question on flare length

[Quill]

I really appreciate all the information. I am in the diagnosis stage and am trying to survive w/o meds (except omeprazole, and phenergan as needed) until I can finally get assessed by the GI and go through whatever additional tests I have to do then (IBD is a working diagnosis by my GP at this point). Does anyone know when a flare is over? How can you tell?

 

[UnXmas]

I really appreciate all the information. I am in the diagnosis stage and am trying to survive w/o meds (except omeprazole, and phenergan as needed) until I can finally get assessed by the GI and go through whatever additional tests I have to do then (IBD is a working diagnosis by my GP at this point). Does anyone know when a flare is over? How can you tell?

Quill - a flare ends when you go into remission. There are different ways of defining remissiom: http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/remission

Generally, you know you're in remission when tests reveal no active inflammation, which usually means you have no (or few) symptoms.

 

[Quill]

It seems like I have been on this forever and still get so much discomfort from even basic food.

So I'm guessing it would require medical clearance to start adding different kinds of food than the low residue/low fat/no taste diet?

 

[UnXmas]

Has your doctor advised a low residue diet? It can definietly help symptoms, but if you find you're able to tolerate other things there's no reason you shouldn't eat them unless your doctor has given you strict instructions not to.

 

[Quill]

I didn't know about the low residue diet until searching around google and coming to this site. After implementing it, I find that it has helped immensely though I still have quite a bit of discomfort. It sure beats going back on a clear liquid diet again.

I think the high starch diet has not been helpful. I get queasy eating chicken but have been able to tolerate it enough. I have started a multivitamin (was on it before this all started) and started ensure in order to get more protein, and that has helped with energy. I may try some kind of silken tofu shake in order to boost the protein.

 

[UnXmas]

If you find low residue helps then stick with it. Don't go on a very restricted or liquid diet unless a doctor advises it. Are you underweight? Why eat chicken if it makes you queasy?

 

[Quill]

Lol, good question. Habit? And plus everything seems to make me a little queasy. Otherwise, I would be living off.. hm, water, I guess. (3 pregnancy tests ordered by various doctors-definitely not pregnant.) I had gone on the clear liquid diet for several days at the doctor's advice. I am at a good BMI--not over or under. I guess I shouldn't be to worried about it too much. I have found that I can eat some canned vegetables--that made me so happy!

 

[UnXmas]

Has your doctor suggested any antiemetics? (Meds for nausea).

If you're missing fruit and veg (often happens on low residue), you may be ok with bananas, avocados and tinned fruits as well as the tinned vegetables.