Question:

> Thanks for your anethesia suggestion.  I told my daughter but she said > she wanted to be out.  Were it me, I would pick the epidural.

You go out.  They inject the pain killers and initial relaxation anesthesia in the epidural.  Then you are OUT!  100, 99, 98, 9…..zzzzzzzz The best thing for me was the post surgical pain control.  Very effective! Best ever. Just an option, PP

Response:

I hope all goes well for you daughter. When I spoke to my surgeon about doing my last surgery with the laprascope he told me that what his practice does is a hand assisted laprascopic surgery.  Meaning they use the scope but the still have to cut an incision large enough to get a hand in the gut to work with the scope.  His advice to me though was to do the normal full surgery for the fact that there could be active Crohn’s elsewhere in the bowel which the might not otherwise see and fix and soon you could be in for another surgery.  Ask about that and see what they say. Tony

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

And, in the case where they had to switch to conventional surgery, she can wake up with a morphine pump for pain control. When I chose the epidural, the hardest part was bending over enough to curve my spine and this was because of how much swelling and tenderness I had in my abdominal area.  Once it was in, I laid back and was awake for maybe a minute longer.   Good luck!  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks for your anethesia suggestion.  I told my daughter but she said >she wanted to be out.  Were it me, I would pick the epidural. > You go out.  They inject the pain killers and initial relaxation anesthesia > in the epidural.  Then you are OUT!  100, 99, 98, 9…..zzzzzzzz > The best thing for me was the post surgical pain control.  Very effective! > Best ever. > Just an option, > PP

Response:

  His advice to > me though was to do the normal full surgery for the fact that there could > be active Crohn’s elsewhere in the bowel which the might not otherwise see > and fix and soon you could be in for another surgery.  Ask about that and > see what they say.

I have been told this too. PP

Response:

I also had the epidural and it took a few days to regulate the right amount of morphine.  My legs were numb for a couple days.  Now I know what it feels like when you have limbs you can’t use.  Not fun. I also had trouble bending over and soreness in my back for a couple months after the surgery in the spot where the epidural was.  Everything is fine now. They say a faster road to recovery is to be as pain free as possible.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> And, in the case where they had to switch to conventional surgery, she can > wake up with a morphine pump for pain control. > When I chose the epidural, the hardest part was bending over enough to > curve my spine and this was because of how much swelling and tenderness I > had in my abdominal area.  Once it was in, I laid back and was awake for > maybe a minute longer. > Good luck! >  mgbio >>Thanks for your anethesia suggestion.  I told my daughter but she said >>she wanted to be out.  Were it me, I would pick the epidural. > You go out.  They inject the pain killers and initial relaxation > anesthesia in the epidural.  Then you are OUT!  100, 99, 98, > 9…..zzzzzzzz > The best thing for me was the post surgical pain control.  Very > effective! Best ever. > Just an option, > PP

Response:

> Hi, > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

That (illieum) was my first surgery before laparoscopic was done for crohns. I had to take a huge antibiotic "horse" pill as part of the pre operative preparation and bowl cleansing. I had strictures. And it got stuck.  Very painful. Suggestion – Ask the surgeon about that (above).  Perhaps small multiple pills would be effective. I have had both Conventional and laparoscopic.  I much rather prefer the laparoscopic!!! Good luck, PP FWIIW  I try not to direct or tell people what to do since I am not a doctor.  I do try to relate experiences that may be of some value.

Response:

> You also might ask for epidural anesthesia rather than general.  Post op > pain is much better controlled with an epidural.  I’ve had both and I > would pick epidural over general anytime, anyplace…

BIG 10-4 for a first timer!

Response:

I’ve been resected three times..july 97, march 2002 and june 2004.  Some disease was left behind from the 2nd surgery and the surgeon was being conservative;however, I didn’t get much relief.  So this last time, he took it all so I would be completely clear.  My surgeon asked if  I wanted a strictureplasty or a resection.  I told him to use his best judgment.  I had 6 or 7 hospitalizations for obstructions between May 2002 to June of 2004. I think they have all been the same in terms of healing and the amount of time I was in the hospital.  Fortunately, my surgeon has a very low complication rate and rarely has to use a blood transfusion during procedures.  I think how one does in these situations depends on the skill of the surgeons, anesthesia dr. and the care within the hospital.  I live in Houston and have access to some terrific physicians and hospitals and I know that has a lot to do with my personal outcomes.  good luck.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Julie, > Thanks for your response.  Having had both kinds of reection which do > you think went better?  How long between your surgeries and since you > had a surgery? > I had my second resection done laproscopically…it just took longer > for the > surgeon to do the surgery.  Apparently I had alot of adhesions he had > to cut > through.  I think I was under for about 5 hours as compared to less > than two > the first time.  good luck! > > Hi, > > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her > Crohn’s. > > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s? > What > > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, > etc.? > > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

[CrohnFaye] > Thanks for your response.  I am sorry about your infection.  What > exactly got infected?

I developed what the surgeon termed "a collection", i.e. a group of abscesses on the ileum and colon. I had to have one drain out of the left side of my abdomen, and another coming out of my rear-end, which was particularly unpleasant. I saw the microbiology report: I was infected with Proteus Mirabilis and a strain of E. coli. I have no idea what caused the infection, but I was in poor shape when I went in for the surgery, having languished on a waiting list for 17 months … > How do you feel now?

Much better after the surgery than I was before! > Thanks for the tips on the > small holes sewing.  I told my daughter and will tell the surgeon.

Make a checklist! You’d be absolutely amazed at what slips your mind when you actually start talking to the people who are going to cut you open and re-arrange your insides. > What did you have removed?

A stricture at the anastomosis from the previous surgery (which was at the site of the anastomosis from the *previous* surgery, etc). It was pretty amazing, they took out about 20cm of bowel, plus a "mass", and took it all *out* through a 6cm incision, which they made in a pre-existing scar, so it was cosmetically minimal. > Have you had any surgeries since?

No, thankfully But I did have the spooky experience of being wheeled into an operating theatre and made lie on the table for a simple ‘rhoid injection: anaesthetic, the whole works. Although everything went fine, but it sure was spooky lying under that big circular light fixture, surrounded by people with green clothes, masks and clogs, ….. Take care, Alan.

Response:

Hi Julie, Thanks for your anethesia suggestion.  I told my daughter but she said she wanted to be out.  Were it me, I would pick the epidural. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > You also might ask for epidural anesthesia rather than general.  Post op > pain is much better controlled with an epidural.  I’ve had both and I would > pick epidural over general anytime, anyplace… > Princess, > Thanks for your response and good wishes.

Response:

Hi, Thanks for your response.  Have you had surgery since 1999?  What was removed?  That is great you had such a quick recovery.

Response:

Hi Alan, Thanks for your response.  I am sorry about your infection.  What exactly got infected?  How do you feel now?  Thanks for the tips on the small holes sewing.  I told my daughter and will tell the surgeon. What did you have removed?  Have you had any surgeries since?

Response:

Hi Julie, Thanks for your response.  Having had both kinds of reection which do you think went better?  How long between your surgeries and since you had a surgery? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I had my second resection done laproscopically…it just took longer for the > surgeon to do the surgery.  Apparently I had alot of adhesions he had to cut > through.  I think I was under for about 5 hours as compared to less than two > the first time.  good luck! > Hi, > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s? What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

You also might ask for epidural anesthesia rather than general.  Post op pain is much better controlled with an epidural.  I’ve had both and I would pick epidural over general anytime, anyplace…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Princess, > Thanks for your response and good wishes.

Response:

I had my second resection done laproscopically…it just took longer for the surgeon to do the surgery.  Apparently I had alot of adhesions he had to cut through.  I think I was under for about 5 hours as compared to less than two the first time.  good luck!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

Thanks mgbio for your response and good wishes.

Response:

Princess, Thanks for your response and good wishes.

