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Posted 1/22/2008 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
My husband is really more into the all natural approach to treating my CD. This scares me. I do believe that prescription meds can be harsh and really tough on an individual but i'm scared because I have severe CD that an all natural approach may not help. At this point I am willing to try anything. I seem to be having my worse flare ups ever lately since I started treatment. Can anyone give me some good all natural advice as well as some better treatment advice...How long does it usually take the Pentasa and Prednisone to kick in once you start taking it? Also if I were to do an all natural approach what type of place should I look to go to? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

~Thanks in Advance,

Amanda

Posted 1/22/2008 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
My personal opinion is since you have a severe case of Crohns its best to use the prescribed medications for a bit to get things under control then start trying the natural route. But even in the severe stage you can make sure you are taking a multivitamin and some probiotics to add good bacteria back into your intestinal tract and maybe try the low residue diet for a bit to give your bowels a little break. The Prednisone should start working within a few days and the Pentasa generally takes a couple of weeks. Sure hope you get on the right track soon. (((BIG HUGS)))
Posted 1/22/2008 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Well, there are alot of people out there that swear by holistic medicine, herbal remedies, and all sorts of other "all natural" methods of healing and treating diseases. But I gotta ask you a few things...

1. If you're having a heart attack, do you turn to "all natural" herbs, holistic medicine, and other "natural remedies", or do you dial 911 and let Western Medicine (Science!) keep you from dying?

2. What is the track record for Western Medicine's ability to treat diseases vs. "natural methods" and homeopathic, holisitic juju?

3. If you have strep throat, are you going to reach for the Penicillin or the herbs?

4. If you have appendicitis, are you going to go in for a good ole fashioned Western Medicine appendectomy, or are you going to go the "Natural Method" until your appendix ruptures and you die?

5. Have any "Natural Methods" been able to produce vacines that are proven to actually *prevent* diseases? Western Medicine has. Alot of them.

What is Western Medicine based on? Science. Science. Science.

What are "Natural Methods" based on? Heresay and "honest beliefs".

Sorry if I sound a bit harsh here, but honestly... "Natural methods" are nothing more than unsubstantiated claims made by people out to make money off of the sick.

Stick to science. It (and it alone) is what allows us to have the society that we have today.

Posted 1/22/2008 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I do agree with you largely. I am trying to find a compromise for my husband. He is really wanting me to look into the all natural thing thats why i'm asking. I told him with it being so severe at the moment that I want to find remission first. If any when this happens I have no problems doing the all natural approach to keep me there. It is very hard when you have someone at home trying so hard to get you to look for "natural cures". My husband is in denial I think, He really truly believes that I will find some cure by taking a natural remedy and he just doesn't seem to understand when I tell him there is no cure.

CrohnsDaddy said...
Well, there are alot of people out there that swear by holistic medicine, herbal remedies, and all sorts of other "all natural" methods of healing and treating diseases. But I gotta ask you a few things...

1. If you're having a heart attack, do you turn to "all natural" herbs, holistic medicine, and other "natural remedies", or do you dial 911 and let Western Medicine (Science!) keep you from dying?

2. What is the track record for Western Medicine's ability to treat diseases vs. "natural methods" and homeopathic, holisitic juju?

3. If you have strep throat, are you going to reach for the Penicillin or the herbs?

4. If you have appendicitis, are you going to go in for a goold ole fashioned Western Medicine appendectomy, or are you going to go the "Natural Method" until your appendix ruptures and you die?

What is Western Medicine based on? Science. Science. Science.

What are "Natural Methods" based on? Heresay and "honest beliefs".

Sorry if I sound a bit harsh here, but honestly... "Natural methods" are nothing more than unsubstantiated claims made by people out to make money off of the sick.

Stick to science. It (and it alone) is what allows us to have the society that we have today.

Posted 1/22/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Amanda, what are you currently taking for your CD?

