here's a list of possible side effects http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-3332-pentasa+oral.aspx?drugid=3332&drugname=pentasa+oral#sideeffects
I went undiagnosed and unmedicated for over 10 years and ended up having surgery for a blockage and then was diagnosed. I started out taking Asacol (no problems), then tried Lialda (liked it but got a bad rash from it), then a generic (that caused more diarrhea) and then Pentasa (no problems). As far as I can tell it works well for me. But I basically started out with a clean slate, all the crohns affected areas of my intestines were removed. But its been 4 years and as of my last colonoscopy I have very little active crohns. So I like to think its helping.
Here's a list of possible side effects http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-3332-pentasa+oral.aspx?drugid=3332&drugname=pentasa+oral#sideeffects
Thats awesome that its working for you. Im just scared to start taking anything. And the thought of surgery really scars me too. And Im not in any pain..alittle constipated but i feel like its getting better every day. So not im just debating if it should start the meds of go for the more holistic approach.
I would say definitely talk to your GI about all of this. Do you have a GI that is easy to talk to and willing to discuss all options? If not then I would say you need to find a good GI that will take time to work with you. Does your doctor know that you ar not trying the Pentasa and are unsure about medications?
The plus for me is Pentasa is not a medication like remacaid and the other infusion drugs. It is not an immune suppressant and can be stopped at any time and the possible side effects are not that bad. My doctor has suggested Cimzia but I am scared of it because it is an immune suppressant, you must take it consistently and once stopped you can never take it again and not to mention it is insanely pricy even with insurance.
The plus for me is Pentasa is not a medication like remacaid and the other infusion drugs. It is not an immune suppressant and can be stopped at any time and the possible side effects are not that bad. My doctor has suggested Cimzia but I am scared of it because it is an immune suppressant, you must take it consistently and once stopped you can never take it again and not to mention it is insanely pricy even with insurance.
I just was at the Dr yesterday and she told me about all of this and just perscribed the meds. and honestly i dont even know what the other one is called because i havent picked it up yet. No she does not seem open to other options. I mentioned taking a pro-biotic and she told me that it will definatly do nothing for me. which i dont believe. Guess il have to start getting some second opinions!
xJillx
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Hi Lisa and welcome! I know starting medication can be scary. However, an anti-inflammatory is a very mild treatment. I take Lialda and have no issues. But, an anti-inflammatory can't combat inflammation alone. You first need to get it under control to let the anti-inflammatory do its job. Steroids do a great job at battling inflammation. I know the side effects can be difficult to manage, but it is not the same for everyone. Some people have no side effects at all. But if your GI is suggesting surgery already, it sounds like you don't have a choice in the matter. Try the medication before surgery is your only option.