Response:

Hi!   I had a laparoscopic surgery in 1999.   I was sore after the surgery, but honestly felt better than I had in a very long time.  I had no problem with infection, but here is one bit of advice.   If they don’t give her one in the hospital (and they most likely will), make sure to get your daughter a "cough pillow".   This was truly a lifesaver for me.   Make sure she holds it firmly against the incision when trying to get up, coughing, sneezing, etc.   I even made one for myself when I got home out of a folded bath towel. Best wishes for your daughter’s speedy recovery.    I was up and walking (very important!) soon after I woke up from the surgery, and I had a very quick recovery time and a fairly small scar.   Feel free to email me with any questions.  Please keep us informed.

Response:

> My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.?

I’ve had 4 surgeries: 1 laparoscopy (keyhole), 2 central laparotomies and 1 which started as a appendectomy. The laparoscopy was *far* less invasive than the others. After a central laparotomy, where they cut from belly-button to pubic bone and go right through the muscle wall, recovery was seriously prolonged. It’s very difficult to move for a few days after the surgery, since you can’t move your abdominal muscles at all, and have to push yourself around the bed with your arms and legs, slide out of bed, etc. Even after a couple of weeks, you still need to hold a pillow against your abdomen when you sneeze/cough/etc. The wound doesn’t fully heal for a couple of months, and you’ve got a greater risk of hernias, etc. Compared to that, the laparoscopy was a walk-in-the-park. I was stunned to find myself able to sit up in bed (without needing help) within an hour of waking up after surgery. There was hardly any pain, and healing was *much* quicker. Cosmetically, from a scarring point of view, I don’t think it’s that much better than other techniques, because you get 4 or 5 "small" holes, e.g. ~1cm, instead of one big one. But in my case, I’m fairly sure that a student got to close me up: every one of the incisions looks messy. Perhaps, if cosmetic concerns are important to your daughter, you could discuss it with the team. But the downside is that I *did* get a nasty post-op infection/abscess, which required drainage over several days, followed by antibiotics. So my hospital stay ended up being 3 weeks longer than it should have. But even still, I wouldn’t volunteer for the old-style laparotomy again: it’s too invasive: I would still choose the keyhole approach, if I had a choice. Best wishes for good health for your daughter. Regards, Alan. CD, class of 1979.

Response:

I would assume that the incision is much smaller and if anything has to be removed that is how they do it.  I have heard that recovery time and pain is greatly minimized. It usually cannot be done for an emergency.  I hope if I ever need surgery I can do it this way. Best wishes to your daughter and I hope for a smooth ride. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I wish my surgery could have been done laproscopically.  Recover time is >quicker, the surgery less invasive, the anesthetic less dangerous and the >only "wound" are several small holes used to insert the instruments, >usually covered with band aids or other sterile coverings.  Do keep in >mind, that if the surgeon has any difficulty, unexpected inflammation, >unexpected fistulas or other repair work that he/she sees needs to be done, >the team may decide to change from laproscopic to conventional surgery >while on the table.  So long as your surgeon is skilled in laproscopic >procedures and well trained, it is much safer IMHO. > I wish your daughter much luck on her surgery! >  mgbio > Hi, > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

I wish my surgery could have been done laproscopically.  Recover time is quicker, the surgery less invasive, the anesthetic less dangerous and the only "wound" are several small holes used to insert the instruments, usually covered with band aids or other sterile coverings.  Do keep in mind, that if the surgeon has any difficulty, unexpected inflammation, unexpected fistulas or other repair work that he/she sees needs to be done, the team may decide to change from laproscopic to conventional surgery while on the table.  So long as your surgeon is skilled in laproscopic procedures and well trained, it is much safer IMHO. I wish your daughter much luck on her surgery!    mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. > Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What > were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? > Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

Hi, My daughter is planning to have an illieum resection for her Crohn’s. Has anyone had experience with laprascopic surgery for Crohn’s?  What were your experiences?  Problems with infection, wound healing, etc.? Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Response:

Question:

I had a nasogastric tube – up the nose, down the oesophagus, into the stomach. The tube can go further, into the duodenum or jejunem if necessary. The reasons this might be used instead of eating or drinking normally are problems with swallowing (not in my case)and palatibility/taste issues (the formula is designed for maximum nutrition, and maximum tolerance by people who may have dietary restrictions – in my case dairy and fructose. Adding ingredients to make it taste nice may cause problems). In my case, I have a lot of food intolerances, and find it difficult to eat enough food to maintain or gain weight. It was thought that eating my normal diet, plus having this formula slowly dripped into my stomach while I slept, would allow me to consume enough kilojoules and nutrition to put on weight and give me some energy back. I get pain from eating, so a slow drip while sleeping counteracts that (the first night I set the pump at 50ml/hour, but the goal was to increase it up to 125ml/hour). It is a liquid btw – my Isosource 1.5 looked similar to Ensure. Anyway, it didn’t work for me – I was up all night with diarrhoea from one 250ml can of formula and actually LOST weight. So out came the tube and I am back to square one. HTH, Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > OK so I’m trying to understand this a little better. I assume the tube just > goes down into your stomach or at least past your esophagus. I don’t see any > point going any further with it. So I don’t understand what benefits that > would have over just drinking the stuff, unless it’s just that it continues > to be supplied at a slow steady rate which may be digested better then by > drinking a larger quantity in a shorter period of time. That is with the > assumption that it is a liquid. > So can someone help me understand why this would work. > tx > Jeff

Response:

I had an NG tube inserted while awake and it was by far the most painful experience I’ve ever had…I don’t ever plan on doing it awake again…I don’t care how obstructed I am…or how backed up I get…good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Deborah, > Thanks for the info. It makes me feel more positive knowing it has been > such a help to your son. I have UC not Crohn’s so I am not sure that it > will make much difference to my disease activity, but putting on some > weight and getting proper nutrition will certainly make me feel better. > Best wishes to you and your son, > Take care, > Amy. > Hi… I posted this reply to another message today, about elemental > feed.  Apologies if you have already read it… > We have effectively controlled my son’s crohns (now 15 years

Question:

My doctor indicated that Zelnorm is now approved for men. However, I did a google search and found nothing. Perhaps I misunderstood. Perhaps it is close to being approved for men? Does anyone have any information about this. (I am male, dx. with CD, but my main problems are more akin — oddly enough — to IBS-C) MB

Response:

I have always heard that this is for women only and not for men but ask your pharmacist about it, he/she would know best or if this has changed.  I have constipation now since my surgery in ‘03 and I take Miralax daily and it helps me.  I won’t touch Zelnorm for other reasons.  I too have crohn’s but in remission.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My doctor indicated that Zelnorm is now approved for men. However, I did a > google search and found nothing. Perhaps I misunderstood. Perhaps it is > close to being approved for men? > Does anyone have any information about this. > (I am male, dx. with CD, but my main problems are more akin — oddly > enough — to IBS-C) > MB

Response:

Question:

