I first developed Crohn's disease at 27 years of age. I was miserable for about
one year and was on an off prednisone and continuously on azulfidine. It was getting no better and finally I perforated and required 8 hour surgery to remove about
2 feet above an below the iliocecal valve. According to the surgeon it had been perforated for a few days and he said the material taken out looked like rejected tissue when transplanted organs are rejected. After the surgery I had a Dr. who had treated Crohn's for many years. He took me off all milk (which I loved) and gave up all medicines. I have gotten to know immodium AD because of the removal of the iliocecal valve, which works well.
I just turned 65 and have been in complete remission for over 35 years. I am certainly not suggesting that my case is typical, or that anyone should not take prescribed medicines, but I am confident that I had an allergy to milk, and once I got off of milk, even Lactaid, I had no more problems. No one in my family, either before or after has had Crohn's besides me, so it is hard to see a genetic effect. Incidentally, there is no doubt that I had Crohn's since it was physically found when I was operated on for appendicitis, which I did not have.
I only posted to let you know, that while it is said that you are never cured of Crohn's, I am living proof that is not true. I know what you are going through and I pray for your health. But keep your optimism, I never lost mine. I am convinced that attitude helped me immensely.