Hospital Stay Just before Christmas

I havent been able to keep down food and medications for months. They admitted me Tuesday. I am on IV phenergan, prednisone, protonics and morphine. I am going in today for an endoscopy and colonoscopy. I'm praying they find out what is going on so i can enjoy my holidays. I'm supposed to be scheduling a follow-up in Chicago soon. I need to call them and make sure my new insurance will approve it and see what kind if funding i can get. I figured it would be best to wait and call after all this testing so they know ahead of time what's going on. I will post an update after my testing!

Migraines and Pain

I have had a nonstop migraine for weeks now. I wish i were exaggerating. Unfortunately im not. Im hurting and i cant keep food down. I saw my PC today and she refilled my immitrex and started me on lamictal again. After that i saw my GI. Im hurting all over. I volunteered for just 2 hrs yesterday at a church event and spent all night and day aching and feeling like I was being stabbed. He restarted me on elavil. Ive already taken both meds with no success. Im praying they work this time around! I cant handle much more of this! Ugh!

In the Hospital

I have been in the hospital for 5 days. I was vomiting for weeks and hadn't used the bathroom in several days. Finally they gave me a laxative and I was finally able to go. I have been on a lot of fluids and nausea and pain meds. I get to go home today. Im keeping down my food and back on a regular diet. Im just hoping it stays this way. Im ready to go home and start watching Halloween movies and decorating. They never figured out what caused all this except that it's crohns. Ugh

I have PCOS

I was dealing with so much pain i went to the er. They saw another cyst but said nothing else. Thank God i had an ob gyn appointment the next day for my annual check up. She diagnosed me with endometriosis and PCOS. PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Im now taking progesterone to help with the symptoms. It makes sense with all of my pain and weight gain. Now i need to reassess my health. Ill keep you updated!

New Device for IBD

THIS SMART DEVICE GIVES YOU A 10-MINUTE WARNING THAT YOU MAY NEED A TOILET By Kenny Ong in New Products on Thursday 12 March 2015 Triple W is a Japanese startup based in California that has developed a nifty wearable device to predict your bowel movements and give you a 10-minute notice to find a toilet soon. Called D Free, the device is attached to your stomach and connected to an app on your smartphone. The sensors in the device can detect movement or swelling in your intestines and send a notification to your smartphone to warn you that within about 10 minutes, you should find yourself a vacant toilet. The app also records your bowel movements throughout the day to track your daily habits so as to give you even more accurate notifications in the future. Triple W predicts that D Free will be most relevant to folks who suffer from incontinence. It would also be welcomed by people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, giving them ample time to find a toilet. In nursing homes, the device could cue busy staff on when to help their patients in such matters. Triple W is planning to raise production funds at crowdfunding sites. The company hopes to ship it to customers in the U.S. in May and Japan by December. It is priced at $US200 for now but Triple W hopes they can bring the price down to $US50 when they are able to mass produce it. After all, it is a matter of utmost urgency to some. Via Oddity Central

A new relationship

As of today, im officially in a new relationship.  Hes sweet,  intelligent,  and understands my health and wants the best for me. I just need prayers that this will work. I dont want another broken heart.

My many moods

Its hot. Im flaring. Heres my moods of the day for a little laugh

ER Visit

Well I had a black tarry watery stool and have been in a lot of pain lately so I decided to be on the safe side and go on to the hospital. All the tests came out clear. No surprise.  My symptoms always precede my test results.  They didn't see any bleeding. My gi was on call so he came to the er to see me. He put my on cipro and Flagyl to be safe. And gave me more Norco but said he didnt want to. I know they're addictive.  Im not stupid. But how else do I deal with so much pain I can barely walk?? Ugh. So frustrating!

Chemotherapy for Crohn's Disease

Chemotherapy for Crohn’s Disease

Learn how certain chemotherapy drugs, including 6-MP, Remicade, and Methotrexate, can benefit people with Crohn's disease.

Chemotherapy involves treating an illness using chemicals and has long been among the most successful treatments for patients with various forms of cancer. Certain forms of chemotherapy also have been effective for autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease.

6-MP

Administered orally, usually in tablet form, mercaptopurine, also known as 6-MP, is among the more popular chemotherapy treatments used for Crohn’s sufferers. 6-MP has been classified as an antimetabolite, a drug that interferes with metabolic action. Although antimetabolites have been found to be effective in the treatment of Crohn’s, they’ve been associated with side effects, too.

As with traditional forms of chemotherapy, the side effects of 6-MP can be difficult to handle. Extreme side effects include a temporary reduction in white and red blood cell count, which can increase your risk of infection and anemia. Liver problems and traditional chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting may occur.

Methotrexate

Methotrexate is another popular Crohn’s prescription that has roots in chemotherapy treatments. Originally used for breast cancer patients, methotrexate is also used as chemotherapy for lymphoma and leukemia, among other illnesses. For treatment of autoimmune disorders, the dosage is lowered to a safer level.

Administered once a week, either orally or via injection, methotrexate blocks cell production, making it effective in controlling the inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.  Methotrexate’s side effects include a reduction in blood cells produced by bone marrow, which can lead to complications. Methotrexate patients may be required to be tested occasionally to ensure adequate blood count. Patients taking methotrexate will often receive blood tests every two months to test liver function and creatinine levels in the urine to test for kidney function. Lung scarring is possible, so patients may be asked to watch for issues such as persistent coughing or trouble breathing.

Remicade (infliximab) (, a TNF blocker) often used in treating Crohn’s disease, has been reclassified as a chemotherapy drug because it requires special safety standards by the facilities that use it. It also falls into this category because it works by blocking proteins created by blood cells in your body.

Remicade is administered via IV, in a medical facility during an appointment that can take hours. Remicade is often used in more severe Crohn’s patients because it carries a lymphoma cancer risk, mostly among younger patients who take it. It also carries a risk of tuberculosis, which has sometimes been fatal among Crohn’s sufferers taking the drug.

Some people have experienced allergic reactions to Remicade, and a few have reported lupus-like symptoms, including chest or joint pains, shortness of breath, and rashes. If you begin to experience these side effects, your doctor may choose to either change your dosage or take you off the drug altogether.

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine, also used in chemotherapy, has shown to be effective for Crohn’s sufferers. Like other medications used in the treatment of Crohn’s, cyclosporine decreases the body’s immune response.

Cyclosporine is traditionally used to prevent rejection during organ or bone marrow transplants.  Although it’s still unproven in the treatment of Crohn’s, the theory in using it is that weakening the body’s immune response will result in a lessening of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Some Crohn’s patients suffer from fistulas, abnormal connections in the intestines that can create discharge, fever, pain, and itching. Cyclosporine has had success in closing the resulting openings.  Some of the more severe side effects of cyclosporine include blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and kidney and liver problems. Because cyclosporine has such severe side effects, it’s rarely used to treat Crohn’s.

In 1997, researchers conducted a trial to determine if antituberculous chemotherapy worked in patients suffering from Crohn’s. The basis for this test was the theory that mycobacterium paratuberculosis is the cause of Crohn’s—a theory that has not been proven.