Luna, You may want to try a form of Gentle Iron, put out by Solgar vitamins.  Iron infusions are considered dangerous and I remember how nervous the nurses and doctors were before and while they gave it to me.  The gentle iron formulation is easier on the system and easier for you to absorb.  It is certainly worth a try.  You should be able to find Solgar in a pharmacy or health food store, or search for their web site online.  Good luck!  I would ask at the teaching hospitals for a GI who specializes in IBD.  He or she is more likely to have the knowledge you want to treat you properly.  Good luck!  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi Luna, > Good luck finding a new GI, sounds like you should get onto this ASAP, > you don’t want things to go even more downhill. Although you have been > symptom-free for a while before now, being on maintenance meds can help > prevent flare-ups which is an extra reason to have a GI you are > comfortable with. > Regarding iron, I had it in the form of an infusion when my levels got > low. I think I have heard someone else mention getting it in the form of > a shot as well. Hopefully one of these will be an option for you so you > can increase your energy. > If you post the city and state in which you live or are near, maybe > someone on the board can recommend a good GI? > Take care, > Amy. > I was dx with Crohn’s 3 years ago after suffering from it for 2 > years.  By > the time the dx was made, I already had an abscess the size of a plum > sitting on my sciatic nerve and my intestines were shot.  I ended up > with a > drainage tube for the abscess and after that was under control I had > to have > a resection.  The resection was done 2 1/2 years ago.  After the > resection > and tapering off of prednisone I have been med and pretty much symptom > free. > I don’t like the GI that was handling my care so I didn’t keep in > touch with > him. > This is where I’m at now.  I gave birth 5 months ago and things have > slowly > gone down hill.  I was starting to have more days where I just didn’t > feel > well.  The holidays came and went.  This year they seemed to have put > a lot > of stress on me.  That on top of other stressful events seems to have > put my > body in shut down mode.  In the past few weeks I have been totally > exhausted.  There have been days that I haven’t been able to drag > myself out > of bed.  I almost always feeling nauseas esp. on an empty stomach.  My > appetite has decreased and I’m losing weight.  The weight loss could > be the > baby factor though.  I have not noticed blood in the stool or anything > although I have been having more BM’s than before.  I do not have any > pain > but have been dry heaving a lot.  I’ve seen my family doctor and she > put me > on antibiotics for a sinus infection that I was also having.  I’ve been > checked for mono and that came back negative.  My iron count was a little > low (10.4) and my sed rate was a little high.  I know that I will need to > see a GI again if this is a flare.  I’m trying to find a different doc > that > I will feel comfortable with.  I have another appt. with my regular > doctor > on Thursday. I’m hoping that she will be able to give me something to get > these symptoms under control until I find a new GI.  I cannot take iron > pills because they really upset my stomach.  Is there a shot or something > that you can get instead? > Does this sound like a flare to you?  Is it possible to experience a > flare > with no pain?  Any input would be much appreciated.  Thank You!

Response:

Hi Luna, Good luck finding a new GI, sounds like you should get onto this ASAP, you don’t want things to go even more downhill. Although you have been symptom-free for a while before now, being on maintenance meds can help prevent flare-ups which is an extra reason to have a GI you are comfortable with. Regarding iron, I had it in the form of an infusion when my levels got low. I think I have heard someone else mention getting it in the form of a shot as well. Hopefully one of these will be an option for you so you can increase your energy. If you post the city and state in which you live or are near, maybe someone on the board can recommend a good GI? Take care, Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I was dx with Crohn’s 3 years ago after suffering from it for 2 years.  By > the time the dx was made, I already had an abscess the size of a plum > sitting on my sciatic nerve and my intestines were shot.  I ended up with a > drainage tube for the abscess and after that was under control I had to have > a resection.  The resection was done 2 1/2 years ago.  After the resection > and tapering off of prednisone I have been med and pretty much symptom free. > I don’t like the GI that was handling my care so I didn’t keep in touch with > him. > This is where I’m at now.  I gave birth 5 months ago and things have slowly > gone down hill.  I was starting to have more days where I just didn’t feel > well.  The holidays came and went.  This year they seemed to have put a lot > of stress on me.  That on top of other stressful events seems to have put my > body in shut down mode.  In the past few weeks I have been totally > exhausted.  There have been days that I haven’t been able to drag myself out > of bed.  I almost always feeling nauseas esp. on an empty stomach.  My > appetite has decreased and I’m losing weight.  The weight loss could be the > baby factor though.  I have not noticed blood in the stool or anything > although I have been having more BM’s than before.  I do not have any pain > but have been dry heaving a lot.  I’ve seen my family doctor and she put me > on antibiotics for a sinus infection that I was also having.  I’ve been > checked for mono and that came back negative.  My iron count was a little > low (10.4) and my sed rate was a little high.  I know that I will need to > see a GI again if this is a flare.  I’m trying to find a different doc that > I will feel comfortable with.  I have another appt. with my regular doctor > on Thursday. I’m hoping that she will be able to give me something to get > these symptoms under control until I find a new GI.  I cannot take iron > pills because they really upset my stomach.  Is there a shot or something > that you can get instead? > Does this sound like a flare to you?  Is it possible to experience a flare > with no pain?  Any input would be much appreciated.  Thank You!

Response:

you can take iron shots and also i hear there is an inhaler. jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was dx with Crohn’s 3 years ago after suffering from it for 2 years.  By > the time the dx was made, I already had an abscess the size of a plum > sitting on my sciatic nerve and my intestines were shot.  I ended up with a > drainage tube for the abscess and after that was under control I had to have > a resection.  The resection was done 2 1/2 years ago.  After the resection > and tapering off of prednisone I have been med and pretty much symptom free. > I don’t like the GI that was handling my care so I didn’t keep in touch with > him. > This is where I’m at now.  I gave birth 5 months ago and things have slowly > gone down hill.  I was starting to have more days where I just didn’t feel > well.  The holidays came and went.  This year they seemed to have put a lot > of stress on me.  That on top of other stressful events seems to have put my > body in shut down mode.  In the past few weeks I have been totally > exhausted.  There have been days that I haven’t been able to drag myself out > of bed.  I almost always feeling nauseas esp. on an empty stomach.  My > appetite has decreased and I’m losing weight.  The weight loss could be the > baby factor though.  I have not noticed blood in the stool or anything > although I have been having more BM’s than before.  I do not have any pain > but have been dry heaving a lot.  I’ve seen my family doctor and she put me > on antibiotics for a sinus infection that I was also having.  I’ve been > checked for mono and that came back negative.  My iron count was a little > low (10.4) and my sed rate was a little high.  I know that I will need to > see a GI again if this is a flare.  I’m trying to find a different doc that > I will feel comfortable with.  I have another appt. with my regular doctor > on Thursday. I’m hoping that she will be able to give me something to get > these symptoms under control until I find a new GI.  I cannot take iron > pills because they really upset my stomach.  Is there a shot or something > that you can get instead? > Does this sound like a flare to you?  Is it possible to experience a flare > with no pain?  Any input would be much appreciated.  Thank You!

Response:

I was dx with Crohn’s 3 years ago after suffering from it for 2 years.  By the time the dx was made, I already had an abscess the size of a plum sitting on my sciatic nerve and my intestines were shot.  I ended up with a drainage tube for the abscess and after that was under control I had to have a resection.  The resection was done 2 1/2 years ago.  After the resection and tapering off of prednisone I have been med and pretty much symptom free. I don’t like the GI that was handling my care so I didn’t keep in touch with him. This is where I’m at now.  I gave birth 5 months ago and things have slowly gone down hill.  I was starting to have more days where I just didn’t feel well.  The holidays came and went.  This year they seemed to have put a lot of stress on me.  That on top of other stressful events seems to have put my body in shut down mode.  In the past few weeks I have been totally exhausted.  There have been days that I haven’t been able to drag myself out of bed.  I almost always feeling nauseas esp. on an empty stomach.  My appetite has decreased and I’m losing weight.  The weight loss could be the baby factor though.  I have not noticed blood in the stool or anything although I have been having more BM’s than before.  I do not have any pain but have been dry heaving a lot.  I’ve seen my family doctor and she put me on antibiotics for a sinus infection that I was also having.  I’ve been checked for mono and that came back negative.  My iron count was a little low (10.4) and my sed rate was a little high.  I know that I will need to see a GI again if this is a flare.  I’m trying to find a different doc that I will feel comfortable with.  I have another appt. with my regular doctor on Thursday. I’m hoping that she will be able to give me something to get these symptoms under control until I find a new GI.  I cannot take iron pills because they really upset my stomach.  Is there a shot or something that you can get instead? Does this sound like a flare to you?  Is it possible to experience a flare with no pain?  Any input would be much appreciated.  Thank You!

