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Posted 7/21/2009 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey

 

I am new here.  I'm 22 years old and I live in Cheshire, UK.  I am starting a Modulen diet today, and I've found I've become really depressed and weepy for no reason.  Usually I'm dead energetic and happy all the time.

 

I wanted see if anyone else had any tips / suggestions on how to get through this diet, and also, how to people cope with telling people about Crohn's disease?

 

Thank you

 

Becks

Posted 7/21/2009 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
I have never heard of the Modulen diet. But food can do that.
Posted 7/21/2009 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'm really quite interested in the idea of the Modulen diet, but I've never been on it so couldn't give you information on it.

I am however new to this disease, and as for telling people, I've just decided to be open and honest. I've always found if you can pretend to be not embarrassed, things aren't embarrassing.

I've told my co-workers what I've been diagnosed with, that I'm in pain and tired from it, and I complain with them when something I've eaten doesn't agree with me, or when my lunch is boring because it's "safe". I think it helps to have people know and to be able to talk about it. I'm not close with my co-workers, but it's nice to join in with the office rant about what's annoying you today.

As for feeling depressed, do you think it could be less to do with the food, and more because this seems like a drastic change for you? You're not just being asked to take a couple of pills every day, but to completely change your life, if only for the limited time of the diet?

I don't know about you personally, but I find that I don't always know what's upsetting me. I have to sit down and think everything through, trying to find the thought that makes me feel worse. You could maybe see about counselling, or just talking to a friend and seeing what comes out. You might find yourself crying over the thought of no chocolate for months, and maybe it'll seem silly at first, but I think it's understandable to be sad for the things you might lose because of this disease, and not knowing what that may be.
Posted 7/21/2009 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Becks,

It's hard and it's bland and it requires some major lifestyle adjustment, so that could account for some of your weepiness. Remember, much of our socialising is done over food, and now that you're not eating properly, you may feel that you are becoming detached from some of your normal social processes.

It's also possible that you're not getting all the nutrition you need, and could benefit from having a chat with your doctor or dietitian to see if maybe you need to drink a bit more Modulen than you are.

If you click on the "diet and nutritional therapy" link in my sig, you'll find several recent threads on Modulen, and you may find them a source of encouragement, and maybe even a way to link up with other people who are doing this therapy.

All the very best to you,

Ivy.
Posted 7/22/2009 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
One thing to remember is that even though you're on the liquid diet, you can still sit down and eat with other people, it's just that you'll be drinking while they're eating. A lot of our pleasure in food comes from the social aspect of dining, so if you can, try not to cut yourself off from eating with others.

I also wondered, since you just started the diet today, whether the depression is mainly because it's suddenly come home to you that you have a disease that can really affect your lifestyle. Getting used to that idea is a process we all have to go through. It's not fun, but things will improve. Best wishes to you.
Posted 7/22/2009 7:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for your support. Its really nice to know that some people understand what I'm going through at the min.

I think you are right, since starting the diet I've cut myself off from my friends a little as I'm a little ashamed of what they may think of me. I've always downplayed my Crohn's since I told one of my supposed mates about it and she recoiled from me as if it was contagious. So I guess I didnt really want to drink my Modulen in front of them in case they made fun. But yesterday night, I opened up to my best friend about how low I'm feeling and today she has emailed me with lots of information about diets and how they can affect your emotions, so I guess I'm getting back on track! :-)

I also think that I thought my Crohn's was something that I didnt need to worry about right now, that I could deal with it later and I think Writer is correct that it has just hit home how I have to do something about it now, as, by looking through this forum and others, I have been humbled by the amount of people my age (and younger) who have suffered steriod use and even surgery numerous times, and I should count myself lucky to only have to do a simple diet. I should be thankful, not weepy!

Thanks again guys!
Posted 7/22/2009 9:16 AM (GMT 0)
Go ahead and weep, Becks. You're allowed to mourn for what this illness is doing for your life. It's exhausting keeping up a brave face all the time, so if you want to have a weepy night, I think you should go ahead and do it.

I'm glad at least one of your friends is continuing to be supportive - that's very encouraging.

Keep plugging on there,

Ivy.
Posted 7/22/2009 9:26 AM (GMT 0)
hey Ivy

I do sometimes have a little cry, but it seems make me seem weak, especially in front of boyfriends. My latest boyfriend broke up with me on Sat, the day after I learnt I had to do this diet because I don't think he understood just how big a deal it was to me and didn't understand why I was so down and upset about it?

Becks
Posted 7/22/2009 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Beck,

I have finished my Modulen Diet last week i done it for 6 weeks and i am not goin to lie to you was one of the hardest things i have ever done but will be worth it.

Some hint and tips

  • Mix Nestle milkshake flavour with it so you get diffrent taste
  • Drink with straw, if drinking 250ml cup try space it over about half hour period or can cause sickness or Diarohea
  • Things to do wit friends Cinemas or girly nights idoin nails etc was best for me as couldnt eat with people as loved my food
  • The colder the drink the better
  • If your really miss eating then buy ice cream maker and pour yor drink in that so like eating something

good luck any q email [email protected]

Posted 7/22/2009 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
(((Becks))) It's hard, isn't it? I, too, have lost very good friends at crucial stages of treatment. Please try to remember that this is not your fault; it is not because of anything you have done; some people are just heartless and shallow and clueless.

