Possible help

[Rhoadsie]

Hi
Last July I put a new feed on this site in relation to a bad reaction my Grandson had to his Crohns disease. He was hospitalised then given steroids for 6 weeks. I was very scared for him and started casting about for anything that could alleviate the symptoms. By chance in early October, a friend of my partner asked if I wanted to become a distributor for a global company dealing solely in Aloe Vera products. I did some research and found they did drinking gel which is pure Aloe Vera. There were case studies of people with skin ailments such as psoriasis and exzema being treated and brought under control and arthritis symptoms also. Most importantly for me was the case study of Crohns Colitis and IBS. The theory was that Aloe treats and feeds skin on the outside and that the gut is only skin but on the inside. As the products had few additives and non harmful I asked Peter to try taking the gel. It does not have the most pleasant taste but you get used to it and as he said , if it does not taste god it is probably doing me good. He has been taking it daily since October and has not required any further medication so far. I am cautiously optimistic that it helping to alleviate the symptoms. He has had few flare ups of discomfort and these usually after he has eaten what I call trash food for several days. He eats normally now.
I cannot say whether the steroids have put this into remission as I have little experience of the disease and its manifestations but I intend tto ask his consultant to do an in depth examination of him when we see him in May.
Has anyone else out there tried these products and had similar results.
If I don't respond immediately it is because I am away for a few days.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I have not tried anything like this. But, am thankful to hear that something has seemed to help him! Thanks for the info and hopefully he'll continue feeling good!

 

[Orchid]

Make absolutely sure there is no aloin in it. It is of very questionable safety and may lead to blood disorders with extended use, such as anemia and hypoproteinemia. It may also be carcinogenic. (Source)

 

[Too Many Bum Steers]

This actually came up recently. Drinking Aloe Vera juice is sometimes suggested for Crohn's in old protocols like the SCD diet, but only after considerable healing has already occurred. More recently, studies have shown liver damage and other problems with it. There is another thread you should read here about this subject as it contains some links to some of the possible dangers of this therapy.

Although not everyone has negative effects, this therapy is not currently recommended here because of the potential dangers.

General Info about Aloe Vera:
http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Aloe-Vera

Current thread:
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=61725

Still, it's great to know that it worked for somebody. Success is always good to hear. As long as nothing bad is happening, and you're accepting the risks with your eyes open, I don't see the harm.

 

[Rhoadsie]

Hi folks,
Thanks for your input. I am relatively new to finding out the manifestations of this disease. I am appalled that even though it is not uncommon, there are few means of attempting to control it without creating further strains on the body. I am monitoring Peters progress. We also used Aloe gel on the opening of a fistula that was forming. This has now healed over but until May I will not know what is happening on the inside. Peters father is going in today for a hip replacement. He has had Crohns since he was eleven, he is now forty and the steroids he has been on all this time have damaged his joints. I hope the Aloe Vera works at keeping the symptoms at bay or at least reducing them to a level that is tolerable. I will keep you informed of how he is getting on.