Response:

Question:

If it works….. Nina

Response:

Have you tried Beano? It works well for my gas pains. Nina

Response:

Ah, good ol’ Beano. A natural food enzyme that works for many people to help reduce gas. Sold by GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company. And some people around here have scoffed at the idea of enzymes. tx Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have you tried Beano? It works well for my gas pains. > Nina

Response:

Brad, Potatoes are very gassy…. stay away from chips if they bother you. Take care, Nina

Response:

I tried proibiotics once and it didn’t help, and I think it made my gas worse. Thanks all for the replies.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Do what you have to do. I don’t like taking antibiotics unless it’s a > must. Please try probiotics and drink aloe vera juice (1/2 cup a day). > Just give this a try…

Response:

Oh, I also saw an article once from some researchers (sorry don’t remember where) but they speculated something to the effect that some IBD may be related to poor digestion. Oh wait, I think it might have been about H. Pylori infections and it more likely being due to lack of stomach acid rather than too much which I think is the common (mis)conception. So taking something like Betaine HCL may actually help stomach ulcers. tx Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> would you mind stating what multi vit you take that contains HCL? > thanks, linda > I agree with both of you. If the antibiotics help that is clear > indication > that there is a bacterial component of your disease. I’ve had UC for > about 5 > years and I’ve been taking Cipro for over 3 almost 4 years. I am > aware of > the possibility of bacterial immunity to the antibiotics but as you > say – > not taking them can put you back into a world of nastyness, not to > mention > the people around you. > But I also take probiotics which I feel have a beneficial effect. If > I stop > drinking coffee things get even better but somehow I can’t help > having that > one cup a day. > Some time ago I read an article where the scientists said that the > earlier > versions of the 5-ASA drugs actually worked better than the current > ones. > They speculated that this was because they had better antibacterial > properties. Made me wonder if some of the other drugs given for IBD > work, at > least partitially, on this principle. But the early 5-ASAs had too > many side > effects so they "improved" them by taking out a sulfur compound from > them. > But now you have to take the antibiotics in addition to get the full > effect. > Anyhow, now I take the Cipro and asacol which I fortunately don’t > have any > side-effects from. But to continue on your statement about improperly > digested food providing a richer feedstock. I do think that is a > factor for > at least some percentage of IBD sufferers. I think when people take > digestive enzymes that help break down the food more that it also > acts to > reduce that "richer" feedstock. This could be an explanation of why > they > help. I take a multi-vitamin that actually has HCL or basically > stomach acid > which when I take it I feel my stool is much better formed and less > smelly. > Again, the same principle. The better the food digests the less > symptoms. > Food and drink can definitely affect the bowel flora. So eating the > right > things can help, and conversly eating the wrong things can cause the > situation to deteriorate. At least that’s my theory, and I’m sticking > to it. > lol > tx > Jeff > > Interesting theory Paul. > > I use to be like you…very nasty flatulence…flowers would buckle > over > and > > I even made a friend of mine vomit twice on 2 separate > > occasions…seriously. I took antibiotics for what I thought was a > sinus > > infection back in 2001 and I realized after a few days all my > rotten gas > was > > gone! And I felt so much better. Been on and off antibiotics ever > since. > > And it wasn’t even a sinus infection I had…a newly installed > subwoofer > in > > my car was shaking my sinuses and causing them to ache.  lol  A > blessing > in > > disguise if you ask me. > > Cheers > > > >When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to > Ampicillin. > > And > > > >that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my > balance. For > > > >example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a > > plate….upset > > > >me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some > ampicillin > > > >from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. > This > is > > the > > > >trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of > Coke and > > potato > > > >chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, > but I am > > abit > > > >surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other > things I > > > >ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I > expect > to > > > >have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort > the past > 2 > > > >days  :( > > > >Anyways, just posting my experience  :) > > > >I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic > factor, > > that > > > >causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked > to > > Crohn’s > > > >helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not > active, > > > >bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria > by > > > >attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics > helps > control > > my > > > >disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an > antibiotic > > fix-up. > > > >Crohn’s since 87. > > > I am on CIPRO and Flagyl on a regular basis.  If I stop the > antibiotics > > > the big "D" strikes but the flatulence is so bad that paint peels > and > > > eyes water, it is really gross.  I didn’t think that anything > that bad > > > could come out of a living being. > > > My personal theory is that because Crohns interferes with the > absorption > > > of nutrients in the small bowel, the bacteria in our large bowels > get a > > > much richer feedstock than they do in normal people and as a > result > > > produce more gas.  This is only my theory but it fits the > > > circumstances.  One doctor told me that the food can putrify in > our > > > digestive tract and that results in the gas problem, Putrifaction > > > general requires some bacteria so that may be nother explanation > why > > > antibiotics are so effective in curing gas in some of us. > > > Good luck > > > Paul

Response:

I take the Rainbow Light product called Complete Nutritional System which contains Betaine HCL. Here’s a description I found on another site: http://www.vitacost.com/science/hn/Supp/Betaine_HCl.htm What does it do? Betaine hydrochloride is an acidic form of betaine, a vitamin-like substance found in grains and other foods. Betaine hydrochloride is recommended by some doctors as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid for people who have a deficiency of stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria). A deficiency of gastric acid secretion increases the likelihood and severity of certain bacterial and parasitic intestinal infections. A normal stomach’s level of gastric acid is sufficient to destroy bacteria.1 In one study, most fasting people who had normal acidity in the stomach had virtually no bacteria in the small intestine. Some bacterial colonization of the stomach occurred in people who had low levels of hydrochloric acid.2 Where is it found? Gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. The acidity is quite strong in a normal stomach. In fact, the stomach can be between 100,000 and almost 1,000,000 times more acidic than water. Who is likely to be deficient? Some research suggests that people with a wide variety of chronic disorders, such as allergies,3 asthma,4 and gallstones,5 do not produce adequate amounts of stomach acid. So actually I guess it’s not really HCL but an HCL like substance. Anyway I feel I’ve had very good results with the Rainbow light products but take other supplements as well. I also take the Rainbow Light Calcium plus which contains magnesium ratio. Calcium was recommended by my doc and should be for people taking certain medications esp Pred. But I take Cipro too and you should not take calcium within either 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking Cipro as it tends to bind with the calcium. This info is on the Cipro instruction sheet that comes with it. tx Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> would you mind stating what multi vit you take that contains HCL? > thanks, linda > I agree with both of you. If the antibiotics help that is clear > indication > that there is a bacterial component of your disease. I’ve had UC for > about 5 > years and I’ve been taking Cipro for over 3 almost 4 years. I am > aware of > the possibility of bacterial immunity to the antibiotics but as you > say – > not taking them can put you back into a world of nastyness, not to > mention > the people around you. > But I also take probiotics which I feel have a beneficial effect. If > I stop > drinking coffee things get even better but somehow I can’t help > having that > one cup a day. > Some time ago I read an article where the scientists said that the > earlier > versions of the 5-ASA drugs actually worked better than the current > ones. > They speculated that this was because they had better antibacterial > properties. Made me wonder if some of the other drugs given for IBD > work, at > least partitially, on this principle. But the early 5-ASAs had too > many side > effects so they "improved" them by taking out a sulfur compound from > them. > But now you have to take the antibiotics in addition to get the full > effect. > Anyhow, now I take the Cipro and asacol which I fortunately don’t > have any > side-effects from. But to continue on your statement about improperly > digested food providing a richer feedstock. I do think that is a > factor for > at least some percentage of IBD sufferers. I think when people take > digestive enzymes that help break down the food more that it also > acts to > reduce that "richer" feedstock. This could be an explanation of why > they > help. I take a multi-vitamin that actually has HCL or basically > stomach acid > which when I take it I feel my stool is much better formed and less > smelly. > Again, the same principle. The better the food digests the less > symptoms. > Food and drink can definitely affect the bowel flora. So eating the > right > things can help, and conversly eating the wrong things can cause the > situation to deteriorate. At least that’s my theory, and I’m sticking > to it. > lol > tx > Jeff > > Interesting theory Paul. > > I use to be like you…very nasty flatulence…flowers would buckle > over > and > > I even made a friend of mine vomit twice on 2 separate > > occasions…seriously. I took antibiotics for what I thought was a > sinus > > infection back in 2001 and I realized after a few days all my > rotten gas > was > > gone! And I felt so much better. Been on and off antibiotics ever > since. > > And it wasn’t even a sinus infection I had…a newly installed > subwoofer > in > > my car was shaking my sinuses and causing them to ache.  lol  A > blessing > in > > disguise if you ask me. > > Cheers > > > >When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to > Ampicillin. > > And > > > >that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my > balance. For > > > >example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a > > plate….upset > > > >me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some > ampicillin > > > >from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. > This > is > > the > > > >trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of > Coke and > > potato > > > >chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, > but I am > > abit > > > >surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other > things I > > > >ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I > expect > to > > > >have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort > the past > 2 > > > >days  :( > > > >Anyways, just posting my experience  :) > > > >I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic > factor, > > that > > > >causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked > to > > Crohn’s > > > >helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not > active, > > > >bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria > by > > > >attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics > helps > control > > my > > > >disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an > antibiotic > > fix-up. > > > >Crohn’s since 87. > > > I am on CIPRO and Flagyl on a regular basis.  If I stop the > antibiotics > > > the big "D" strikes but the flatulence is so bad that paint peels > and > > > eyes water, it is really gross.  I didn’t think that anything > that bad > > > could come out of a living being. > > > My personal theory is that because Crohns interferes with the > absorption > > > of nutrients in the small bowel, the bacteria in our large bowels > get a > > > much richer feedstock than they do in normal people and as a > result > > > produce more gas.  This is only my theory but it fits the > > > circumstances.  One doctor told me that the food can putrify in > our > > > digestive tract and that results in the gas problem, Putrifaction > > > general requires some bacteria so that may be nother explanation > why > > > antibiotics are so effective in curing gas in some of us. > > > Good luck > > > Paul

