Not yet diagnosed. Looking for medication/natural remedies to help in the meantime?

[sammybeggs]

My doctor suspected I have crohns and referred me to the gastroenterologist (who I had to wait 4 months to get an appointment with!). The gastroenterologist also suspected crohns and referred me for blood tests and colonoscopy etc. the blood tests came back saying inflammation and aneamia, but negative to celiacs, lactose problems etc.
so I'm hoping the colonoscopy will give me some answers but the waiting list in my area is up to 10 months. I'm finding it really difficult to cope with the symptoms and its making me lose confidence and making me depressed, and the thought of another 10 months without help is horrible.
My doctor has prescribed nausea tablets which helps a bit. I take gastro ease for diarrhoea and I take pain killers as needed. Is there anything else I can do to stop symptoms happening in the first place?
There's nothing worse than being at work or something and getting diarrhoea or extreme pain! It's all well and good taking tablets but I want to know if there's anything that can stop it happening in the first place. Or even dietary changes/natural remedies that may help? I also wondered if buscopan is helpful?
Any help greatly appreciated, thanks so much!

 

[Jag23]

I'm in the same position as you right now, undergoing numerous tests and all so far have suggested crohns but no confirmation yet.

I have read that a low residue diet/ low fibre diet might help. I've also stopped drinking fizzy pop and downloaded a food diary app and record everything.

 

[PsychoJane]

Some will agree some won't that diet makes a whole lot difference in managing that disease. You will learn through time what is good and what is not for you and when flaring is obviously the hardest time when it comes to determining what is right from wrong.

In my opinion, there is not only one right answer but I prefer specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) or the paleo food approach when it comes to this disease. It can be tricky to follow, some might say it is expensive but I consider it well worth it. Juicing can be interesting as it brings you healthy nutriments without involving you digestive tract much.

I found that taking dairy and gluten intakes out was what would bring me more relief, both regarding the digestive issues and the joint pain.

Certain studies have been done that suggest that going towards almost flexitarian/semi-vegetarian diet was bringing benefits with CD patients. There was not a insanely high number of participants so It is not what I would consider the most valid study but essentially it was to limit red meat intakes to once every two weeks and white meat once a week. Eggs were allowed. They were not having dairy or gluten either. That's pretty much what I do when I'm in remission, I don't think I could keep going with it while flaring.

Oh... take processed food out of the way, first thing.

Sleep, much sleep, reduce the stress and even if you are exhausted, try getting a bit of physical activity outside, like a 30 min walk daily when your condition allows you to do so.

 

[sammybeggs]

Thanks so much for your replies people!
I'm definatly going to look into the diets you've mentioned. I eat a mostly vegan diet already so no meat, dairy or eggs etc, and ill see how I go avoiding gluten, sweet delicious gluten, that'll be a hard one to give up but could be worthwhile. I've never heard of some of the diets mentioned so thanks for the info!

 

[Ihurt]

I have not been diagnosed. I have been having issues for over 2 years now though. I have had tests and they have not come up with anything for the most part. I know something is not right though. I will say I have been taking this product called Ambrotose Advanced by Mannatech. It is a natural supplement. It is a bit expensive, but I am giving it a try. I have talked to a couple people who have other autoimmune issues that have been helped by this product. It can take awhile to see the effects of it. I notice a bit of improvement in my intestinal pain since being on it for the month. It is just a thought. You can research it and see what you think.