New! Advice please

Hi! I'm new and newly diagnosed too. What dose of Pentasa are you on? Mine took maybe 4-6 weeks to really kick in, but I also had to modify my diet quite a bit... Keeping a food journal and eliminating different foods as needed. I do find foods have an effect, but from reading it seems like everyone is different. I was already vegan, then went gluten free to see if it helped my symptoms before I was diagnosed... it did help but not completely. I'm honestly still playing with my diet even now. It's been challenging to say the least!

Hi Clairegard, welcome to HW. Sorry that you've been diagnosed w Crohn's though it's def a relief when you find out what's wrong w your gut. Pentasa takes time , when taken at the beginning, to kick in. Diet depends on trial and error. You have to keep a diary to jot down what irritates your colon. Most of us find high fibers like veggies and fruits irritating but it differs from one person to the other. I cut off fats, veggies and fruits but you have to see what doesn't work for you.
Take care :)

Claire & DWYogi,

It would be helpful for you and for forum members to know more about your particular issues. Do you know where your inflammation is? Pentasa is meant to treat the entire GI tract. Since most Crohn's patients have inflammation in the terminal ileum, Pentasa is a good choice to treat that area. However, Pentasa will not be very effective for inflammation in the rectum. If you have inflammation there, you should ask your GI for rectal medication.

If you have inflammation in the terminal ileum, pretty much anything you eat is going to cause issues. While your disease is active, it is helpful to eat a low residue diet, or even a liquid diet. This will help keep symptoms to a minimum, although it won't reduce inflammation. The meds will hopefully do that.

If you are terribly ill, it is probably best to take steroids at the beginning. Oral steroids can quickly induce remission, and then the Pentasa can be taken to maintain that remission. DRs are reluctant to prescribe oral steroids because they cause multiple side effects and are not appropriate for long term use, but if you are unable to work or sleep due to your disease this is a good time to ask for steroids.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks for all your help! Mine is in the terminal ileum and apparently mild although it doesn't feel mild to me! Especially in the mornings. The doctor wanted to try me on pentasa first and If that doesn't work I think he plans to try steroids next. I have heard that about dairy/lactose, I may give that a go! I am managing to go to work but some days it is a struggle like I say especially first thing. Hoping the tablets start working soon !

I am waiting for an appointment to see him next month, I guess he wanted to give a while for the meds to kick in

Do you have a GI, or is your primary physician treating your Crohn's?

If you are showing symptoms or inflammation, than you really need to at the very least be on Prednisone. 8 weeks on a decending dose, usually starting around 40mgs.

Then a maintenance med would be introduced, but Pentasa is considered an antiquated treatment now. You should discuss this with your GI though.

Hi, can I just ask about the fruit and veg. Is it all fruit that should be cut out and only have cooked veg? I don't really want to cut both out completely because of getting vitamins but also want to do whatever I can to help myself feel better. Thanks!