Response:

would you mind stating what multi vit you take that contains HCL? thanks, linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I agree with both of you. If the antibiotics help that is clear indication > that there is a bacterial component of your disease. I’ve had UC for about 5 > years and I’ve been taking Cipro for over 3 almost 4 years. I am aware of > the possibility of bacterial immunity to the antibiotics but as you say – > not taking them can put you back into a world of nastyness, not to mention > the people around you. > But I also take probiotics which I feel have a beneficial effect. If I stop > drinking coffee things get even better but somehow I can’t help having that > one cup a day. > Some time ago I read an article where the scientists said that the earlier > versions of the 5-ASA drugs actually worked better than the current ones. > They speculated that this was because they had better antibacterial > properties. Made me wonder if some of the other drugs given for IBD work, at > least partitially, on this principle. But the early 5-ASAs had too many side > effects so they "improved" them by taking out a sulfur compound from them. > But now you have to take the antibiotics in addition to get the full effect. > Anyhow, now I take the Cipro and asacol which I fortunately don’t have any > side-effects from. But to continue on your statement about improperly > digested food providing a richer feedstock. I do think that is a factor for > at least some percentage of IBD sufferers. I think when people take > digestive enzymes that help break down the food more that it also acts to > reduce that "richer" feedstock. This could be an explanation of why they > help. I take a multi-vitamin that actually has HCL or basically stomach acid > which when I take it I feel my stool is much better formed and less smelly. > Again, the same principle. The better the food digests the less symptoms. > Food and drink can definitely affect the bowel flora. So eating the right > things can help, and conversly eating the wrong things can cause the > situation to deteriorate. At least that’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it. > lol > tx > Jeff > Interesting theory Paul. > I use to be like you…very nasty flatulence…flowers would buckle over > and > I even made a friend of mine vomit twice on 2 separate > occasions…seriously. I took antibiotics for what I thought was a sinus > infection back in 2001 and I realized after a few days all my rotten gas > was > gone! And I felt so much better. Been on and off antibiotics ever since. > And it wasn’t even a sinus infection I had…a newly installed subwoofer > in > my car was shaking my sinuses and causing them to ache.  lol  A blessing > in > disguise if you ask me. > Cheers > > >When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to > Ampicillin. > And > > >that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For > > >example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a > plate….upset > > >me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some > ampicillin > > >from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This > is > the > > >trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and > potato > > >chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am > abit > > >surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I > > >ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect > to > > >have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past > 2 > > >days  :( > > >Anyways, just posting my experience  :) > > >I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, > that > > >causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to > Crohn’s > > >helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, > > >bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by > > >attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps > control > my > > >disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic > fix-up. > > >Crohn’s since 87. > > I am on CIPRO and Flagyl on a regular basis.  If I stop the antibiotics > > the big "D" strikes but the flatulence is so bad that paint peels and > > eyes water, it is really gross.  I didn’t think that anything that bad > > could come out of a living being. > > My personal theory is that because Crohns interferes with the absorption > > of nutrients in the small bowel, the bacteria in our large bowels get a > > much richer feedstock than they do in normal people and as a result > > produce more gas.  This is only my theory but it fits the > > circumstances.  One doctor told me that the food can putrify in our > > digestive tract and that results in the gas problem, Putrifaction > > general requires some bacteria so that may be nother explanation why > > antibiotics are so effective in curing gas in some of us. > > Good luck > > Paul

Response:

Do what you have to do. I don’t like taking antibiotics unless it’s a must. Please try probiotics and drink aloe vera juice (1/2 cup a day). Just give this a try…

Response:

I agree with both of you. If the antibiotics help that is clear indication that there is a bacterial component of your disease. I’ve had UC for about 5 years and I’ve been taking Cipro for over 3 almost 4 years. I am aware of the possibility of bacterial immunity to the antibiotics but as you say – not taking them can put you back into a world of nastyness, not to mention the people around you. But I also take probiotics which I feel have a beneficial effect. If I stop drinking coffee things get even better but somehow I can’t help having that one cup a day. Some time ago I read an article where the scientists said that the earlier versions of the 5-ASA drugs actually worked better than the current ones. They speculated that this was because they had better antibacterial properties. Made me wonder if some of the other drugs given for IBD work, at least partitially, on this principle. But the early 5-ASAs had too many side effects so they "improved" them by taking out a sulfur compound from them. But now you have to take the antibiotics in addition to get the full effect. Anyhow, now I take the Cipro and asacol which I fortunately don’t have any side-effects from. But to continue on your statement about improperly digested food providing a richer feedstock. I do think that is a factor for at least some percentage of IBD sufferers. I think when people take digestive enzymes that help break down the food more that it also acts to reduce that "richer" feedstock. This could be an explanation of why they help. I take a multi-vitamin that actually has HCL or basically stomach acid which when I take it I feel my stool is much better formed and less smelly. Again, the same principle. The better the food digests the less symptoms. Food and drink can definitely affect the bowel flora. So eating the right things can help, and conversly eating the wrong things can cause the situation to deteriorate. At least that’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it. lol tx Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Interesting theory Paul. > I use to be like you…very nasty flatulence…flowers would buckle over and > I even made a friend of mine vomit twice on 2 separate > occasions…seriously. I took antibiotics for what I thought was a sinus > infection back in 2001 and I realized after a few days all my rotten gas was > gone! And I felt so much better. Been on and off antibiotics ever since. > And it wasn’t even a sinus infection I had…a newly installed subwoofer in > my car was shaking my sinuses and causing them to ache.  lol  A blessing in > disguise if you ask me. > Cheers > >When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to Ampicillin. > And > >that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For > >example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a > plate….upset > >me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some ampicillin > >from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This is > the > >trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and > potato > >chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am > abit > >surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I > >ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect to > >have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past 2 > >days  :( > >Anyways, just posting my experience  :) > >I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, > that > >causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to > Crohn’s > >helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, > >bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by > >attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps control > my > >disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic > fix-up. > >Crohn’s since 87. > I am on CIPRO and Flagyl on a regular basis.  If I stop the antibiotics > the big "D" strikes but the flatulence is so bad that paint peels and > eyes water, it is really gross.  I didn’t think that anything that bad > could come out of a living being. > My personal theory is that because Crohns interferes with the absorption > of nutrients in the small bowel, the bacteria in our large bowels get a > much richer feedstock than they do in normal people and as a result > produce more gas.  This is only my theory but it fits the > circumstances.  One doctor told me that the food can putrify in our > digestive tract and that results in the gas problem, Putrifaction > general requires some bacteria so that may be nother explanation why > antibiotics are so effective in curing gas in some of us. > Good luck > Paul

Response:

