question for pb4

Ok, I know that I have asked questions about the natural medications that you take, I even have then copied into an email for myself. I tried to get the probiotic on line but they wouldn't answer my question about the cold packing so I guess that I would have to get it locally. Anyway here is my question. I am on colazal which is like pentasa/asocal, but I started to flare. So now the doctor has me on Pred which makes it very difficult for me to think and make decisions. I have to decide whether to go on Immuran (if my blood test comes back ok) or taper off the pred and see how I do. I have many people wanting me to take a natural path, but I have always been one to listen to the doctors so to speak. I am sure that my doc would be ok with me trying other things, but I am scared. I am afraid if I don't go on the immuran that I will begin to flare again and have to do the pred again and then I will have to take the immuran anyways. I guess my question is this: if you could take regular medications would you (I know that you have said you are allergic to all the medications) or would you stick with the natural medications only, or would you do a combination? Oh lord, I can't even think! I would appreciate comments for everyone.

Thanks,
Heather

Hi momoftwoangels,

I am going the 'natural' path as well.  I have however discovered (for myself) that stress plays a MAJOR role in my flare-ups.  If you are stressed about which meds to take and how long to take them for and the future implications of having taken them, then my suggestion to you is to do your own research.

Because i go against the grain of what my doc's expect and would want to do with me, i spend a lot of time researching things for myself.

I have had the 'york test' done and tried that with some benefit, I have used aloe with some benefit and manuka honey and the like but the one thing I know about this CD is that it is different for everyone.  When I get a flare up i use the 'lofflax diet' and the flare usually only lasts a week or so.  My CRP goes up to about 30 and back down to 4ish.  This diet seems to be the most effective thing I have done to control flare ups.

Whether or not you go off the meds and create your own path is totally up to you and it needs to be a decision you are happy with, and knowledge will help you answer the questions.  I have typed Crohn's disease and _________ with almost everything you can imagine to discover what I can.  I have long suspected that their is a micro-bial imbalance/infection that is the main cause of the CD in my guts.  I have been doing things like buying organic, growing what I can, getting dirty in the soil A LOT MORE to breath and soak in the good stuff that will fight the fight in the gut.  type 'what's in milk' into google and see what you can see........

Sorry for such a long post - feel free to email me if you like.

Amy

Thank you both for your replies.
Amy- I have attempted to research several times but I get so overwhelmed that I don't know what to do. I am so glad that you have found something that works for you. I agree that crohns is such an individual disease and everyone responds differently to different things. I do plan on trying pb4's suggestions.

pb4 - Thank you, thank you. I found a website yesterday after posting that is a forum for those on imuran, they talk about the side effects, and the positive/negative of taking the med. It made me very happy to see so many people were happy with the way they felt on this medication. Alot of them spoke of long term success, to the point of "feeling like I don't even have crohns". So for me, it was what I was looking for. The answer I needed. I plan on taking imuran if I get the ok from the blood test, and I also plan on getting the probiotic and starting that, will add the other suggestions slowly to see how I react. I appreciate your response.

Have a great day guys!
Heather