Recently Diagnosed

Hi Sarah
Others who know more will soon weigh in I am sure and you will get better quality information. In the mean time.
Yes the symptoms you are describing would be described together as a flare. Can you share what medication you are taking? Also, for many food can play a big part in controlling symptoms. unfortunately lots to learn there also. One thing I strongly believe is that there is so much unknown about this darn disease that you have to learn a lot for yourself and you have to play an active role in treatment decisions.
I remember when I was first diagnosed, it sure seemed overwhelming. Best of luck
Hopefully you will quickly find a healing path
Dave

Hi Sarah, and welcome to the forum.

How long has it been since you started the delzicol? Where is the inflammation in your gut? What led to your diagnosis?

While it is scary to get a diagnosis of a chronic disease like Crohn's, most people figure out how to manage it and get on with their lives. This forum is full of great information and support, I hope you will stick around and let us guide you through this.

Ah, the long road to diagnosis. Many of us have taken that same road. I think it's good news that you have a diagnosable condition and can be treated. I hate the "IBS" diagnosis because it seems like just a catch-all for "we don't know why you are miserable."

Inflammation in the terminal ileum, which is the last couple of feet of the small intestine, is quite common among Crohnies. I would ask your GI if Delzicol is really the best med for you. Most of the mesalamine meds are meant to treat the colon. I went on for years taking Asacol and struggling with ongoing issue - I finally switched to Pentasa, which is active higher in the gut - and felt a lot better quite quickly.

It is also true for people with inflammation in the TI that nutritional absorption can be compromised. You should probably be taking a vitamin D supplement. And are you anemic? If so, start taking oral iron (ask your DR for a gut-friendly recommendation). Many of us here also take an omega-3 supplement (I take flax seed oil) for its general anti-inflammatory properties.

dfdavedf made good points about diet. You should experiment with yours. Inflammation in the TI can make you lactose intolerant. Remove lactose or add lactase enzyme to your dairy meals to see if you feel better. Other common intolerances include gluten, casein and common tough foods like broccoli (any cabbage family veggie, frankly), nuts.....a good food journal should help you sort this out. Gluten is a tough one to decipher because you'll need to be completely GF for a few weeks to figure out, but if you are strongly motivated you can do it.

A barium study and endoscopy is a good idea, especially since you are having nausea.

Hang in there!