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis is a bacterial infection originates from the milk, feces, and meat of infected cattle. Some believe that the bacteria isn’t killed off during the cooking process and infects the humans who eat it, leading to Crohn’s.

Researchers hoped to eradicate Crohn’s disease in test subjects by using antituberculous chemotherapy, a tuberculosis treatment. However, the two-week trial found no change in Crohn’s patients participating in the study. At the end of the study, researchers concluded no detectable link between mycobacterium paratuberculosis and Crohn’s disease.

Copyright © 2005 - 2015 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved for Healthline. Healthline is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Terms of Use |Privacy Policy

Crohn's VS Ulcerative Colitis

The Difference Between Crohn’s, UC, and IBD

Part 1 of 5

Many people are confused when it comes to the differences between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis (UC). The short explanation is that IBD is the umbrella term for the condition under which both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis fall. But there is, of course, much more to the story.

Both Crohn’s and UC are marked by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system, and they may share some symptoms. However, there are important differences as well. These distinctions primarily include the location of the maladies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the way each disease responds to treatment. Understanding these features is key to obtaining a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist.

Part 2 of 5

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD was seldom seen before the rise of improved hygiene and urbanization at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it’s still found mainly in developed countries such as the United States. Like other autoimmune and allergic disorders, it’s believed that a lack of germ resistance development has partly contributed to diseases such as IBD.

In people with IBD, the immune system mistakes food, bacteria, or other materials in the GI tract for foreign substances and responds by sending white blood cells into the lining of the bowels. The result of the immune system's attack is chronic inflammation. The word inflammation itself comes from the Greek word for flame. It literally means "to be set on fire."

Crohn’s and UC are the most common forms of IBD. Oftentimes, the terms are interchangeable. Less common IBDs include:

microscopic colitisdiverticulosis-associated colitiscollagenous colitislymphocytic colitisBehçet's disease.

IBD may strike at any age. According to theMayo Clinic, most people with IBD are diagnosed before the age of 30. It’s more common:

in urban areasamong people in higher socioeconomic bracketsindustrialized countriesnorthern climatesin Caucasians as opposed to darker-skinned people and those of Asian descentin people who eat high-fat diets

Aside from environmental factors, genetic factors are believed to play a strong role in the development of IBD. Therefore, it’s considered to be a "complex disorder.”

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for IBD. This is a lifelong disease, with alternating periods of remission and flare-up. Modern treatments, however, allow people to live relatively normal and productive lives.

IBD should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a much less serious affliction than either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It doesn’t involve inflammation or appear to have a physiological basis.

Part 3 of 5

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, although it’s most often found at the end of the small intestine (small bowel) and the beginning of the colon (large bowel).

Symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

persistent diarrheacrampy abdominal painfeveroccasional rectal bleedingfatigue

Unlike with UC, Crohn's isn't limited to the GI tract. It may also affect the skin, eyes, joints, and liver. Since symptoms usually get worse after a meal, patients with Crohn's will often experience weight loss due to food avoidance.

Crohn's disease can cause blockages of the intestine due to scarring and swelling. Ulcers (sores) in the intestinal tract may develop into tracts of their own, known as fistulas. Crohn’s disease can also increase the risk for colon cancer, which is why patients must have regular colonoscopies.

Medication is the most common way to treat Crohn's disease. The five types of drugs are:

steroidsantibioticsimmune modifiers, such as azathioprine and 6-MPaminosalicylates, such as 5-ASAbiologic therapy

Some cases may also require surgery. Still, surgery will not cure Crohn’s disease.

Part 4 of 5

Unlike Crohn's, UC is confined to the colon (large bowel) and only affects the top layers in an even distribution. Symptoms of UC include:

crampy abdominal painloose stoolsbloody stoolurgent bowelfatigueloss of appetiteanemia due to blood loss (in severe cases only)

The symptoms of UC can also vary by type. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are five kinds of UC:

acute severe UC (a rare form that causes eating difficulties)left-sided colitis (affects descending colon and rectum)pancolitis (affects the whole colon and causes persistent bloody diarrhea)proctosigmoiditis (affects lower colon and rectum)ulcerative proctitis (mildest form that affects the rectum only)

With the exception of biologic therapy, treatments for the disease are the same as for Crohn's. Unlike with Crohn's, however, most patients with UC will almost never require surgery. 

Children with the disease may not develop or grow properly. Remission periods tend to be longer with UC than with Crohn's disease, and complications are far less frequent. Still, when complications do occur, they can be severe. Left untreated, UC may lead to:

holes in the coloncolon cancerliver diseaseosteoporosisblood clots

Part 5 of 5

Diagnosing IBD

There’s no doubt that IBD can significantly decrease quality of life, between uncomfortable symptoms and frequent bathroom visits. Even worse is the fact that IBD can lead to scar tissue, and even permanent damage. If you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s important to call a doctor. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist for IBD testing, such as a colonoscopy or a CT scan. Diagnosing the right form of IBD will lead to more effective therapies.

While there’s no cure for any form of IBD, early treatment and lifestyle changes can help minimize damage and complications. Treatment will also reduce the amount of symptoms.

Copyright © 2005 - 2015 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved for Healthline. Healthline is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Terms of Use |Privacy Policy

Update on my health

Im still having this flare up and it's getting worse. The nausea and urgency is getting bad.  The entocort hasnt started helping yet but I do feel like its going to.  And im not having the same side effects as with regular steroids. I like that.

Entocort for Crohn's Disease

Entocort (Entocort CR 3mg capsules) 

About Side effects

Overview

Information specific to: Entocort CR 3mg capsules when used in Crohn's disease.

Entocort (ent-o-kort) is a medicine which is used in Crohn's disease. Entocort contains budesonide. It is supplied by AstraZeneca UK Limited.

The information in this Medicine Guide for Entocort varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Entocort is a corticosteroid. Entocort works by preventing or reducing inflammation. It is used to treat Crohn's disease.

People who take corticosteroids for a long period of time are prone to infections as their immune system can become weak. These infections may be much more severe than they usually would be and the symptoms that would usually be used to identify such infections can be hidden. For this reason people who take Entocort must be careful to avoid exposure to infections such as chickenpox and measles whenever possible. If you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, you must get immediate medical advice. You should continue to take your medicine unless your prescriber advises you to stop taking it.

Other information about Entocort:

if you have been given a steroid warning card, make sure you carry it with you at all times while you are taking corticosteroids. These cards are normally given to you by your prescriber or by your pharmacist. If you are currently taking corticosteroids, or have taken them in the last year, you must tell everyone involved in prescribing you medicines and giving you medical treatment. This includes your doctor, dentist, nurse and pharmacist. You must make sure that they all know about your corticosteroid treatment.

Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.

The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.

If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Entocort is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

are about to have surgeryare allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicineare elderlyhave a condition that becomes worse during steroid treatmenthave a peptic ulcerhave an infectionhave been exposed to chickenpox or measles while you are using Entocorthave cataractshave diabetes or have a family history of diabeteshave fructose intolerancehave glaucoma or have a family history of glaucomahave glucose-galactose malabsorption problemshave had psychoses caused by steroidshave high blood pressurehave liver problemshave or have had affective disorders or have a family history of affective disordershave or have had depressionhave osteoporosishave recently taken other steroidshave sucrase-isomaltase deficiency

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for a child.

