yes. I do it all the time. I've had CD for so long that I don't know the difference between a "Taco Bell" attack versus CD. The one thing I have learned that, for me, the feeling of air or matter...
mine is a rectal fistula. it caused a lot of bleeding, but has been "calm" for a long time (knock on wood). it has not been a problem, compared to my other issues. I'm sure someone else can better...
I see a GI for my CD, but my primary care doctor is an MD/DO. He's the first doctor that actuallly would talk to me about the various medications I'm on, how they might interact, and discuss options....
Hi JK -- I had my first stricture scare a year ago. I too should have known something was wrong (vomiting, etc.) but the symptoms didn't match my normal CD flare ups. At any rate, I have some...
Thanks for the responses. My GP has called in a scrip for the fosomax (sp?). I'm seeing him Friday about a HUGE bruise (hope it's not the imuran related). I'll have to quiz him about the drug. Please...
I eat out quite often. I haven't found much of a connection between what I eat and my CD. Perhaps I'm not paying enough attention. I do avoid lettuce now that I have a stricture. Seems to plug the...
After breaking 3 ribs in 2 years (different episodes), I got a bone density test. I have oste openia (hooray! /community/emoticons/tongue.gif ). Anyone have experience with Fomax? I'm already taking...
I've been on Imuran for many months now. Over the weekend I had a spill while moving a couch. The next day I had a decent sized bruise over my hip bone. No big deal, except this morning I caught a...
Homeboy hit the nail on the head. There is no question that tobacco is bad for you, but I still enjoy a pinch of long cut wintergreen Skoal. Can we not enjoy a guilty pleasure now and then? As for it...
I chew Skoal. I asked my GI if chewing a lot would aggravate my Crohn's and he said "no". In fact, he acted like it was a stupid question. Common sense tells me that tobacco juice can't be good for...
Sorry, my last post was for PSA.Delhi, the first to respond. Before I could send it, I got a bunch more great Ideas and support. Thanks to all!!...
I just seem to always be run down. Weak, tired, etc. I'm 50 and have had C since junior high. Haven't had any surgeries, but have skip lesions and a stricture. I try and eat well, but just don't have...
I need advice on how to combat fatigue. I'm tired all the time. What vitamins and supplements work for you? Thanks...
Lettuce!! The most evil food in the world ... I also can't eat bell peppers, but that's just hearburn....
I've had it since I was 13, but that was in 1972 and I lived in a small town. Everyone thought it was all in my head. I wasn't diagnosed until I was around 38 and so sick I went to the emergency...
Kanditron, hang in there. I escape into books. Movies help as well. Is there a favorite you haven't seen in awhile? For some reason the movie It's a Wonderful Life always makes me feel better. I go...
Thanks again for the support, all. Wow, breaking a rib while coughing? Hang in there, Zanne. I had a good weekend and am ready to resume battle against all health issues. Chronicallyill -- I hope you...
Hey Chronic -- My doc just put me on caltrate (a calcium/vitamin D supplement). If insurance approves the tests, the doc will check my bone density levels and may prescribe something. I broke the...
Thanks for the support. I was just feeling a little wimpy because I broke the current rib just as the last one was getting healed. I'm not on any meds for bone strengthening yet. My appointment is in...
I know most of you have it much worse, but I am feeling a little down. I'm going to the doctor today to confirm that I have a fractured rib. It will be the 6th in 4 years, the third one in less than...
nitghtowl, I had my first stricture last year. Very painful. My GI did a barium test and found scarring. He put me on prednisone to see if the problem was partially inflammation. Luckily the pred...
trigirl, I'm an employment lawyer and can't give you legal advice on this forum, but it would not hurt for you to consult with a competent lawyer. Also, in my many years as a lawyer in this field, I...
D-3 of 5 -- just checked out an Androgel website. Looks like I need to discuss this with my GP or GI. Crap!! I can't believe neither one mentioned it. Lucky to have seen your post....
D-3 of 5 -- I'm on testostrone replacement therapy as well, but haven't been told I can't take pred. I'm on 5 grams of androgel per day. Moon face or not, I don't want to be shut off pred when...
AB, Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed in the mid-late 80's and my GI (and I) believe I had a mild case since I was in jr high in the early 70's. I was diagnosed with a cat scan as well, in the ER....
I had recurring bouts of intense cramping and diarrhea. My abdomen was also very tender. This occurred 2 to 3 tiimes per year for 20 some years (several doctors brushed me off). The bouts would last...
lol. I call it "drawing mud". It almost happendd yesterday at work. I fart all the time, but every once in awhile -- my "old friend Crohn's' just has to remind me that he will NOT be ignored. I'm...
Sniper -- I just had to laugh by your phrase "crap shoot"!! That's exactly how I feel about it. I have the same problem and am always tempted to scrawl on the stall what I read a long time ago --...
It could be a partial blockage, but my pain was just below the rib cage. I'd see a doctor asap. Don't be scared, but pain near the heart is nothing to take lightly. Good luck....
35 year Crohn's patient and now I've been on Imuran for 9 months following a nasty partial blockage due to inflammation and scarring. I get my blood tested regularly, but wonder if there is another...
If your GI suggests a colonoscopy, please don't freak. My doc put me under. After a little pin prick of the injection, I woke up feeling like nothing had been done! It was actually a nice litle nap....
Crohn's can cause a rectal fistula which can lead to bleeding, but mine only bleeds when I use the bathroom. I don't get the chapped feeling, either. When it flares up it can cause a lot of bleeding....
You also should be comforted by the fact that many, many Crohn's patients don't have nearly as rough a time as your boyfriend's Mother. I've coped with a mild/moderate case of Crohn's from Junior...
HI Yogprof, Yes I turned 50 in January. I've had crohn's since junior high but it wasn't diagnosed until I was 38 when I went to the ER with increased symptoms. The meds worked until I turned 48 and...
Lori, I'm not an expert either, but Tom seems to be right on. I began having a feeling of blockage just under my rib cage. It felt like there was no place for the food to go and I'd throw up. But, I...
Don't sweat the colonoscopy. It's worth it and will show exactly what issues you have. I've never been on pentasa, but I like the conservative approach your GI is taking. I went straight to...
Bizbug, I just found this site and like it. I agree with the earlier posts warning you not to assume the worst. As my GI told me straight off -- you might go into permanent remission (but probably...