PCOS Meds

So as I have told you before, I was diagnosed with PCOS this past year. And since it has caused me to gain 80lbs in 4 years, I have been working super hard to lose weight. My goal is to lose 30lbs this year at least. Then another 30 next year (since i was under weight to begin with, my goal is to lose 60-70lbs total). I have been exercising and dieting for over 6 months, hardcore for over 2 months. I have lost 5lbs in 6 months and can't seem to lose any more.

So my dr prescribed me Metformin. The side effects are upset stomach so I'm praying it won't be any nausea. I can deal with diarrhea since im used to it with Crohn's but of course im hoping that won't happen either. But the metformin will help control my insulin and should help me lose some weight. Fingers crossed!

Sinus and Oral Surgery Pain

The pain was getting better after my surgery but now im having nausea, headaches and pain behind my eyes and nose. Im guessing sinuses, which makes my mouth hurt more. But the pain meds will make me more nauseated. Yay....oh well.

Crohn's wise, i was cramping today but honestly i cant tell if it's crohns or cysts from my pcos. High ovaries= not being able to tell of it's my intestines or lady parts lol

Oral Surgery and Update

I had my top 2 wisdom teeth out Thursday morning. The bottom 2 were taken out in Chicago 2 weeks before chemotherapy. I kept getting infections in the bottom 2 so they hurried up and took them out while we were in Chicago to harvest my sister's stem cells. That way it would be covered by insurance under the transplant since, well, you can't have chemo with constant infections!

Anyway, so these 2 have been much easier. They sedated me (not like the 1st 2) and they don't hurt nearly as bad. I mean im sore of course, but in comparison I am handling these mich much much better! I'm already on almost all regular food!

I had a checkup with my GI yesterday. He said the camera endoscopy came back normal. He said since i keep having recurring problems, it's most likely a low level active crohn's. Hence it not showing on tests but still giving me problems. I took a course of cipro (antibiotics) and it has really helped so I am super excited about that! He said that may be something we revisit if and when I get sick again.

But for now, everything is going well.  I'm feeling good most of the time, im getting used to my new bifocal glasses and my gums are healing well!

Crohn's and Depression

Battling Depression in Crohn's Disease
By Connie Brichford 
Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin MD, MPH 

Crohn’s disease disease is a difficult condition to live with: Symptoms of Crohn’s include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, ulcers, and reduced appetite and weight loss — all of which can sap your physical energy and make you feel down emotionally. There's no question that living with these symptoms affects your mental and emotional well-being.

In fact, many people with Crohn’s disease experience depression. “Depression and Crohn’s are very commonly seen together,” says Frank Sileo, PhD, a licensed psychologist practicing in New Jersey.

Crohn’s Disease: Why You Feel Depressed

There are a number of reasons why people with Crohn’s disease experience depression. Understanding the connection between the two conditions is the first step toward dealing effectively. Here's what people with Crohn's disease should know:

Chronic illnesses affect mental health. People suffering from both a chronic illness and depression may find that each makes the other problem worse. “Individuals with Crohn's disease are dealing with a chronic illness that is out of their control," says Dr. Sileo. "There is no cure, and it impacts work, social, academic, family, and other areas of one’s life.” The words “no cure” carry a heavy weight. And not too surprisingly, facing a situation of that magnitude can lead to a more pessimistic view on life. Prolonged periods of feeling hopeless, helpless, and pessimistic are all symptoms of depression.
The physical challenges of Crohn’s disease are hard to cope with. Sileo says that Crohn’s disease “breeds a sense of helplessness and confusion.” Crohn’s disease is particularly challenging because it is so unpredictable. “There is always the threat of symptoms flaring up,” he says. It can be extremely stressful to live a normal life with this kind of uncertainty always hanging over you.Crohn’s disease can affect your personal life. 
In addition to physical problems, you might find yourself making lifestyle changes — not because you want to, but because you feel you have no choice. People living with Crohn’s disease might find themselves canceling plans with friends when symptoms flare up, and end up spending more time alone. Or they might notice that their Crohn’s disease symptoms are preventing them from working as quickly as they once did, causing their job performance to suffer, which can lead to a loss of self-worth.
Some people with Crohn's disease also feel guilty about burdening family and loved ones with their problems and withdraw from them, leading to even more isolation.

Treating Depression Along With Crohn's Disease

The encouraging news is that depression is a treatable condition, but it is one that requires professional help, Sileo says. If you have Crohn's disease and think you might be exhibiting signs of depression, the following steps can help you to get back on the right path:

Talk to a professional. Your family physician can help you find a mental health counselor or a psychologist who can help you. The mental health professional will work with you to develop strategies to combat your symptoms of depression, such as setting realistic goals and identifying negative patterns of thinking.
Do something positive for YOU.
Many people find that starting a moderate exercise plan or learning meditation techniques can have positive results. You might also want to start a new hobby or visit a place you've always wanted to go to. Setting aside time to do the things that are pleasurable to you will remind you of the many positives in life.
For some people, taking antidepressants may be the solution. If your depression is not relieved by therapy and other lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant likesertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine(Prozac). Since medications are usually an important part of managing Crohn’s disease, make sure you discuss any antidepressants you're prescribed with your gastroenterologist as well. This will prevent negative interactions with your Crohn’s medications. A mental health practitioner who is not an MD may not know how a new drug will affect your Crohn’s medications, but your gastroenterologist will.

Treating depression in people with Crohn’s disease is especially important. “Depression wreaks havoc on our immune system," says Sileo. "Because Crohn’s is an immune-system disease, treatment of depression is very important to avoid overtaxing an already compromised immune system.”

SOURCE: Everydayhealth.com

Mood Disorders and Inflammation

Mood Disorders Linked to Inflammation

Written by Brian Krans
Published on June 12, 2013

A large-scale Danish study strengthens the hypothesis that mood disorders like depression are directly tied to inflammation.