As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects

Over time it is possible that Entocort can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Entocort has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

In the case of Entocort:

there are no known interactions between alcohol and EntocortDiet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.

In the case of Entocort:

this medicine interacts with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice increases the level of Entocort in your blood

If your diet includes any of the above, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist for further advice.

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

In the case of Entocort:

this medicine is unlikely to affect driving ability or the ability to operate machinery

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.

In the case of Entocort:

you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need ittaking this medicine during pregnancy may harm your baby. This can happen if it is taken repeatedly or for long periods of time

You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to take this medicine during pregnancy.

If the decision is that you should not have Entocort, then you should discuss whether there is an alternative medicine that you could take during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.

In the case of Entocort:

this medicine passes into breast milk. Taking this medicine at high doses while breastfeeding may affect your baby

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine. You should only breast-feed your baby while taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or midwife.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.

The following medicines may interact with Entocort:

carbamazepinecimetidinecolestyramineitraconazoleketoconazole

The following types of medicine may interact with Entocort:

contraceptive steroidscytochrome P450 enzyme inducerscytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitorsoestrogensprotease inhibitors

If you are taking Entocort and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.

If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Entocort.

Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.

If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

Crohn's and Nausea

Nausea: Tips to Make it Better

By: SHARON DOERRE
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2014, 7:47 am
 

Nau­sea is never fun! Almost every­one with IBD will expe­ri­ence it at one time or another. Nau­sea can reduce appetite and lead to dehy­dra­tion and weight loss as well as make daily life mis­er­able. Don’t suf­fer needlessly.

Check your med­ica­tions. Metho­tex­trate, aza­thio­prine, and iron sup­ple­ments can cause nau­sea. Often tak­ing such a med­ica­tion right before bed­time can let you sleep through the effect. Steroids can also impact the stom­ach if pro­tec­tive med­ica­tions like omepra­zole (Prilosec) or ran­i­ti­dine (Zan­tac) are not taken. Ask your phar­ma­cist if a new pre­scrip­tion can cause nau­sea and ways to avoid it.

Ask your doc­tor for an anti-emetic med­ica­tion. Zofran (ondansetron) and Reglan (meto­clo­pramide) can often help reduce the nau­sea pro­duced by IBD medications.

Think about your trig­gers. Motion, dairy, greasy foods, stress, and sinus drainage can all cause nau­sea. Dehy­dra­tion can inten­sify the impact and IBD can lower your thresh­old to var­i­ous trig­gers, even ones that never both­ered you before.

Stay hydrated. Meclizine and dimenhydrinate(Dramamine)areavailable over the counter and can help with motion sick­ness. Lac­taid can ease the nau­sea from too much dairy; Tums can help soothe a stom­ach irri­tated by greasy foods. Gin­ger candy and even nib­bling on slices of raw gin­ger root can set­tle the stom­ach and com­bat nau­sea. Aller­gies and colds that cause sinus con­ges­tion can cre­ate nau­sea when drainage hits the stom­ach. Over the counter allergy med­ica­tions such as cet­i­rizine (Zry­tec) as well as decon­ges­tants and expec­to­rants like guaife­n­esin (Mucinex)can reduce and thin con­ges­tion and can keep it from caus­ing stom­ach problems.

Nib­ble. An empty stom­ach almost always makes nau­sea worse. Find a sim­ple food that is safe for you – IBD is such an indi­vid­ual dis­ease that it is impos­si­ble to make uni­ver­sal rec­om­men­da­tions — but­saltines or GF crack­ers, apple­sauce , or cooked rice are often safe,and nib­ble often.  If there is an imme­di­ate increase in nau­sea with nib­bling, add a Tums, gin­ger cap­sule, or water with lemon and keep eating.

Add cooked veg­eta­bles to your diet. This is a long-term strat­egy for those not flar­ing but expe­ri­enc­ing nau­sea, gur­gling, and burp­ing after eat­ing. Cooked veg­eta­bles, (and raw veg­eta­bles if tol­er­ated,) can reduce the over­all acid­ity of the diges­tive tract.

Con­sult your GI. Peo­ple with Crohn’s dis­ease in the upper GI tract can expe­ri­ence almost con­stant nau­sea as part of a flare. This type of nau­sea needs to be man­aged by a GI doc­tor. Ask about adding or increas­ing the dose of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI).PPIs like Prilosec can help reduce stom­ach acid and can be taken sev­eral times a day under a doctor’s super­vi­sion. Other med­ica­tions like sucral­fate (Carafate) can coat the stom­ach and let the lin­ing heal. While these long-term med­ica­tions are tak­ing hold, anti-emetics med­ica­tions like Zofran can keep the nau­sea away.

Go to the ER. Stric­tures and obstruc­tions in the small bowel can also cause nau­sea if the stom­ach can’t empty. If your nau­sea is accom­pa­nied by vom­it­ing, a swollen hard belly, con­sti­pa­tion and the inabil­ity to pass gas along with abdom­i­nal pain seek med­ical atten­tion. Nau­sea is often the first symp­tom of an obstruc­tion to appear. So take per­sis­tent nau­sea that doesn’t respond to treat­ment and is accom­pa­nied by wors­en­ing symp­toms and pain seriously.

But don’t for­get non-IBD causes of nau­sea! Hav­ing CD or UC doesn’t pro­tect you from get­ting preg­nant, eat­ing spoiled food, or catch­ing a virus. Stom­ach viruses, the flu, food poi­son­ing, and preg­nancy can all cause nau­sea and vom­it­ing. So ask and see if a stom­ach virus is going around your school or office or if any­one else who ate the same dish is feel­ing ill. If preg­nancy is even a remote pos­si­bil­ity, take a preg­nancy test!

© 2012–2015 The Crohn's Journey Foundation*. All Rights Reserved.
  *designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Crohn's Flare

I'm getting worse. Now the nausea is terrible. My pharmacy still hasn't filled my entocort prescription and I dont even know if I can afford it yet. Calling my gi tomorrow.  I also want to become a foster parent but im terrified my disability will prevent it. Im not capable of working but caring for a child is different.  Especially being a foster parent.  It's rewarding and may make me feel better. Im going to discuss this with my dr 1st. Hopefully he will be with me on this. I know other crohnies get the difference, even when others dont.

Sick and no sleep

I havent been able to sleep in days...more like weeks. My restless legs are killing me and I think I have c diff again. .ugh!

Waiting for an appointment

My dr appointment isnt for another few weeks which sucks bc my flare isnt getting any better and im out of all the meds that help and they wont call any in. Im so frustrated.

Article and Stool Chart

Still in a flare

Still not feeling great. Can barely eat and what I do doesnt stay in me long at all. Thought I had a gi appointment this month but its not until may 14 ugh. Really ready to get on some new meds and get this over before its worse.