Having been diagnosed with a severe case, I would seriously consider asking your GI to follow Nanners recommendation above: jumping right to prednisone and mesalamine, and skipping the "lower tier" treatments. It seems that (generally speaking) prednisone is better tolerated by women than it is for men. It put me in complete remission, but I just *could not* tolerate the side effects from it. It is a high-powered anti-inflammatory that will start to help you in as little as four days.
Posted 1/22/2008 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
There are people here who are on a mostly natural approach and who are in remission because of it. Some have even been able to stop their meds.

I have been using the medical approach the entire time I've been sick and have never achieved remission. I even had surgery and got sick with new crohn's immediately. Now I use medicine and alot of natural things and I notice a positive difference.

I think it is wise to use medicine when you need it (especially if you are severely ill), and natural routes along with them, especially eating a more natural wholesome diet.

Try the Maker's Diet, it helps reduce symptoms and some people get into remission too. It's mostly about eating natural food (honey instead of sugar, sourdough whole grain bread instead of yeast breads, lots of veggies, fruits, meats and fish, organic cheeses and yogurts, and no more processed food or chemical food, which is the hardest part. ;-)

Best wishes.
Posted 1/22/2008 6:25 PM (GMT 0)

CrohnsDaddy said...
Amanda, what are you currently taking for your CD?

Having been diagnosed with a severe case, I would seriously consider asking your GI to follow Nanners recommendation above: jumping right to prednisone and mesalamine, and skipping the "lower tier" treatments. It seems that (generally speaking) prednisone is better tolerated by women than it is for men. It put me in complete remission, but I just *could not* tolerate the side effects from it. It is a high-powered anti-inflammatory that will start to help you in as little as four days.

- Pentasa each tablet is 500 mg and I take 2 tablets three times each day for a total of 6 tablets daily.

-Prednisone I started at 60 mg. Each week I decrease by 10mg until I am down to 2.5mg (currently at 50mg.)

-Ranitidine each tablet is 300mg and I take 2 tablets daily.

-Darvocet as needed for pain (i don't take this because it makes me sick but i do have it for emergencies..not sure why)

-Women's 1 a day daily vitamin with extra calcium

-Reglan as needed

Posted 1/22/2008 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
What are some of the natural recommended products that I should take while getting the med treatments as well? I have been severely fatigued as well and I saw about the b-12 shots so I am going to ask about this at my next appointment. I have already cut out the processed food and chemical foods. I try to make everything homemade so i know exactly what is in it. Right now the dr has me on a low residue diet but i'm pretty much eatting jello and water...

Roni said...
There are people here who are on a mostly natural approach and who are in remission because of it. Some have even been able to stop their meds.

I have been using the medical approach the entire time I've been sick and have never achieved remission. I even had surgery and got sick with new crohn's immediately. Now I use medicine and alot of natural things and I notice a positive difference.

I think it is wise to use medicine when you need it (especially if you are severely ill), and natural routes along with them, especially eating a more natural wholesome diet.

Try the Maker's Diet, it helps reduce symptoms and some people get into remission too. It's mostly about eating natural food (honey instead of sugar, sourdough whole grain bread instead of yeast breads, lots of veggies, fruits, meats and fish, organic cheeses and yogurts, and no more processed food or chemical food, which is the hardest part. ;-)

Best wishes.

Posted 1/22/2008 6:38 PM (GMT 0)

CrohnsDaddy said...
Well, there are alot of people out there that swear by holistic medicine, herbal remedies, and all sorts of other "all natural" methods of healing and treating diseases. But I gotta ask you a few things...

5. Have any "Natural Methods" been able to produce vacines that are proven to actually *prevent* diseases? Western Medicine has. Alot of them.

What is Western Medicine based on? Science. Science. Science.

What are "Natural Methods" based on? Heresay and "honest beliefs".

Sorry if I sound a bit harsh here, but honestly... "Natural methods" are nothing more than unsubstantiated claims made by people out to make money off of the sick.

Stick to science. It (and it alone) is what allows us to have the society that we have today.

No offense crohnsdaddy, but your arguments aren't completely true.  

In the USA and/or Canada:

- Medical doctors in hospitals are using "HONEY" to treat bacterial infections in wounds because medicine won't work sometimes.