Depression and other mood disorders could be the brain’s response to inflammation, according to a new nationwide study from Denmark released Wednesday. 

The study, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, is the largest of its kind and adds further evidence to the emerging theory that certain mental health conditions could be caused by inflammation.

Researchers found that patients with an autoimmune disease were 45 percent more likely to have a mood disorder, while any history of infection increased the risk of a mood disorder by 62 percent. About one-third of people diagnosed with a mood disorder had been hospitalized in the past for a serious infection. 

Inflammation is the body's protective response to an infection, while autoimmune disorders are inflammatory conditions caused by the body's overreaction to naturally occurring substances and tissues.

“The associations found in this study suggest that autoimmune diseases and infections are important...factors in the development of mood disorders in subgroups of the patients possibly because of the effects of inflammatory activity,” the researchers wrote.

The new study offers insight into the mechanism of common mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, and may help guide treatment and prevention efforts.

Inflammation as a Potential Cause of Mood Disorders

The Danish researchers drew on a nationwide database of more than 3.56 million people born between 1945 and 1996. Of those people, about three percent—91,637 people—were admitted to a free state hospital for mood disorder treatment.

Researchers compared the incidence of infections like sepsis, hepatitis, and urinary tract infections, as well as autoimmune disorders like lupus, anemia, Celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease, with the incidence of bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic depression, and other mood disorders.

They found a strong correlation between infection, autoimmune disorders, and mood disorders, strengthening the hypothesis that depression is directly linked to inflammation.

Earlier this year, another team of Danish researchers published a study in JAMA Psychiatry showing that elevated levels of a C-reactive protein—which the body produces in response to inflammation—in the blood are associated with an “increased risk for psychological distress and depression in the general population.” 

In 2011, a study in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that high levels of another byproduct of inflammation, quinolinic acid, are associated with chronic depression and suicidal tendencies. 

These discoveries may point us toward better treatments for chronic mental health conditions. 

“Anti-inflammatory agents have actually been suggested to improve mood symptoms in patients with inflammatory disorders and enhance responsiveness to antidepressants,” the latest study reported.

Treating Inflammation Naturally

Getting regular cardiovascular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and relieving stress are all proven ways to help reduce inflammation.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids like olive oil and salmon, dark leafy greens, ginger, garlic, and green tea has also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Source: Healthline.com

My Eye Exam

I went for my eye exam today. Basically because of my immune disorder, i have dry eyes and inflammation, recurrent sinus infections, and blurry vision with near sighted, far sighted and an astigmatism.

She said my 29 year old vision is acting closer to 40. I needed bifocals and need to start wearing them 24/7 mostly. She said it will continue to get worse, especially the less i wear the glasses and the more strain i put on my eyes.

So yay ... thanks Crohn's, you've taken over another part of my body and health! Such a selfish disease! But i will fight you back even harder! #hopeforacure

Crohn's and Your Eyes

Ccfa.org Article

Eye Complications in IBD

Approximately 10% of people with inflammatory bowel disease experience eye problems. Most of these are treatable and do not pose any significant threat as far as loss of vision is concerned. Still, if you notice any type of eye irritation or inflammation, bring it to your doctor’s attention sooner rather than later.

TYPES OF EYE DISORDERS

UVEITIS

One of the most common eye complications in IBD is uveitis, defined as painful inflammation of the uvea—the middle layer of the eye wall. Individuals with uveitis may notice pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and redness of the eye.

These symptoms may come on gradually or quite suddenly. To make a diagnosis of uveitis, an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the eye) uses a “slit lamp.” This is a special microscope that allows the doctor to look at the inside of the eye. Uveitis generally improves when the IBD is brought under control, but the ophthalmologist may prescribe special eye drops containing steroids to help reduce inflammation. If left untreated, uveitis may progress to glaucoma—a disease of the eye marked by increased pressure within the eyeball—and possible vision loss.

KERATOPATHY

This eye disorder is an abnormality of the cornea that develops in some people with Crohn’s disease. Again, an ophthalmologist uses a slit lamp to make the diagnosis by spotting white deposits at the edge of the cornea. Keratopathy does not cause any pain or lead to loss of vision, so usually it does not require treatment.

EPISCLERITIS

This condition is an inflammation of the outer coating of the white of the eye, called the episclera. When the tiny blood vessels of the episclera become inflamed, they dilate and the area becomes red. In addition, episcleritis also may produce pain and tenderness. Steroid eye drops and topical vasoconstrictors are commonly used to treat episcleritis, but the condition may resolve on its own as the patient’s inflammatory bowel disease starts to improve.

DRY EYES

A deficiency in vitamin A may result in dry eyes (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS). This condition, which is caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation, may then lead to eye infection and irritation such as itching and burning. If the infection becomes severe, antibiotics may be necessary. Another possible consequence may be night blindness. Artificial tears provide relief of symptoms. Vitamin A supplements, taken either orally or given as intramuscular injection, can correct the deficiency.

OTHER PROBLEMS

Inflammation may develop in other areas of the eye such as the retina and the optic nerve, although this occurs infrequently. Also, it is not only the IBD itself that may cause eye disorders; sometimes the medications used to treat the disease create their own set of problems. For example, long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to glaucoma and cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye that impairs vision).

SUMMARY

Although not everyone with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis will experience IBD-related eye conditions, a regular examination by an ophthalmologist is very important. Early detection of eye problems generally results in successful treatment and preservation of healthy vision. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America provides information for educational purposes only. We encourage you to review this educational material with your health care professional. The Foundation does not provide medical or other health care opinions or services. The inclusion of another organization’s resources or referral to another organization does not represent an endorsement of a particular individual, group, company or product.