I still cant sleep and my dr keeps trying me on different sleep meds. They just dont work. Idk what to do. Ive been taking my muscle relaxers to sleep but im almost out and I have to take several throughout the night to keep going back to sleep. Very frustrating! !

Crohnsaversary

Yesterday was my Crohnsaversary aka the anniversary of the diagnosis of my crohn's.  March 27, 2007. Amd believe me, it didn't let me forget!

Missing the Retreat

I've been having a major flare. Well it feels majorm im in constant pain, of course cant stay out of the bathroom and I have zero appetite. Im drinking a lot but it all messes with my stomach and feez dont dare I eat even a bite a day :(

My small group at church is going on their retreat this weekend to the lake. Crohn's told me I cant go.  It sucks. I was looking forward to it big time. But how can I go sleep in a cabin with 10 people when im using the bathroom every 10min, weak from not eating, and yeah cant you picture me up until 4 or 5am and theyre getting up a few hours later smh.  The logistics dont work out. So thanks for stopping me once again crohn's.  I honestly feel its better than going and being miserable. I'll stay home and make special plans with my bestie :) she always knows how to lift my spirits when im down or in a flare. She gets it. And THATS what I need!

Insomnia And Crohn’s Disease

Here's some info for us crohnies on insomnia....

How to Get a Good Night's Sleep With Crohn's DiseaseBy Karen Appold | Medically reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD 

Poor sleep and Crohn's are a frustrating pair. Find out how to get the rest you need and prevent a flare-up from fatigue.

THURSDAY, April 11, 2013 — Getting a good night's sleep may be good for your health, but when you have Crohn's disease, uncomfortable symptoms like gas and bloating can disturb your slumber. And, according to a study done by researchers at Rush University in Chicago, the lack of restorative sleep can occur even when Crohn’s isn’t active and will have a ripple effect on your quality of life, your gastrointestinal symptoms, and the severity of your disease, even increasing your risk for flare-ups.

Others have found similar links between sleep issues and bowel problems. Research on 3,173 people with inflammatory bowel disease, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that people who had disrupted sleep had an increased risk of their disease reoccurring in six months," says Millie D. Long, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a study co-author. "This could be due to their inflammatory bowel disease or to getting poor sleep. More studies are needed to understand the relationship between sleep and disease recurrence."

Poor Sleep and Crohn's: Breaking the Pattern

Here are ways to counter symptoms that could be standing between you and the sleep you need to achieve better control over Crohn's. Try these tips for better sleep:

If you have night sweats: Night sweats are common with active Crohn's disease. "Regardless of the temperature, if you have Crohn's disease, you may wake up one or more times a night sweating," says Maxwell Chait, MD, a gastroenterologist with Columbia Doctors Medical Group in Hartsdale, N.Y. For improving sleep, try wearing lightweight pajamas and consider taking a shower or bath before bedtime to help make you drowsy.

If you have pain: When your Crohn's is active, you may experience pain that wakes you up. Taking painkillers during a particularly tough episode may help with improving sleep. For joint pain, Dr. Chait suggests an over-the-counter drug, such as acetaminophen, that doesn’t cause digestive upsets. Also consider buying a body pillow, which may help you relax. In severe situations, talk to your doctor about whether taking a sleeping pill is a good idea.

If you take steroids: Although they can relieve symptoms, taking high doses of certain types of steroids -- such as 20 milligrams of prednisone a day -- can result in poor sleep. Splitting the daily dose between morning and evening may help. Make up your lost sleep with a 15-minute catnap during the day.

If you’re eating a lot at night: Poor sleep and Crohn's can be related to eating late in the evening. Your digestive tract works most efficiently in the morning, so try to eat larger meals earlier in the day to improve sleep at night and definitely avoid eating a large meal or even a large snack after 8 p.m. If you wake up with nausea during the night, a few bites of a cracker or a piece of bread may soothe you, Chait suggests.

If you have reflux: Gastric reflux is a common problem with Crohn's and a hindrance to getting good sleep. It worsens when you have a partial obstruction of the small intestine, which causes food to back up. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce symptoms and improve sleep.

If you get diarrhea: Diarrhea will deprive you of sleep if you have to repeatedly get up to go to the bathroom through the night. "Don't eat right before bedtime," Chait says. Instead, try taking an anti-diarrhea medicine such as Imodium and remember to make the bathroom your last stop before bed.

If you have anxiety: If you’re anxious or depressed about Crohn’s and its effects on your life, try developing some basic stress-management strategies, such as meditation skills, to restore a sense of calm.

If you continue to have difficulty sleeping, talk to your doctor about being tested for sinus problems, allergies, or obstructive sleep apnea, all of which can rob you of restful sleep.

Copyright © 2015 Everyday Health Media, LLC

QUALITY HEALTH SOURCE:

Crohn’s and Sleep: What’s the Connection?

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

We all have the occasional sleepless night. However, when sleeplessness persists, it can have a detrimental effect on your physical well being, especially if you have Crohn’s disease. Sleep modulates the immune system, and a regular good night sleep is a key component of good health. Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, often goes hand in hand with other medical conditions.

Crohn’s patients often struggle with sleeplessness, even when their disease is not active. Although there is little scientific research on sleep disruption and Crohn’s, a study reported in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology reports that sleep deprivation does affect quality of life and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms that affect the severity of the disease or increase the risk of flare-ups. Lack of sleep also limits your ability to cope with the disease. Ensuring that you get enough sleep should be part of your overall treatment for Crohn’s.

The low energy, inability to concentrate, and moodiness you experience when you don’t get enough sleep really is all in your head. According to the Academy of Sleep Medicine, insomnia is linked to low levels of a chemical in the brain called GABA, which is the brain’s “brake fluid.” GABA helps stop the transmission of nerve impulses. In adults with chronic insomnia, GABA is about 30 percent lower than in adults who get a good night’s sleep. Low levels of GABA means the brain can’t slow down and instead, races.

In addition to the negative effect on your general quality of life, chronic insomnia increases your risk for other health issues, such as depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and obesity. Undetected and untreated, insomnia increases your use, and the cost, of healthcare spending.

Experts recommend you get at least seven hours of sleep every day. Here are some tips for getting a better night’s rest.

Maintain a schedule from day to day. This means going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Avoid naps if possible. When you feel tired at night, go to bed.

Engage in rituals. Doing the same thing, such as brushing your teeth, every day before you go to bed trains your body to prepare for sleep. You may find a warm bath or a cup of herbal tea are rituals that work well for you.

Avoid alcohol, coffee, nicotine, and exercising too close to bedtime. Yes, exercise is important. Just do it earlier in the day.

Limit your activities in bed to sleep and romance. That includes no late TV—or any TV for that matter. And stay off the Internet. You may believe watching TV or surfing the Internet are relaxing activities, but in reality, they stimulate dopamine in your brain, which keeps you awake.

Create an environment that’s conducive to sleep. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and not too warm. Melatonin, a hormone in your brain that regulates your body’s internal clock, is activated by darkness.

If your sleeplessness persists, talk to your doctor. Your investment in a good night’s sleep is one of the best investments you can make in your health.

