Over-medicated and exploring other options

[brooks22]

My name is Kasey and I'm a 24-year-old female with Crohn's Disease. I was diagnosed in 2005 and I've been on and off steroids and other drugs since. Right now I'm on Pentasa (working well for the most part), Hyomax (as needed to help with intestinal cramping, also it's dissolving) and 10 mg of prednisone to help with a flare I've just been getting over.
I'm pretty sick of the pain and the depression that comes with all of it, not to mention the vast number of medications and medical tests, so I'm looking into some possible dietary solutions. I'm a poor eater anyway, so I know my diet needs a total overhaul. I'm exploring some healthier ways of dealing with stress, like yoga and meditative exercises. Any suggestions and feedback is welcome!

 

[Jennifer]

Sticking to a bland diet during a flare can help alleviate some symptoms but when you're in remission its not necessary. Bland meaning white meats, white rice, steamed veggies without skins, apple sauce etc. Anything to relieve even a little stress is recommended, whatever you can keep up really. For me I like to watch TV for a few hours. I find it to be pretty relaxing. Welcome to the forum!

 

[brooks22]

Wow, 12 years' remission--congratulations!! Thanks a lot for the support!

 

[crazycanuck]

Hey there welcome to the forums. I don't have too much experience in the alternative treatments area but I can tell you there are some great people on these forums to give you some advice on that. Relaxation though... I love to lay down and watch TV as crabby said but I've also found being active is a nice way to alleviate a lot of symptoms and pain. I play hockey and love to snowboard (is there a more Canadian sentence.... I guess I could add I like beer?) and I find that even with an entire day of snowboarding I won't even go the bathroom even once just because its relaxing out there and there really aren't too many things to worry about.

I'd just suggest finding something you love to do. Whether it's yoga, sports, walking your dog, tv....anything as long as its relaxing and keeps your mind off of other things.

 

[brooks22]

The biggest challenge so far has been knowing when my energy levels are too low and I just need to spend a few days on the couch. However I think I'm getting better at listening to my body lately! Thank you for the advice =D

 

[Astra]

and that's the secret Kasey!
If you need to doss, then doss!
Your body will talk to you!
When you feel energised go for a walk to wipe away the cobwebs.
Then watch some more telly!
Welcome Kasey to our forum, enjoy!
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[brooks22]

It's at least a learning experience in how to listen to my body, I'll say that for sure. Thank you for the kind words & support! =)

 

[Lisa]

What other medications have you tried?

And yes, it sure is a learning experience! Sometimes my stubborness gets the best of me though and I just push through.....

 

[Dogluv]

Hi! I also wanted an alternative to all the medications so I am currently on an elemental/nutritional diet. I'm on my second week of a month, and it has been working great! The only down side is I'm not allowed any food, which is hard.