I'm really sorry about your boyfriend.

Ivy.
Posted 7/23/2009 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ivy, I've come to realise that he wasn't good enough if he wasn't prepared to help me through this! c'est la vie!

Conker21, thank you for all the tips, I think I have been drinking it too quickly (just because I'm hungry) and think that is why I've been sick. Am looking into buying an ice cream maker, I didn't know that you could freeze it and it'd be lovely just to "eat" something!

Day 3 and its going ok!

Becks
Posted 7/23/2009 8:29 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah it made me feel sick just try a space each drink over 30 mins or so! How much do you drink a day? How long are you going to be on modulen for?

Keep it goin!!
Posted 7/23/2009 8:47 AM (GMT 0)
I drink 2 litres of Modulen per day, but Iv got 3 different flavours (chocolate, banana, strawberry) so its ok. Just wish they did a fish n chip flavour, or a Big Mac flavour! lol! I'm on Modulen for 2 months, so a long way to go yet!
Posted 7/23/2009 9:25 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah that would of been nice!

My problems was i dint even like milkshake anyway so i just drunk strawberry the whole time as didnt like other favours!

The hardest weeks are 2/3 well they was for me, you just have just think about the end it sounds so long at the moment but it will go quicker that what you think!
Posted 7/23/2009 9:57 AM (GMT 0)
... And Becks, you will be *so* proud of yourself if you can stick it out for the whole two months.

This diet takes *strength* and *courage* and *willpower*. If you can last these two months, you will always be able to draw on this knowledge in the future, and get tremendous comfort and self-esteem by knowing how STRONG and BRAVE you are. High-powered executive pay big money to go on camps where they're put through ordeals, just so they can have a chance to test & prove their courage. You're getting this experience on the NHS... and believe me, what you're doing now takes a lot more courage than doing a high-ropes course or abseiling down a cliff. Never forget that. You are being so strong, and so brave. Celebrate your courage --- you deserve all the kudos you can get.


You can do this. We will sit on this computer and wave pom-poms for you and cheer you on every day for the next two months if we have to.

Go, Becks, go! You can do it!!!
Posted 7/23/2009 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
thanks ivy, that really means a lot to me, almost cried a bit wen i read it! its so nice to know someone is cheering for me! im determined stick it out, iv already sorta got used to it, the only bad part is going out with my mates and they can drink! so im gonna go for the two whole months.....ill keep u guys posted!
Posted 7/23/2009 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
LOL, disguise it in a can and a stubbie holder and they'll never know! :-)

Seriously, though, I know it's hard. This is a cruel disease to live with, and I think it demands more of us than many other illnesses. You're doing well; keep hanging in there.
Posted 7/24/2009 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
hey guys! day four and the food cravings have already started to disappear! went out with my friends to the pub last night and can honestly say i didnt miss alcohol, it was so much fun watching them get steadily more and more drunk! plus, no hangover today! whoop! still a bit fed up with aving nothin to phsyically eat but goin to get an ice cream maker this weekend to try out making some! might even get a bit adventurous and go for a neopolitan! :-D so all in all, feeling better( a lot owing to you guys here) but still missing the boyf! ne ideas on how stop missing someone pls?! lol
Posted 7/24/2009 9:23 AM (GMT 0)
Neopolitan! That's unreal, Becks. What a fantastic idea.

I can just see you stunning the judges on the next series of Masterchef :-P

I've no ideas on how to get over missing the bf, sorry, but maybe one of our other members will.
Posted 7/24/2009 9:39 AM (GMT 0)
... So you'd go in there for your audition and show them the ice cream and they'd say "brilliant! original! so innovative and creative! what are you going to make for us in the next round of competition?"...

and you'd have to say ":-( nothing; Modulen's all I'm allowed to cook with".

I can just imagine the look on the judges' faces.

:-)

Ivy (hey, there's hardly anyone online; I have to amuse myself somehow).
Posted 7/24/2009 9:45 AM (GMT 0)
hahahahahahah! that actualy made me snort with laughter!

yeah, well i could make a nice soup? or milkshake? orrrrrr........one of them ice cream float things, using two different flavours!?

oh the possiblities are endless!
xx
Posted 7/24/2009 9:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hmmm. Would you be allowed to add gelatine to it and make a jelly? Or would the heat denature the vitamins?

I'll admit I'm laughing myself - the look on that greasy-haired judge's face would be *priceless*.

One good thing about this Modulen diet is that you can't console yourself with chocolate while you grieve over the bf...
Posted 7/24/2009 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
ps. That's good as in:

chocolate --> pudginess --> feeling bad about yourself ---> more chocolate :-)
Posted 7/24/2009 9:52 AM (GMT 0)
ahahahaha but i have chocolate flavoured modulen! hee hee
Posted 7/24/2009 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
tongue Something tells me that's not going to be *quite* the same, Becks tongue

I did mine through a naso-gastric tube so didn't get the "advantage" of a change in flavour. But then, the n/g tube meant I didn't have to really taste it much at all, and *perhaps* that's a good thing.

Does it taste horrible, or is it basically ok?
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