- Medical doctors sometimes use leeches to clot bleeding after major surgeries.

- Medical doctors can and do prescribe lots of natural approaches, like probiotics, diets, teas, etc.

- Medical doctors are presently in the process of research and clinical trials for natural approaches to treat Crohn's Disease, including the use of probiotics, worm therapy, etc.   TSO (pig whipworm) used to treat Crohn's Disease was started and headed by andAmerican doctor from the university of Iowa, with amazing results too.

- Some natural approaches build up immunity which *prevent* diseases.

Natural approaches have been are proved scientifically too. For instance, it's a fact that chamomile causes relaxation of the digestive system and can help our spastic bowels.

I'm glad that Medical doctors are more open to natural approaches because Science is based on facts, not opinions.

 

Posted 1/22/2008 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
This is what I take...you can google each of them to get specifics on them....

Bee propolis
omegas 3-6-9
Vitamins A, C-Calcium ascorbate
Vitamin B12
Prodiem stool bulker (fibre supplement similar to metamucil)
Probiotics called Primadophilus reuteri made by natures way
chamomile tea

I take all this everyday, with no oral RX for my crohns since I'm either allergic or non-responsive to them and my GI encourages me to continue, infact he suggested the fibre supplement daily for the rest of my life and assures me that all the other things I take wouldn't interact with any oral meds and since they are 100% non-toxic that they are also safe to take indefinitely.

I went from 30 BM's a day with alot of bleeding, mushy stools and mucus and lower back pain down to 5 or less BM's/day, no more bleeding, lower back pain, mucus and have formed stools along with less frequency because of the fibre supplement I go less times a day with larger deposits rather than many times with small ones. Not a full remission but I'll take what I can get, I still don't have total bowel control and I still go more than once a day compared to before I got sick with CD 16 yrs ago now.

:)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted 1/22/2008 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thats what i'm looking for thank you all. I want a medical doctor that will be open to whatever it is I feel I need. Which I think maybe a combination of things...Seriously at this point anything that will help me I will try!
Posted 1/22/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, and I also exercise regularly with cardio and weights and eat healthy, no junk-foods, processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine or animal fats (as these are known to exacerbate IBD symptoms), I drink water and chamomile tea only.

:)
Posted 1/22/2008 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Guys, I have *no problems* with natural methods that *have basis in science*. Where science is using leeches, honey, etc. there is Scientific Evidence of the benefit you will receive from their use; there are controlled, scientific studies in which the benefit is clearly seen. The wheat is seperated from the chaff. What *I do* have a problem with are the numerous products on the market, where, if you look at the fine print at the bottom, it will say something to the effect of "these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to treat any disease." THAT'S the stuff I have a problem with. The research studies that are currently being done in England (by scientists and doctors!) showing great improvement in CD by using (ugh!) parasites (various types of intestinal dwelling worms) looks VERY promising, and is based in Science. I'd be willing to bet that when you get your prescription for a jar of intestinal worms filled by your pharmacist, it *will not* come with the disclaimer "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to treat any diseases."

Other "natural treatments" such as probiotics in their numerous forms (yogurt, etc) again have been substantiated by science as being of value in the treatment of GI health.

Basically, I guess what I should be saying, is that you should be *smart* about *any* treatment you use, be it based in science or the stars. Look for genuine, clinical trial RESULTS for the things you take. And take the "wow, it sure worked for me!" products with a grain of salt. If there are studies, tests, placebo trials to substantiate the "wow, it worked for me!" statements, then combine the two to make an *informed, educated* decision. And stay away from EVERYTHING that says "These statements not evaluated by the FDA", etc. etc. Just be smart about your treatment, and don't go blindly swallowing something (taking it into your body!) without doing your research first.