Insomnia Overload

So I ran out of my ambien because ive needed more of it to sleep lately. So I havent had it in a week and a half and I havent slept at night since I ran out. My doctor put me on something new called Belsomra but ive doubled the dosage and NOTHING.  Im not falling asleep until 8am every day/night, whatever you want to call it.  And then im sleeping off and on for a few hours, horribly, and then im wide awake again. So im incredibly sleep deprived. I have to wait until Monday to reach my doctor again. I dont know how much longer I can handle this. To top it off, my appetite has been nonexistent,  my stomach is very upset, my head is killing me and im super stressed. I know if I got some rest, id be better. At least id be able to deal with the other issues. But for now, im just too exhausted.  I give up

Its 5:01am...ive been trying to go to sleep for 4 hours now. I've really given up at this point. There's no point stressing over it when I know it wont happen for a few more hours anyway. Ugh!!! Sucks so bad

Staples Out

Im at urgent care getting the staples in my head taken out. Im incredibly nauseous still and im having hot flashes bad...hate this.

On a better note, I had a few friends over last night and had an absolute blast!  :)

Babysitting

My best friend needed to take her husband to the ER. Fortunately,  it's just a virus. I got to stay with her baby girl :) absolutely love that little girl! Had a great talk with my friend's mom too. I needed it and I'm so blessed to have great people like them in my life! They are so genuine and amazing listeners. They hear what's in my heart and give me incredible support. They are blessings!

Head Injury

Im going to refrain from the details because I didn't do anything to deserve it and you probably wouldn't understand how it happened or believe me if I told you lol but I have 4 staples in my head. As if I haven't been in the hospital enough! And it hurts! And im concussed and sleepy and nauseous! Ugh!
And now I have to wear a hat...glad its cold!

Entyvio and Crohn’s Disease

FDA Approves Takeda’s Entyvio™ (vedolizumab) for the Treatment of Adults with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease

May 21, 2014

Deerfield, Ill., May 20, 2014, and Osaka, Japan, May 21, 2014 – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., today announced that the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) simultaneously approved a new biologic therapy, Entyvio™ (vedolizumab), for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

“Entyvio is a new option that works to block important contributors to the chronic inflammation that is a hallmark of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,” said Stephen B. Hanauer, M.D., medical director, Digestive Health Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “The clinical trial program evaluated the efficacy and safety profile of Entyvio and demonstrated that Entyvio has the potential to help adult patients with moderately to severely active UC or CD successfully manage their disease.”

Entyvio is now approved for inducing and maintaining clinical response and remission, improving endoscopic appearance of the mucosa, and achieving corticosteroid-free remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active UC who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker or immunomodulator; or had an inadequate response with, were intolerant to, or demonstrated dependence on corticosteroids. Entyvio is also approved for achieving clinical response and remission, and achieving corticosteroid-free remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active CD who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to a TNF blocker or immunomodulator; or had an inadequate response with, were intolerant to, or demonstrated dependence on corticosteroids.

“Patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and the healthcare professionals who care for them, need additional new treatment options,” said Douglas Cole, president,
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. “Entyvio reflects an expansion of Takeda’s commitment to supporting patients with gastrointestinal disorders.”
The Entyvio dose regimen is 300 mg infused intravenously over approximately 30 minutes at zero, two and six weeks, then every eight weeks thereafter. Patients should be observed during infusion and until the infusion is complete. See dosage and administration section in full prescribing information.

In March, Entyvio received a positive Opinion for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active UC and CD from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Takeda is awaiting response from the European Commission on approval for Marketing Authorisation.

Clinical Trial Program
The Biologics License Application filing with the FDA was supported by the largest Phase 3 clinical trial program conducted to date simultaneously evaluating both UC and CD patient populations in four clinical studies involving 2,700 patients in nearly 40 countries. Three of these studies were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials – GEMINI I (UC Trials I and II), GEMINI II (CD Trials I and III) and GEMINI III (CD Trial II). GEMINI I, II and III evaluated adult patients with moderately to severely active UC or CD who had an inadequate response or intolerance to immunomodulator therapy; inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to a TNF blocker; or were corticosteroid dependent or had an inadequate response or intolerance to corticosteroids.

Adverse reactions were reported in 52 percent of patients treated with Entyvio and 45 percent of patients treated with placebo (UC Trials I and II: 49 percent with Entyvio and 37 percent with placebo; CD Trials I and III: 55 percent with Entyvio and 47 percent with placebo). Serious adverse reactions were reported in 7 percent of patients treated with Entyvio compared to 4 percent of patients treated with placebo (UC Trials I and II: 8 percent with Entyvio and 7 percent with placebo; CD Trials I and III: 12 percent with Entyvio and 9 percent with placebo).
The most common adverse reactions reported with Entyvio (incidence greater than or equal to 3 percent and greater than or equal to 1 percent higher than placebo) were nasopharyngitis, headache, arthralgia, nausea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, cough, bronchitis, influenza, back pain, rash, pruritus, sinusitis, oropharyngeal pain, and pain in extremities.

About Entyvio™ (vedolizumab)

Entyvio, an integrin receptor antagonist, is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the alpha4beta7 integrin and blocks the interaction of alpha4beta7 integrin with mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and inhibits the migration of memory T-lymphocytes across the endothelium into inflamed gastrointestinal parenchymal tissue. Entyvio does not bind to or inhibit function of the alpha4beta1 and alpha E beta 7 integrins and does not antagonize the interaction of alpha4 integrins with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The alpha4beta7 integrin is expressed on the surface of a discrete subset of memory T-lymphocytes that preferentially migrate into the gastrointestinal tract. MAdCAM-1 is mainly expressed on gut endothelial cells and plays a critical role in the homing of T-lymphocytes to gut lymph tissue. The interaction of the alpha4beta7 integrin with MAdCAM-1 has been implicated as an important contributor to the chronic inflammation that is a hallmark of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

INDICATIONS: ENTYVIO™ (vedolizumab)
Adult Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Adult patients with moderately to severely active UC who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker or immunomodulator; or had an inadequate response with, were intolerant to, or demonstrated dependence on corticosteroids:
• inducing and maintaining clinical response
• inducing and maintaining clinical remission
• improving endoscopic appearance of the mucosa
• achieving corticosteroid-free remission
Adult Crohn's Disease (CD)

Adult patients with moderately to severely active CD who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to a TNF blocker or immunomodulator; or had an inadequate response with, were intolerant to, or demonstrated dependence on corticosteroids:
• achieving clinical response
• achieving clinical remission
• achieving corticosteroid-free remission

