Plan from the new doctor

[chrisnsteph1022]

I saw a holistic doc today. The plan is to do an elimination diet. Basically, no wheat, dairy, corn or sugars for 3 weeks (I'm starting after Thanksgiving next week). After that, we will slowly introduce things back in. I'm scared to do this. My entire diet consists of wheat, dairy and sugar. He says that's the problem. I'm throwing fuel on the fire and will never get my gut to calm down by eating this way. He also said to start using the following supplements:
Bastyr Formula B
L-glutamine
Probiotics
Cumin (supplement and spice on food)

I can do anything for 3 weeks. If this works, and I can come off some of these cancer-causing drugs, that would be great.

 

[mizgarnet]

Stephanie- I think that is a good plan. L-glut is very healing and if taken on an empty stomach helps stop the big D. Probiotics really help me as long as I eliminate certain foods. Really and truly, the symptoms will not calm down until the digestive system is happy. I came off of the cancer causing drugs and now take LDN. It has been wonderful. Now...I may join you in the elim. diet. I really have to get my eating back on track. Keep us posted on how it goes.

Wendy

 

[Jim Gonsler]

Plan From The New Doctor

Stephanie,

I just read the thread regarding seeing a new holistic doctor and I was interested in hearing how it's going for you? I've been in remission myself for many years now, (thanks to surgery), though I still experience symptoms of Crohn's, namely the frequent bathroom visits, crampiness, gas, etc. You learn to live with certain things, if it doesn't cause unbearable pain. Anyway, a few years back my gastrointerologist, suggested I be tested for Celiac Disease after I complained to him about symptoms of particularly noxious and floating bm's and I tested positive for the condition. Now, I have to stay away from all forms of Gluten... period. Seems that the hard digesting wheat flower and grains, keep me from adequetly absorbing protein from my food. I have stayed off Gluten as much as I could (and found improvements), but was ignorant about the effects of sugar, and dairy on my condition as you mentioned. Though my doctor is great at what he does, I think I'm missing from him vital information pertaining to the foods I can and can't eat as well as the benefits of some natural supplements that could be out there:ybatty:. Thanks,
Jim

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I've been on the elimination diet for 3 weeks, 3 days. At the 3-week mark, I finally saw some improvement. My bathroom trips went from 6-7/day down to 3-4. I'm still having the same amount of pain, though. I added back cheese 3 days ago and haven't noticed a difference, good or bad. I'm not planning on adding cow's milk back. I like the almond milk just fine. I see the holistic doc again tomorrow to figure out what the next step is. It hasn't been as difficult as I imagined, avoiding all those things.

 

[xJillx]

I am glad you've finally seen some improvement. And good thing cheese seems safe! If you are anything like me, I'd be so upset if I had to avoid cheese. I love cheese - mac & cheese, grilled cheese, cheese and crackers, cheeseburgers...the list is endless.

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow!

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Well, the doc seemed shocked that I had not improved much after 3.5 weeks on the diet. He said he didn't know what to tell me. He said I could try adding stuff back in and see if I react to it. Based on timing, I think my decrease in bathroom trips is due to adding psyllium husk to my supplements.

He did say that I must be really inflamed to not respond to Imuran (started 10 weeks ago). I see my GI again in 2-3 weeks. At that time, unless I get into remission by then, I will be switching to Remicade.

 

[Jim Gonsler]

I hope your condition improves so you don't have to take this route. I've heard Remicade is effective though very inconvenient. My brother who also has Crohn's was on it for a quite a while but is no longer on it. As I recall he had to receive it intraveniously and the sessions lasted 3 hours at a time.

 

[Jobell]

I have felt for a long time that diet must be a part of the management of this disease. i am a bit of a sugar and carb addict, and feel that if i could cut that out, and get rid of some other bad habits, maybe it would improve. but hearing that it did not do much for you (and you stuck it out for 3 weeks! wow, what discipline!) sort of discourages me.
I wonder if the food you eat does make any difference? i guess it must, at least to the same extent that diet affects everyone. Processed sugar is bad, period.