Posted 1/22/2008 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, I agree with you then. LOL ;-)
Posted 1/22/2008 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
I have to disagree with CrohnsDaddy.  You mentioned vaccines...well, I never had a symptom of Crohns until 13 days after a vaccine, then the blood came POURING out and I was given this life sentence.  I became so sick, loosing 40 lbs and almost dying from it.  Ive tried all the conventional meds and nothing ever came close to putting me in remission or even alleviating symptoms as well as the natural approach.  Probiotics are a MUST.  I use the six strain powder form you see on the internet.  Also, LDN (a drug) but only 4mg that boosts my immune system by tripling the endorphins.  That's it.  I'm in remission.  I eat whatever I want.  By all means, I would try a natural approach rather than risk getting lymphoma from Remicade or Humira, or leukemia from Immuran, or bone loss and Cushings syndrome from Predisone.

Posted 1/22/2008 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
The last people I would ever trust is the FDA, look at their track record...not to mention, take Stevia for example, they won't approve it because it's "natural" all around, from the leaf it comes from to the powder/liquid it's made into, it's a natural sweetner that has no calories and is even beneficial for diabetics yet processed sugar is in everything.

To each their own though, not trying to fuel an argument, simply stating my opinion.

:)
Posted 1/22/2008 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Someone, quick, call a Homeopath! I'm having a heart attack! ; )

I'm done here. I think we're at the point where the thread can go no where but down hill from here. We all have our opinions, and nothing said here is likely to change any of them.
Posted 1/22/2008 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
well it would be pretty boring if we all thought the same way, besides what works for some doesn't work for all and in my opinion, oral RX and the natural route easily work well together too so there's really no need to argue one against the other.

:)
Posted 1/22/2008 7:47 PM (GMT 0)

Amanda, I think you found  what you were looking for.  I suspect you are right, your hubby is in denial and looking for an answer that will make this a quick cure.  I agree you could get this severe episode under control with the meds and at the same time research the natural remedies and once you know what your would like to do, discuss it with your hubby so he understands the big picture.

You have a very good head on your shoulders and you are being a wonderful advocate for yourself.  Keep it up and I am cheering you on.

Oh yes, I would call 911 if I was having a heart attack. :-)

Posted 1/22/2008 9:06 PM (GMT 0)

When anyone tries to tell me how to deal with or treat my disease, I simply say "it's my disease and my body." Your hubby is stepping in where he does not belong. No one has any business telling anyone what is best for them and their health.

There are a number of so called "natural" remedies for various conditions that have some merit IN CONJUNCTION WITH modern scientific treatments, not in place of them. It might be instructive to remember that penicillin is "natural" in that it is derived from bread molds . . . but it took modern science, using clinical trials and all the other things that go with science, to determine that and to refine the drug into one that has probably saved hundreds of millions of lives in the past 60-plus years.

Posted 1/22/2008 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Wow. I have used natural remedies for various conditions IN PLACE OF modern, western medicine on many, many occasions over the last 15-20 years with great success. I find it to be a gentler approach which allows the body's own healing ability to kick in. Just my opinion...

I'm not saying this is the only answer for CD, just disagreeing with the previous post's generalization.
Posted 1/22/2008 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I always try to use both. I take what the doctor prescibes and call her if their are any problems but I also try natural remedies and keep track of how things like diet effect me.
You have to do what feels right to you.
Posted 1/22/2008 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Mike,

Actually people can offer their opinions and advice to others, especially a spouse or family member, but if they do it more than once and continue to bug and nag the person, THAT is stepping in where they don't belong.

Besides, people can have their own opinions, but it doesn't mean they're right! LOL
Posted 1/22/2008 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
I wish I would have been a bit less invested in believing in medical science only, as now, two years later, I might actually be getting results after going to a naturopath. certainly we know that doctors can do a lot, but there is nothing wrong with seeking natural advice as well. that said, you need to trust yourself and what you are doing, so don't feel pressured to do something you are uncomfortable with. I got so tired of family and friends trying to tell me how to do my illness. take care. yp
Posted 1/23/2008 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Keep in mind chas036, everyone responds differently to different things also, everyones CD severity varies as well...diet alone may help a milder case more easily compared to a severe case in which change of diet alone may not be sufficient enough.

:)
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