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
• ENTYVIO (vedolizumab) is contraindicated in patients who have had a known serious or severe hypersensitivity reaction to ENTYVIO or any of its excipients.
• Infusion-related reactions and hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have occurred. If anaphylaxis or other serious allergic reactions occur, discontinue administration of ENTYVIO immediately and initiate appropriate treatment.
• Patients treated with ENTYVIO are at increased risk for developing infections. Serious infections have been reported in patients treated with ENTYVIO. ENTYVIO is not recommended in patients with active, severe infections until the infections are controlled. Consider withholding ENTYVIO in patients who develop a severe infection while on treatment with ENTYVIO. Exercise caution in patients with a history of recurring severe infections.
• Although no cases of PML have been observed in ENTYVIO clinical trials, JC virus infection resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death has occurred in patients treated with another integrin receptor antagonist. A risk of PML cannot be ruled out. Monitor patients for any new or worsening neurological signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected, withhold dosing with ENTYVIO and refer to a neurologist; if confirmed, discontinue ENTYVIO dosing permanently.
• There have been reports of elevations of transaminase and/or bilirubin in patients receiving ENTYVIO. ENTYVIO should be discontinued in patients with jaundice or other evidence of significant liver injury.
• Prior to initiating treatment with ENTYVIO, all patients should be brought up to date with all immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. Patients receiving ENTYVIO may receive non-live vaccines and may receive live vaccines if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 3% and greater than or equal to 1% higher than placebo): nasopharyngitis, headache, arthralgia, nausea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, cough, bronchitis, influenza, back pain, rash, pruritus, sinusitis, oropharyngeal pain, and pain in extremities.
Please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide for ENTYVIO.
More information will also be available soon at www.ENTYVIOHCP.com andwww.ENTYVIO.com.

©2015 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

Followup With GI

I went to my post hospital followup visit with my GI doctor.  He said I need to continue on disability for a while, if not permanently. He is keeping me on prednisone for the full course and then may be trying a new crohn's medication.  I can't remember the name but I promise to post about it and any info I get as soon as I know!

Thanks for keeping in your thoughts and prayers!

Low Residue Diet

I've been trying to diet and lose weight lately and I ended up losing sight of what I could and couldn't eat due to my Crohn's disease. I want to eat like everyone else trying to diet. Unfortunately,  eating raw veggies is just not a realistic plan and I ended up with a small bowel obstruction because of my poor choices. So I'm heading back towards a low residue/fiber diet and I wanted to share a bit of information for everyone!

Should You Try a Low-Residue Diet?

If a doctor has diagnosed you or a loved one with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis -- or with diverticulitis, your doctor may suggest you follow a low-residue diet.

Never heard of it? The basic idea is that you'll eat foods that are easy to digest, and you'll limit those that aren't. 

What Is a Low-Residue Diet?

It's a diet that limits high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, raw or dried fruits, and vegetables.

New Way to Ease Ulcerative Colitis?

"Residue" refers to undigested food, including fiber, that make up stool. The goal of the diet is to have fewer, smaller bowel movements each day, in order to ease symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramping.

Your doctor may recommend that you go on a low-residue diet for a short time when you're having a flare, or after surgery to help with recovery. But it's not a general eating plan for all people with IBD. 

Crohn's can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist who can make sure your diet plan is right for you and let you know if you need any vitamin supplements.

On a low-residue diet, you can eat:

Grains

Refined or enriched white breads and plain crackers, such as saltines or Melba toast (no seeds)Cooked cereals, such as farina, cream of wheat, and gritsCold cereals, such as puffed rice and corn flakesWhite rice, noodles, and refined pasta

Fruits and Vegetables

The skin and seeds of many fruits and vegetables are loaded with fiber, so peeling skin and avoiding seeds is part of a low-residue diet. You can eat the following vegetables on the diet:

Well-cooked fresh vegetables or canned vegetables without seeds, such as asparagus tips, beets, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, squash (no seeds), and pumpkinCooked potatoes without skinTomato sauce (no seeds)

Fruits include:

Ripe bananasSoft cantaloupeHoneydewCanned or cooked fruits without seeds or skin, such as applesauce or canned pearsAvocado

Milk and Dairy

Milk products are OK to eat in moderation. Milk has no fiber, but it may trigger symptoms such as diarrhea and cramping if you have lactose intolerance. You could use lactase supplements or eat lactose-free products.

Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 18, 2014

© 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Back to ER, Round 3 of Stricture

Ended up coming back to the ER. I haven't eaten in days. I have no appetite at all and im nauseous.  I forced myself to eat a little soft food but couldnt keep it down. The pain is just as bad too. I came to the ER around 830pm and its 130am now and I JUST got meds and an iv.  And then I waited this entire time for the dr to not even bother doing a ct scan or xray,  only blood work and thats pointless considering my labs have been looking great this entire time but I still had a small bowel obstruction!  This is why I didn't want to come back to begin with. Theres always a chance I get a dr who doesnt take anything seriously. I have a GI appointment Thursday so looks like im going to be waiting to find out more.  On a lighter note, I had a hot nurse lol.

Waiting to be discharged now. Praying it'll happen quickly!

Finally Home, Still Sick

I was discharged friday after 5 days in the hospital again. Got home and in still sick. I have no appetite.  Im throwing up everything I get down. Im in pain. I called my GI last night and he said I could wait until Monday and go in to the office or go to the er and let them do a ct scan. He recommended the er, but I dont want to be admitted again so I tried to sleep it off. Im so so right now. Hopefully ill be feeling better by tomorrow and won't need to go in at all. Ugh!! Not fun!!

New Crohn's Research: Looking for a Cure

Closing in on a cure for Crohn's

By: Maureen McFadden - Email
Updated: Tue 6:52 PM, Jan 27, 2015
Home / Headlines List / Article

More than 750,000 Americans suffer from Crohn's disease, a painful, chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Prescription medications may give some patients relief, but so far there is no cure.

Now, however, researchers say they have identified the bacteria that causes inflammation in some patients, helping them close in on a cure.

Eric Prado, 20, was a college freshman when he developed what he thought was a stomach bug.

"It feels like a stabbing pain, kind of all around," says Prado.

Doctors diagnosed Prado with Crohn's disease, a serious inflammation of the small bowel and colon.

Saleh Naser is a microbiologist from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine who specializes in Crohn's research. Naser says patients with severe cases can be virtually housebound.

"They have a chair next to the bathroom door where they have to go to the bathroom 15 to 20 times a day,” says Naser.

Naser has identified bacteria called MAP that could hold the key.

"This bacteria is known for a long time now to be responsible for the same symptoms we see in Crohn's disease, but in cows," says Naser.

As part of a clinical trial, Naser's lab is testing blood and tissue samples from Crohn's patients for the presence of MAP.

Patients are being given what Naser calls anti-MAP therapy; for one year, they take three antibiotics known to kill the MAP bacteria in the lab.

"If the bacteria is gone, then the symptoms should be gone," says Naser.

Prado is thankful his symptoms are mild and mostly controlled with medication.

“You don't know the future, sometimes you just have to be positive and keep doing what you do," says Prado.

65 clinical sites in three countries are participating in the MAP trial of the antibiotic therapy.

