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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/7/2007 2:02 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Everybody!

It's been a long time since I've posted or replied.  Got some good news last January.  They say I'm in remission.  Still have discomfort, but nothing like before.  I guess this is as good as it gets!

Now, I have a new dilemma, and was wondering if any of my Crohn's friends are going through the same thing, and any advice on how to handle this.  I have gained over 25 lbs. on this wonderful med, Asacol.  I can't stand it!  I'm so uncomfortable.  So, I'm having thoughts of a low carb diet to jump start my metabolism.  I had been excersing, walking 4 miles a day, (had only lost 5 lbs. in 3 months), and then I bought an eliptical.  I sweat my butt off on that thing 30 minutes 3 days a week and didn't lose not one pound! 

What do you think about Crohn's and a low carb diet?

Sherry

Posted 10/7/2007 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherry, good to see you again i think of you often wondering how you've been. I too have gained some weight i even went on weight watchers lost 17 lbs but it took forever i think it may be beacuse of the meds i'm on too. I've never tried a low carb diet but if your in remission it's worth a try. Please don't be a stranger and come chat with us sometimes. Take care

Kay (((((hugs)))))
Posted 10/7/2007 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
((((((((AuntKay)))))))))))

Good to hear from you. I was going to try the weight watchers, but right now spending $12 a week to weigh in is ridiculous. For that price, I could join a gym!

I know I said I wasn't going to fret over my weight, but my back is aching, and I have a stupid heel spur. I tried to talk to the doc about the meds, but he says it was the prednisone. I've been off Pred for over almost 2 years! I'm only concerned about other health issues that may arise with the weight gain. Survive Crohn's and have a heart attack! The irony! I don't go back until after the first of the year, so maybe we can revisit that issue again.
Posted 10/7/2007 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherry, I am on the no carb diet. It works real good for me.
TBW
Posted 10/8/2007 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much TBW! I had been on a no carb diet years ago, when I started adding in my carbs, that's when I started having great difficulty. This time around, I'm not going to use whole wheat bread, I'm going to use gluten free. Even though my test for celiac spru (sp) came back negative, I truly believe I have a hyper sensitivity to wheat products. Even being in remission, I noticed that sometimes just plain biscuits do not digest. I'm really not a bread person anyhow. Last time I did this I was just obsessed with the whole diet thing. I went from an 18 to an 8, and felt terrific until I started using all these high fiber, whole wheat products. I promised myself this time, I'm not going to go crazy. I will use spaghetti squash, zucchini, and gluten free bread. I find the low carb diets to be very easy to follow. I guess it just depends on the person. Thanks so much for your comment. I was really nervous about posting, since the majority have trouble putting weight on, not losing.
Posted 10/8/2007 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
I think Crohns and low-carb are a good idea. Cut out all starch and sugar and you will feel better
Posted 10/8/2007 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think Asacol is the cause of your weight gain. I am doing okay right now and have been on Asacol for about 2 years, and it hasn't caused any weight gain for me. Were you on steroids for awhile? Those can cause weight gain, but I don't think Asacol does, unless it just helped you to get healthy and you are eating better. I know alot of folks who have had success with the low carb diet though.
Posted 10/8/2007 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
I think some of us put on the pounds when we are feeling better because we are actually eating and our body is in feast or famine mode most of the time. We starve so much when flaring that when we do eat it just goes straight to our hips! I know I am big to begin with and lose alot when sick but gain alot when feeling better, no matter what meds I am on. I don't think I would have the will power to cut out carbs adn sugar! Love them too much!
Posted 10/9/2007 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners,

I was on Prednisone for almost a year before I was weaned off and then on Asacol. I have gained 26 lbs since I've been on Asacol. I've been off Pred for almost 2 yrs now. Part of the weight gain can be attributed to pre menopause and hormones. I go to the gyne next month. It could also just be that my metabolism is slower because of age (42). I'm glad that I have everyone's support about the lowering carb intake. I was really nervous. I certainly don't want to get sick like I was before. If I trust anyone at all, it would be my friends here! After all, you all know what I've been through. I have cut the sugar and the flour stuff. Funny, the bloating that I used to have in the mornings is gone.

Thanks again!
Posted 10/9/2007 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherry, I'm one of those fatty crohnies. In fact, that is why my doctors and I never thought I had it until I had to have emergency resection. (fistula to the bladder). After my resection and a lovely time on pred I developed steroid-induced diabetes. I decided I needed to get my health in order. I started to work out. Going to the Y every other day. Changing my diet (low-carb) and only lost 11 lbs in 6 months. I was totally fixated on my weight and get more and more depressed. I was writing down every morsel going in my mouth and nothing. I would even wake up at night and cry because the scale wasn't moving. Finally after years of having so much fatigue I couldn't do anything, I finally had energy.

I finally set up an appointment with my PCP to discuss the matter. She put be on Cymbalta for the anxiety/depression. Extra benefits of appetite suppression and mild pain management. Within a few days my joints stopped hurting and I was even able to use the eliptical at the YMCA. It has been a miracle for me. I lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks. My body has adjusted to it so the appetite suppression doesn't work anymore, but I never have been a big eater, just a bad eater because of fatigue. Easier to stop and get something instead of making it.

I've lost a total of 60 lbs since last August and still would like to lose at least 40 more but at least I'm on the move. I realize some of my weight loss is from my surgery but I'm still proud that I'm finally motivated to get it done.

Good Luck!!!
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