Interesting theory Paul. I use to be like you…very nasty flatulence…flowers would buckle over and I even made a friend of mine vomit twice on 2 separate occasions…seriously. I took antibiotics for what I thought was a sinus infection back in 2001 and I realized after a few days all my rotten gas was gone! And I felt so much better. Been on and off antibiotics ever since. And it wasn’t even a sinus infection I had…a newly installed subwoofer in my car was shaking my sinuses and causing them to ache.  lol  A blessing in disguise if you ask me. Cheers

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to Ampicillin. And >that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For >example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a plate….upset >me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some ampicillin >from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This is the >trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and potato >chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am abit >surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I >ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect to >have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past 2 >days  :( >Anyways, just posting my experience  :) >I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, that >causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to Crohn’s >helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, >bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by >attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps control my >disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic fix-up. >Crohn’s since 87. > I am on CIPRO and Flagyl on a regular basis.  If I stop the antibiotics > the big "D" strikes but the flatulence is so bad that paint peels and > eyes water, it is really gross.  I didn’t think that anything that bad > could come out of a living being. > My personal theory is that because Crohns interferes with the absorption > of nutrients in the small bowel, the bacteria in our large bowels get a > much richer feedstock than they do in normal people and as a result > produce more gas.  This is only my theory but it fits the > circumstances.  One doctor told me that the food can putrify in our > digestive tract and that results in the gas problem, Putrifaction > general requires some bacteria so that may be nother explanation why > antibiotics are so effective in curing gas in some of us. > Good luck > Paul

Response:

I to have thought the antibiotics would help and do believe it may very well be linked to bacteria but also fear the possibility that the antibiotics will fail to be useful at a later time and for other needs . I am waiting it out till I feel there isn’t much to lose either way. — Alf Nilsen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to Ampicillin. And >that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For >example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a plate….upset >me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some ampicillin >from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This is the >trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and potato >chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am abit >surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I >ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect to >have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past 2 >days  :( >Anyways, just posting my experience  :) >I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, that >causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to Crohn’s >helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, >bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by >attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps control my >disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic fix-up. >Crohn’s since 87.

I am on CIPRO and Flagyl on a regular basis.  If I stop the antibiotics the big "D" strikes but the flatulence is so bad that paint peels and eyes water, it is really gross.  I didn’t think that anything that bad could come out of a living being. My personal theory is that because Crohns interferes with the absorption of nutrients in the small bowel, the bacteria in our large bowels get a much richer feedstock than they do in normal people and as a result produce more gas.  This is only my theory but it fits the circumstances.  One doctor told me that the food can putrify in our digestive tract and that results in the gas problem, Putrifaction general requires some bacteria so that may be nother explanation why antibiotics are so effective in curing gas in some of us. Good luck Paul

Response:

Just making sure you are aware… Debs > Its either that or suffer long term gas, cramps, loss of apeetite, etc which > leads to possible flare-up. Its a bad catch 22, but not much else I can do. > Actually, I’ve asked both my GI and family doc that question, and they don’t > see a problem in my case. I’m seeing my GI in a few weeks so I’ll ask him > again. But in the interm, it makes me feel better. Fellow sufferers like > myself have taken Pred…I for sure was told it could weaken my bones, and > it did. But thats it for short-term comfort. Yet people still take it. > Anywho…have a good one  :)

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Its either that or suffer long term gas, cramps, loss of apeetite, etc which leads to possible flare-up. Its a bad catch 22, but not much else I can do. Actually, I’ve asked both my GI and family doc that question, and they don’t see a problem in my case. I’m seeing my GI in a few weeks so I’ll ask him again. But in the interm, it makes me feel better. Fellow sufferers like myself have taken Pred…I for sure was told it could weaken my bones, and it did. But thats it for short-term comfort. Yet people still take it. Anywho…have a good one  :)

Response:

Brad I was thinking along the same lines as Deb.  My dr’s are very reluctant to put me on any antibiotics unless they absolutely need to.  I am glad it works for you but I would be worried about taking them so often, plus I can’t do that antibiotic without serious side effects, pain!  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Unfortunately when you get an honest to goodness bacterial infection you > could get into serious trouble as you will be resistant to antibiotics, > especially if you only take them for a few days each time. Your family Dr > is doing you a HUGE disservice! > Debs > When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to Ampicillin. > And > that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For > example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a > plate….upset > me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some ampicillin > from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This is > the > trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and > potato > chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am > abit > surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I > ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect to > have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past 2 > days  :( > Anyways, just posting my experience  :) > I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, > that > causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to > Crohn’s > helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, > bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by > attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps control > my > disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic > fix-up. > Crohn’s since 87. > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Unfortunately when you get an honest to goodness bacterial infection you could get into serious trouble as you will be resistant to antibiotics, especially if you only take them for a few days each time. Your family Dr is doing you a HUGE disservice! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to Ampicillin. And > that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For > example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a plate….upset > me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some ampicillin > from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This is the > trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and potato > chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am abit > surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I > ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect to > have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past 2 > days  :( > Anyways, just posting my experience  :) > I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, that > causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to Crohn’s > helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, > bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by > attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps control my > disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic fix-up. > Crohn’s since 87.

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

When the gas and cramping reappear, I will typically turn to Ampicillin. And that puts me back on track until some other food upsets my balance. For example, I don’t eat cooked vegetables but over Xmas I had a plate….upset me immediately afterwards and wasn’t right for days. Got some ampicillin from my family doc, after 3 days give or take, I was fine again. This is the trend as it would seem. Tueaday night I had a large class of Coke and potato chips. I’ve been gassy every since. Sometimes Coke does that, but I am abit surprised it was that bad. Can’t blame anything else as other things I ate/drink lately have been regular parts of my diet. Anyway, I expect to have to try the antibiotics soon as I am really in discomfort the past 2 days  :( Anyways, just posting my experience  :) I do believe bacteria plays a key role combined with a genetic factor, that causes Crohn’s. My theory is the inactive gene they found linked to Crohn’s helps control the bacteria balance in your gut…and if its not active, bacteria builds up. Then your immune system attacks the bacteria by attacking your bowls. I almost always find that antibiotics helps control my disease unless its an actual flareup thats gone beyond an antibiotic fix-up. Crohn’s since 87.

Response:

Question:

Hi Dave and welcome! You’ve certainly come to the right place.  Pull up a chair, hang out, ask questions, sit back and listen, and join right in.  We are here for support and even offer a bit of humor to go with, after all, you need some to get through most days, LOL! BTW, your story sounds similar to mine, except I had a fistula and my GI still missed the correct dx.  (Oh, and I went to a colo-rectal surgeon, they don’t send women to a proctologist, hehehe).  mgbio CD Class of ‘99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > If you’ve already seen this because you’re on one of the other support > groups I have recently signed up for, please skip over this: > Since I am new to this list, I figured I would offer out an > introduction.  My name is Dave Waxman, and I was diagnosed with Crohn

Question:

I can go one step further than that. I have suspected vitamins made it WORSE. I think I feel better without taking them. Also don’t be shy about your thery that your gastro trouble has possibly caused arthritis.  It is absolutley connected. If we live long enough someone in some lab will see it under a special microscope. It certainly is huge task figuring out which of the millions of "germs" in our tracks are the bad boys in the group.