Naser says it's his goal to learn more about the bacteria and why some people are more at risk for Crohn's than others.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease is part of a group of conditions known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall and can "skip" areas, meaning there can be normal areas in-between patches of intestine. Since Crohn's is a chronic condition, the disease will have symptoms that flare up followed by periods of remission. Symptoms may include: fatigue, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, blood in stool, loss of appetite followed by weight loss, mouth sores and perianal disease (pain or drainage near the anus).
(Sources: http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20032061)

DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: There is no singular test that can diagnose Crohn's; however it is a combination of information that doctors will use to determine the cause of symptoms. Physical examination, blood work, stool samples, and X-rays of G.I. tract are early tests and exams that can help determine diagnosis. An endoscopy can examine the colon and a biopsy can examine the tissue of the colon or affected area. The goal of treating Crohn's is to reduce the inflammation that causes symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics are standards-of-care; as well as anti-diarrheals, pain relievers, iron and calcium supplements, and vitamin B-12 shots. Nutrition therapy, involving a low-fiber diet, may also be used to compliment medications; this will reduce the size and number of bowel movements. Surgery is also an option; however the effect is usually temporary because the disease can occur near the reconnected tissue.
(Sources: http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/crohns-diagnosis-testing.html, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/basics/treatment/con-20032061)

NEW DISCOVERY: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, or MAP, has been known for a long time to be responsible for the symptoms of Crohn's disease, but in cows, sheep and goats. Not all human cases of Crohn's are caused by MAP. Now, a simple blood test can identify the DNA of the MAP, allowing doctors to quickly diagnose or rule out Crohn's. A clinical trial is now underway, testing anti-MAP therapy which consists of three antibiotics known to kill the MAP bacteria. Saleh Naser, Ph.D., Microbiologist and Professor of Infectious Disease at University of Central Florida told Ivanhoe, "These antibiotics do kill the underlying cause of Crohn's which is MAP. If MAP is eradicated, the patient should be without any symptoms." Dr. Naser's team, as well as teams in several other countries, are conducting ongoing trials and hope to publish their findings within the next couple of years. For information on the clinical trial and recruitment locations, click here.
(Source: Interview with Dr. Naser)

Hospitalized

I was discharged monday and less than a week later, im admitted again.  I started throwing up this morning and havent stopped. My best friend brought me to the er and they admitted me. The xray didnt show an obstruction but the dr said it may be that I threw up so much it decompressed it. My veins suck so bad ive been stuck 8 times and the iv I had has slipped out and they're calling ICU to try to put in a new one...until then no pain or nausea meds and its been 2 hrs since nausea meds and 5 hours since pain meds. Needless to say, im miserable.

Donate Your Stool?? Healthy People Only

You can earn $13,000 a year selling your poop

By Rachel Feltman January 29 

You can donate blood, plasma, eggs, and sperm. Why not poop? Yes, your feces are perhaps your greatest untapped monetary resource. Thanks to a nonprofit organization called OpenBiome, you can cash in to the tune of $13,000 a year -- and save lives while you're at it.

Since 2013, OpenBiome has been processing and shipping loads of it all over the country. The frozen stool is administered to patients who are very sick with infections of a bacteria called C. difficile. The bacteria can cause extreme gastrointestinal distress, leaving some sufferers housebound. Antibiotics often help, but sometimes the bacteria rears back as soon as treatment stops. That leads to a miserable, continuous course of antibiotics.

By introducing healthy fecal matter into the gut of a patient (by way of endoscopy, nasal tubes, or swallowed capsules) doctors can abolish C. difficile for good. Finding a donor is tough business, and some patients grow so desperate that they treat themselves with fecal matter from friends and family. That's what happened to a friend of OpenBiome's founders, inspiring them to open up the first nationwide bank. So far they've shipped about 2,000 treatments to 185 hospitals around the country.

And yes, they pay for healthy poop: $40 a sample, with a $50 bonus if you come in five days a week. That's $250 for a week of donations, or $13,000 a year.

Save your stools, save the world. (OpenBiome)
There's a catch: You don't just have to be healthy. You have to be really healthy. OpenBiome's donation procedure may be as easy as your standard bowel movement, but the selection process makes giving blood look like a walk in the park.

"It's harder to become a donor than it is to get into MIT," joked co-founder Mark Smith (who would know, as he got his PhD in microbiology there). Of the 1,000 or so potential donors who've expressed interest on his Web site over the past two years, only about 4 percent have passed the extensive medical questioning and stool testing.

The screening process can cost up to $5,000 -- so when someone makes it through, Smith and his co-founders hold on tight.

"We get most of our donors to come in three or four times a week, which is pretty awesome," Smith said. "You're usually helping three or four patients out with each sample, and we keep track of that and let you know."

The precious poo awaits its destiny at -80 celsius. (OpenBiome)
Fellow co-founder Carolyn Edelstein agrees that the donors are usually in it for more than the money.

"Everyone thinks it's great that they're making money doing such an easy thing," Edelstein said, "But they also love to hear us say, 'Look, your poop just helped this lady who's been sick for nine years go to her daughter's graduation.'"

Who are these valiant donors, these chosen few? Since they have to come into the Medford, Mass. office, lots of them are Tufts University students. And plenty are recruited from the gym next door.

"It's great to have a healthy contingent of regular gym goers right there," Smith said.

OpenBiome has sent out more than 2,000 transplant specimens. (OpenBiome)
For now fecal matter transplants really only have one use: treating recurring C. difficile. But OpenBiome is providing its samples to a number of trials exploring other uses.

Scientists know that the gut microbiomes of people with obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and even autism are different from those without. But just because there are gut flora associated with these conditions doesn't mean that getting rid of them can get rid of their symptoms, and it certainly isn't a given that fecal transplants will be the miracle solution they are for  C. difficile.

"There's a lot of promise in other conditions," Smith said, "But also a lot of hype. Treating C. difficile is a bit less sexy, but that's the one area where we know this works." However, he's excited to see where the "crazy frontier" of microbiome engineering will take us.

And in the meantime, Smith is always happy to find more potential donors.

"I never thought that after getting my PhD I'd start mailing poop around," he said, "But here I am."

 

Fecal Transplant Study As A Possible Cure

Inflammatory Bowel Disease 'Cured' With Fecal Transplant

January 22, 2015 5:06 PM
By Jessica Berman

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are extremely painful and can lead to colorectal cancer. Now, researchers have effectively cured the conditions in mice, offering hope for human sufferers of so-called IBDs.

Waste material from healthy people is rich in helpful bacteria. When transferred to the digestive tracts of sick individuals, in whom there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria, the fecal matter helps restore the balance of healthy flora.

Some cutting-edge doctors have used so-called fecal transplants to treat severe bacterial infections, including Clostridium difficile or C. diff, which releases toxins as it grows, attacking the lining of the intestines.

Scientists also have found the transplants appear to reverse autoimmune diseases of the bowel.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, are life-long disorders that cause severe diarrhea, painful cramps and bleeding.

According to June Round, a professor of medicine at the University of Utah, such diseases are becoming increasingly common around the world, as more and more people eat a low-fiber, high-fat Western diet.

Round also blames the widespread use of antibiotics.

“So, I think a lot about the microbes that naturally reside in our bodies. And antibiotics can not distinguish between what is good and what is bad," she said. "They kind of wipe-out everything. So, there is a very clear-cut correlation between when Western civilization started using the antibiotics and the increased incidence of a lot of these autoimmune diseases.”

Currently, treatments for these conditions are supportive, designed only to ease the symptoms. So, the idea of a potential cure for IBD is very appealing.

