Flare relief

First of all - let me start by saying that while my husband has Crohns and has been diagnosed for almost 10 years - I really do not understand this disease even though I try very hard to do so but unless I actually experience it firsthand - I do not think I will ever be 100% helpful. I too have asked the stupid question when he is feeling bad of "What did you eat?"  People without this disease have to have something to lay the blame on when someone else is feeling bad.  While we have never found any triggers - I have tried very hard over the years to limit or increase things dietary to try to help him - oh you are anemic? - here eat this liver or spinach - it is high in iron. No buns with sesame seeds, de-seed the cucumbers - oops! no popcorn for you! etc.  I mention all this from an early thread I read and it is on my mind and also because as I am reading this - my husband is have a flare up - not sure how severe this one will be.  He had one about a month ago that was pretty bad but overall has had a pretty good year or two with very little problems. Knock on wood.

Anyway, to get back to my question... what things have people done when flaring to get relief?  I do not know what to do for him.  He doesn't take any pain medication during one because he is afraid to eat or drink anything at all.  He has found that soaking in a warm tub helps - said he feels like it takes some of the pressure off his insides.  He dozes better in the recliner than in the bed.  Sometime throwing up brings some relief - sometimes it doesn't.  Sometimes a low heating pad helps.  He said he feels like his insides are pissed off and he trying to appease them.  Lull them into feeling better.   I kinda understand the diahreha (sp?) since we have all experienced that in one form or another (though not long term - I did have a really bad case of food poisoning once and I wouldn't wish that on anyone!) but while I empathize with the other things I truly do not know what he experiences or how to help him.  I asked him once about the flares and he explained the cramping and the only thing I could relate to was labor pains.  Intense cramps - so I was thinking about some type of self-hypnosis - kinda like Lamaze.  Anyone who has given birth and taken Lamaze knows that Lamaze is a form of self hypnosis.  It does not make your labor stop hurting but it does help you get through it especially if you have a long one.  Has anyone tried anything like this?  Could some form of self-hypnosis help with a flare? 

I hope I am not sounding dumber than a sack of rocks but I feel helpless standing by knowing that he is hurting and I cannot help ease anything.  I read another post about accupuncture.  I have thought of that in the past but have not broached him with the subject yet.  You end up trying anything and everything looking for a cause or a cure. "No dairy - maybe that affects it."; "I read that coconut can help - here eat these cookies"; "A lady told me if turn around 3 times and bark at the moon, you will feel better!".  Now - he just looks at me and walks away...

Love your humor- barking at the moon. Very funny. I am so proud of you for trying ot understand your husband's disease. That is awesome. I agree with the above post on the book. My daughter is reading "Patient Heal Thyself". It has some good ideas too.

When I am in a flare I try to stay hydrated even if it means more trips to the bathroom. Gatorade, chicken broth, or water.
I can't take Omega - 3's. Gave me cramping. Even though the rule "Low Residue- Low Fiber" is good for all Crohn's patients, we all have our own sent of things that trigger us into a flare.
Things that set me off are: stress, illness, sprin products, some antibiotics, corn, wheat, most dairy, beans, citrus fruits, any kind of juice, fried foods, granola, seeds, sweets, even popcicles, tough meats, msg, butter, and probably way too much more.
What I can eat regularly- white bread, margarine, apples (no skin), bananas, lettuce, lean meats and poultry, eggs, rice (love rice), potatoes, cucumbers, zuchinni, yellow squash, green beans, pears, pasta (in moderation), swiss cheese, american cheese, peppers fully cooked.

Best wishes in your quest! I am not sure I would waste my $ on other kinds of treatments.
Jennifer

Hello Maranza!

I'm sure your husband greatly appreciates how you love and care for him. Just having someone with you who is so supportive is such a blessing in the bad times -- and the good times too! You can't fix him, and trying too hard might only irritate, but you can just tell him that whatever he needs, you are there for him. Bless you for your caring heart!

FallColors has it right. He doesn't know how to get relief so how can you expect to help him get relief. Just let him know you are there. My flares sound similiar to his. I do the warm baths and they help some. Drink gatoraide to get electrolite. But for me it is to rest and sleep and rest and more rest. I try to go to a room in the house where I won't be bothered and watch TV with my eyes closed. Tell himto call you if he needs anything.