In experiments with mice with inflammatory bowel disease, Round and her team found that fecal transplant restored the healthy balance of intestinal flora, returning the intestine to near normal.

But the notion of transferring fecal material from one person to another -- and in the case of mice, through a tube into the stomach -- makes many people say "yuck." So Round said researchers are now trying to identify the helpful bacteria in human waste so they can be put into pill form.

“You know, right now we have to do fecal transplantation because the [bacterial] communities are so complex, and we just do not know what organisms are doing the good thing," she said. "So, we just kind of put it all in there and hope for the best. So, there is no way of getting around it right now, but hopefully in the future there will be.”

The work is published in the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Just A Thought

I was just on a Crohn's Facebook page and I was looking at the different issues we, as crohnies, face and how the world sees us. I've discovered that we can be quite the performers.  Everyday we deal with pain, urgency,  accidents, anxiety, illness, and so many other things and yet we hear all the time how great we look. Well, for one, the disease is in our gut, not our face. Secondly, we are incredible actors. Somehow we manage to get up and get out and live the same life as everyone else...in a outer appearance kind of way. Our bodies may get weak, but our spirits are strong. We handle the cards we've been dealt, smile, and live the best we know how.

Crohn's Disease Complications: Strictures and Fistulas

Complications of Crohn's disease 

People with Crohn's disease are at risk of developing a number of complications.  

The two most common problems associated with Crohn's disease are discussed in more detail below.

Intestinal stricture

The inflammation of the bowel (intestines) in Crohn's disease can cause scar tissue to form, leading to the affected areas becoming narrowed. This is known as stricture.

If this happens, there is a risk of digestive waste causing an obstruction. This means you will not be able to pass any stools or you will only be able to pass watery stools.

Other symptoms of bowel obstruction include:

abdominal pain and crampingbeing sick (vomiting)bloatingan uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your abdomen

Left untreated, there is a risk that the bowel could split (rupture). This creates a hole that the contents of the bowel can leak from. You should contact your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that your bowel is obstructed.

Intestinal stricture is usually treated with surgery to widen the affected section of intestine. In some cases this may be achieved using a procedure called balloon dilation, which is performed during colonoscopy.

During balloon dilation, a colonoscope is passed up your back passage (rectum) and a balloon is inserted through the colonoscope. This is then inflated to open up the affected area.

If this doesn't work or is unsuitable, a surgical procedure known as a stricturoplasty may be needed to widen the affected area. During this operation, the surgeon widens the narrowed part of the intestine by opening it, reshaping it and sewing it back together.

Fistulas

If your digestive system becomes scarred as a result of excessive inflammation, ulcers can develop.

Over time the ulcers develop into tunnels that run from one part of your digestive system to another or, in some cases, to the bladder, vagina, anus or skin. These passageways are known as fistulas.

Small fistulas do not usually cause symptoms. However, larger fistulas can become infected and cause symptoms such as:

a constant, throbbing paina high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100°F) or aboveblood or pus in your faeces (stools)leakage of stools or mucus into your underwear

If a fistula develops on your skin (usually on or near the anus) it may release a foul-smelling discharge.

Biological medication is usually used to treat fistulas. Surgery is usually required if these are not successful.

Other complications

People with Crohn's disease are also at an increased risk of other complications, such as:

osteoporosis – weakening of the bones caused by the intestines not absorbing nutrients and the use of steroid medication to treat Crohn's diseaseiron deficiency anaemia – a condition that can occur in people with Crohn's disease because of bleeding in the digestive tract; common symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath and a pale complexionvitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia – a condition caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folate being absorbed by the body; common symptoms include tiredness and lack of energypyoderma gangrenosum – a rare skin reaction that causes painful skin ulcers

Children with Crohn's disease may also experience problems with their growth and development because their bodies are not absorbing enough nutrients.

Colorectal cancer

Some people who have Crohn's disease have a slightly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in later life.

You should be offered regular check-ups to look for colon cancer if your healthcare team feels you may be at an increased risk.

This will usually involve a colonoscopy and a biopsy.

Resource : www.nhs uk

Stricture

I came in to the ER tonight. I've been vomiting and in pain for 4 days and I finally caved. I guess it's good I came here and not my family doctor.  They did a ct scan to check my appendix but it was fine. Instead they found a stricture in my small intestine and im backed up, similar to an obstruction but its not an obstruction fortunately!  However, thats what's causing the pain and vomiting! I'm being admitted for observation and steroids so ill keep you posted! I'll also be adding some information about strictures when I can get a better signal! Hospital signal sucks!

Easily Digestible Foods For Crohn's Part 1

List of Most Easily Digestible Foods With Crohn's

By Amy Deemer Feb 08, 2014

Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the intestinal tract. Symptoms of Crohn's are stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloody or watery diarrhea, fever, anemia, fatigue and weight loss. Because Crohn's affects the digestive system, certain foods may trigger or worsen the symptoms of the disease. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America suggests following a low-fiber, low-residue diet that includes easily digestible foods that can ease the pain and discomfort of Crohn's disease.

Grains and Cereals

Grains provide your body with fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and selenium. People suffering from Crohn's should eat refined grain products when experiencing a Crohn's flare. Choose easy-to-digest white rice, white pastas, refined white bread and hot and cold cereals that are made from refined rice, corn or wheat. Avoid brown rice, whole-grain and whole-wheat products and any bread and cereals that contain nuts or seeds.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies provide you with vitamins A, C, D and other important nutrients that are necessary for proper body function. When experiencing a Crohn's flare, soft, well-cooked or very ripe raw fruits are better tolerated by the digestive system. Ripe bananas, ripe melons, applesauce and other cooked fruits that have had the skins and seeds removed are good choices for Crohn's sufferers. Avoid most raw fruits and dried fruits. Canned and well-cooked, soft veggies without skins and seeds are easily digested and are ideal for Crohn's patients. Don't eat raw vegetables, cooked peas, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and vegetable sauces during Crohn's flareups.

Meat, Fish and Poultry

Your body gets essential amino acids and protein from meat, fish and poultry. All meat, fish and poultry are good choices for those suffering from Crohn's disease. Select low-fat, lean cuts of meat, and make sure that the meat is tender and well-cooked to allow for easier digestion. Bake or roast lean cuts of beef, chicken, fish or pork so as to not use oils and fats in the cooking process. Avoid eating tough, fibrous meats, sausage, seasoned meat, fried meats, processed luncheon meats and smoked or highly seasoned meats.

Dairy Products

Dairy products provide your body with calcium that is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Crohn's patients should limit milk products to 2 cups per day. Plain cheese, eggs, cottage cheese, milk, almond, soy and rice milk and lactose-free milk are easily digestible choices. Plain or fruit-free yogurt and ice cream can also be consumed to gain am extra boost of calcium. Avoid milk products that contain seeds, nuts or fruits.

Resource : www.livestrong.com

January 2015

Ive had a few days where ive been incredibly nauseous but all in all ive been feeling well. I'm getting out there and enjoying my time with friends and family and I'm happy, that helps my health a lot.

I guess it's a good thing that I dont have much to share!! :)