Response:

JC I’m new to this group. I didn’t know that vitamins & supplements was a heated discussion here. My intention is not to aggravate anyone. This is just what I have abserved in the time that I personally have had Crohn’s and what I have learned from my grandmother. And from talking to others. My Gram was what some would call a healthnut. There was no white sugar in the house, but natural honey. By that I mean it wasn’t pastuerized. She made her own bread from wheat, not white bread… get the idea? Yet even with that more natural/healthy diet she took vitamins and other supllements. I learned a lot from her. If one believes that the supplements are at least worth a try and give them some time to work, well, they can help. (Plese note I sad help and not cure.) A typical western diet is not great for the body. I don’t think that is the main cause of IBD’s. The more I learn the more I think there have to be several factors in line for it to occur, just as it seems that everyone has thier own set of trigger foods. I have slacked off on my supplements and what I eat. For me, that aggravates my situation. But don’t beat yourself up for not taking your vitamin/nutritional supplements. The stress from that is exactly what you don’t need. You’re human. For me, it’s one more go ’round with the old, "I want to be "normal" like everyone else." I have some type of arthritis, don’t know which because the doc and I never ran any tests for that determination. It was enough for me at the time just to learn that it wasn’t all in my head. I got better help from my GP than I did the gastro doc. I’m so tired of hearing how it’s all in my head. It’s not. It’s coming out my *ss. As I post more you will learn that I have a fairly warped sense of humor. But that is one way I deal with my ‘health issues.’ Having Crohn’s, then cancer and going through chemotherapy ten years ago did that – I had to to make it through. If you feel that it helped, then go back on your vitamin/nutritional supplements. It’s your personal experience that will tell you if that is best for you. Candice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey everyone, > I realize this is not an RA board, so please don’t misunderstand this > as my woeful attempt at steering the group off > topic……<—-sarcasm. > Yes, well……as I have mentioned previously, I was diagnosed w/CD in > 1992, have been weaned off of pred and on Remicade for nearly all of > last year.  I have not decided whether or not to take another > treatment – the Remicade has been successful at keeping my colon > quiet.  But in the meantime here, something new has developed, and I > suspect it is RA.  I have been to see my phys’s, and am going for > bloodwork tomorrow, but its tell-tale signs have manifested themselves > in my joints. > I referred to "peripheral arthritis" in a previous post, but upon > speaking with a friend who has suffered w/RA for 15 years, and after > her seeing the hot, red, swollen joints in my hands, she suspects the > same as well. > Only the bloodwork will indicate for sure, but I guess I’m curious to > know – how many other ppl here w/IBD have RA?  How do you deal with > it?  I know that Remicade is designed to handle either/or, but, jeez, > how long can anyone stay on that stuff…….this is a whole new pain > that I still haven’t quite managed to find the appropriate words for > which to describe.  8P~~~ > My next comment is a purely coincidental observation and not meant to > aggravate an already heated situation on the topic, BUT…….I was > faithful in taking my vitamin/nutritional supplements up until about 2 > months ago…..just getting lazy, you know how it gets when ur already > pumping down 20+ pills a day……it’s tedious.  So, I’ve slacked off > Anyhow…….anyone else had this experience of IBD segueing into RA? > Thanks! > jc

Response:

Well I haven’t touched pred in along long time and I’ve never done Remicade….but I can tell you that 2 months without your Vitamins Isn’t the cause of your RA. Your RA has been progressing for a lot longer then that. Your just really noticeing it now.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey everyone, > I realize this is not an RA board, so please don’t misunderstand this > as my woeful attempt at steering the group off > topic……<—-sarcasm. > Yes, well……as I have mentioned previously, I was diagnosed w/CD in > 1992, have been weaned off of pred and on Remicade for nearly all of > last year.  I have not decided whether or not to take another > treatment – the Remicade has been successful at keeping my colon > quiet.  But in the meantime here, something new has developed, and I > suspect it is RA.  I have been to see my phys’s, and am going for > bloodwork tomorrow, but its tell-tale signs have manifested themselves > in my joints. > I referred to "peripheral arthritis" in a previous post, but upon > speaking with a friend who has suffered w/RA for 15 years, and after > her seeing the hot, red, swollen joints in my hands, she suspects the > same as well. > Only the bloodwork will indicate for sure, but I guess I’m curious to > know – how many other ppl here w/IBD have RA?  How do you deal with > it?  I know that Remicade is designed to handle either/or, but, jeez, > how long can anyone stay on that stuff…….this is a whole new pain > that I still haven’t quite managed to find the appropriate words for > which to describe.  8P~~~ > My next comment is a purely coincidental observation and not meant to > aggravate an already heated situation on the topic, BUT…….I was > faithful in taking my vitamin/nutritional supplements up until about 2 > months ago…..just getting lazy, you know how it gets when ur already > pumping down 20+ pills a day……it’s tedious.  So, I’ve slacked off > Anyhow…….anyone else had this experience of IBD segueing into RA? > Thanks! > jc

Response:

as i have mentioned previously, about 20% of ibd sufferers also suffer from "enteropathic" sx’s, some of which are a form of arthritis.   this is what i have.   this is not a destructive type of arthritis as compared to ra. there is a significant different/mechanism at work.  best bet is to get the bloods, a lot can be postulated (you like that word?) from blood work for ra.  i am surprised the remicade is not doing more for this, if in fact, it is ra.  maybe it’s not (that would be a good thing).  if it comes back not, don’t give up.  keep in mind that there is a whole host of arthritis types under the umbrella term "spondyloarthropathies".   personally, i would not get down on yourself for not taking your vitamins, etc.  i don’t think they can solve cd/ra or enteropathic issues. jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey everyone, > I realize this is not an RA board, so please don’t misunderstand this > as my woeful attempt at steering the group off > topic……<—-sarcasm. > Yes, well……as I have mentioned previously, I was diagnosed w/CD in > 1992, have been weaned off of pred and on Remicade for nearly all of > last year.  I have not decided whether or not to take another > treatment – the Remicade has been successful at keeping my colon > quiet.  But in the meantime here, something new has developed, and I > suspect it is RA.  I have been to see my phys’s, and am going for > bloodwork tomorrow, but its tell-tale signs have manifested themselves > in my joints. > I referred to "peripheral arthritis" in a previous post, but upon > speaking with a friend who has suffered w/RA for 15 years, and after > her seeing the hot, red, swollen joints in my hands, she suspects the > same as well. > Only the bloodwork will indicate for sure, but I guess I’m curious to > know – how many other ppl here w/IBD have RA?  How do you deal with > it?  I know that Remicade is designed to handle either/or, but, jeez, > how long can anyone stay on that stuff…….this is a whole new pain > that I still haven’t quite managed to find the appropriate words for > which to describe.  8P~~~ > My next comment is a purely coincidental observation and not meant to > aggravate an already heated situation on the topic, BUT…….I was > faithful in taking my vitamin/nutritional supplements up until about 2 > months ago…..just getting lazy, you know how it gets when ur already > pumping down 20+ pills a day……it’s tedious.  So, I’ve slacked off > Anyhow…….anyone else had this experience of IBD segueing into RA? > Thanks! > jc

Response:

Hey everyone, I realize this is not an RA board, so please don’t misunderstand this as my woeful attempt at steering the group off topic……<—-sarcasm. Yes, well……as I have mentioned previously, I was diagnosed w/CD in 1992, have been weaned off of pred and on Remicade for nearly all of last year.  I have not decided whether or not to take another treatment – the Remicade has been successful at keeping my colon quiet.  But in the meantime here, something new has developed, and I suspect it is RA.  I have been to see my phys’s, and am going for bloodwork tomorrow, but its tell-tale signs have manifested themselves in my joints.   I referred to "peripheral arthritis" in a previous post, but upon speaking with a friend who has suffered w/RA for 15 years, and after her seeing the hot, red, swollen joints in my hands, she suspects the same as well.   Only the bloodwork will indicate for sure, but I guess I’m curious to know – how many other ppl here w/IBD have RA?  How do you deal with it?  I know that Remicade is designed to handle either/or, but, jeez, how long can anyone stay on that stuff…….this is a whole new pain that I still haven’t quite managed to find the appropriate words for which to describe.  8P~~~ My next comment is a purely coincidental observation and not meant to aggravate an already heated situation on the topic, BUT…….I was faithful in taking my vitamin/nutritional supplements up until about 2 months ago…..just getting lazy, you know how it gets when ur already pumping down 20+ pills a day……it’s tedious.  So, I’ve slacked off Anyhow…….anyone else had this experience of IBD segueing into RA? Thanks! jc

Response:

Question:

You mean she runs too slowly? Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My Mother was raised barefoot.  Maybe that’s why she never catches anything. > Mary >hey, you might be on to something rebecca! >jeff >>I am almost always barefoot (except when it is this cold out). I don’t >like >>socks and shoes and never wear them in the summer. So, I don’t think > this >>theory works in my case . . . . >>Rebecca >>>I’ll opt for this theory if it gets pedicures paid for! >>>;-) >>>Nina

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

You have raised an interesting point: "except when it is this cold out." Indeed, Scandinavia has the highest rate of Crohn’s disease in the world. james

Response:

What a great idea!  Maybe we could get insurance to cover pedicures as a preventive treatment! Carole – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ll opt for this theory if it gets pedicures paid for! >;-) >Nina

Response:

And now for some more unpopular possible supporting information: According to acupuncture theory there are channels or meridians of energy that run through the body. Each organ has it’s own channel and then there is one that runs up the spine and another that runs down the center line of the front of the body. For the other channels there are 3 each on each side of the arms and legs. As the theory and practice goes the energy travels from one to the other and the meeting points of the ones on the arms and legs are the fingers and toes respectively. So the energy transfers from one meridian to the next at the fingers and  toes. Whenever energy is impeded or blocked at any point it can stifle the energy flow into the next meridian. Sooo, to extrapolate from that you could impede the energy flow through the meridians by wearing tight shoes. Not to mention it would just hurt. How this would manifest in IBD is not something I am going to venture a guess at but any energy blockage can have negative effects on the overall energy flow through the body and could manifest in seemingly unrelated ways. But, according to the theory, everything is related in the body in one way or another. Although I must add that the meridians for the small and large intestines are on the arms, go figure. But the stomach meridian runs from just under the eye down to the big toe if I remember correctly. And the spleen, liver and kidney run up the medial side of the legs. The spleen, liver, and kidney are said to play important roles in blood production as well as other important energetic functions. tx Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > Given the responses it kicked off last year here in the newsgroups, I > would like to annually address the biomechanical effects of shoes on > human degenerative diseases.  Most people still think the idea stinks. > Yet it seems to me that shoes on the feet are like germs on the hands. > Chiropodist Dr. Simon J. Wikler pioneered efforts to understand the > influences of shoes in the 1950’s, but his work was neglected during > the subsequent drug-and-diet-based approaches to medicine.  However, > the prolific footwear historian and podiatrist Dr. William A. Rossi > clearly demonstrated throughout his publications that shoes influence > the posture of the human body.  Therefore, coupled with the > posture-based approaches to medicine of the distinguished orthopedist > Dr. Joel E. Goldthwait, I have expanded Dr. Wikler’s insightful work to > include a variety of illnesses and conditions whose cause remains > unknown. > Multiple sclerosis is just one example of diseases that seem to be > related to the use of footwear.  Statistical and physical evidence > seems to indicate that the habitual use of footwear since birth causes > multiple sclerosis in humans because countries and climates that > utilize more or deforming footwear exhibit greater prevalence of the > disease.  Women are affected more than men; women’s footwear is more > physically deforming to the feet because of higher heels, pointier > toes, and smaller sizes, but any shoe might have a more deforming > effect on the lighter build of a woman’s body.  Since multiple > sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, it seems reasonable that the > habitual use of shoes could be the predisposing condition for others, > including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease. > You may find my thesis on shoes and disease at > http://www.shoebusters.com on the Internet.  My outlined treatment > involves removing the cause; regularly applying a contrast bath–or > more descriptively, an alternate cold-hot footbath–to maintain > flexibility in the feet; barefoot walking to maintain strength in the > feet, resorting to wide-toed, soft-soled moccasins if necessary; and > getting plenty of rest. > Depending on age, footwear habits, and daily demands, a 20-minute daily > walk, supplemented by a 20-minute contrast footbath every third or > fourth day (about twice a week), could actually be sufficient to > control or prevent many common conditions, but the regimen should be > used as the foundation for any other therapy, which may provide further > relief of symptoms if necessary. > Thank you very much for any questions, discussion, or feetback. > the barefoot loafer, >    James Semmel

Response:

I’ll opt for this theory if it gets pedicures paid for! Nina

Response:

I am almost always barefoot (except when it is this cold out). I don’t like socks and shoes and never wear them in the summer. So, I don’t think this theory works in my case . . . . Rebecca

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ll opt for this theory if it gets pedicures paid for! > > Nina

Response:

hey, you might be on to something rebecca! jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am almost always barefoot (except when it is this cold out). I don’t like > socks and shoes and never wear them in the summer. So, I don’t think this > theory works in my case . . . . > Rebecca > I’ll opt for this theory if it gets pedicures paid for! > > Nina

Response:

My Mother was raised barefoot.  Maybe that’s why she never catches anything. Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hey, you might be on to something rebecca! > jeff > I am almost always barefoot (except when it is this cold out). I don’t > like > socks and shoes and never wear them in the summer. So, I don’t think this > theory works in my case . . . . > Rebecca > > I’ll opt for this theory if it gets pedicures paid for! > > > > Nina

Response:

Hi everyone, Given the responses it kicked off last year here in the newsgroups, I would like to annually address the biomechanical effects of shoes on human degenerative diseases.  Most people still think the idea stinks. Yet it seems to me that shoes on the feet are like germs on the hands. Chiropodist Dr. Simon J. Wikler pioneered efforts to understand the influences of shoes in the 1950’s, but his work was neglected during the subsequent drug-and-diet-based approaches to medicine.  However, the prolific footwear historian and podiatrist Dr. William A. Rossi clearly demonstrated throughout his publications that shoes influence the posture of the human body.  Therefore, coupled with the posture-based approaches to medicine of the distinguished orthopedist Dr. Joel E. Goldthwait, I have expanded Dr. Wikler’s insightful work to include a variety of illnesses and conditions whose cause remains unknown. Multiple sclerosis is just one example of diseases that seem to be related to the use of footwear.  Statistical and physical evidence seems to indicate that the habitual use of footwear since birth causes multiple sclerosis in humans because countries and climates that utilize more or deforming footwear exhibit greater prevalence of the disease.  Women are affected more than men; women’s footwear is more physically deforming to the feet because of higher heels, pointier toes, and smaller sizes, but any shoe might have a more deforming effect on the lighter build of a woman’s body.  Since multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, it seems reasonable that the habitual use of shoes could be the predisposing condition for others, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease. You may find my thesis on shoes and disease at http://www.shoebusters.com on the Internet.  My outlined treatment involves removing the cause; regularly applying a contrast bath–or more descriptively, an alternate cold-hot footbath–to maintain flexibility in the feet; barefoot walking to maintain strength in the feet, resorting to wide-toed, soft-soled moccasins if necessary; and getting plenty of rest. Depending on age, footwear habits, and daily demands, a 20-minute daily walk, supplemented by a 20-minute contrast footbath every third or fourth day (about twice a week), could actually be sufficient to control or prevent many common conditions, but the regimen should be used as the foundation for any other therapy, which may provide further relief of symptoms if necessary. Thank you very much for any questions, discussion, or feetback. the barefoot loafer,    James Semmel

Response:

remind me to go bare footed…….well, once the weather warms up i should say! jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > Given the responses it kicked off last year here in the newsgroups, I > would like to annually address the biomechanical effects of shoes on > human degenerative diseases.  Most people still think the idea stinks. > Yet it seems to me that shoes on the feet are like germs on the hands. > Chiropodist Dr. Simon J. Wikler pioneered efforts to understand the > influences of shoes in the 1950’s, but his work was neglected during > the subsequent drug-and-diet-based approaches to medicine.  However, > the prolific footwear historian and podiatrist Dr. William A. Rossi > clearly demonstrated throughout his publications that shoes influence > the posture of the human body.  Therefore, coupled with the > posture-based approaches to medicine of the distinguished orthopedist > Dr. Joel E. Goldthwait, I have expanded Dr. Wikler’s insightful work to > include a variety of illnesses and conditions whose cause remains > unknown. > Multiple sclerosis is just one example of diseases that seem to be > related to the use of footwear.  Statistical and physical evidence > seems to indicate that the habitual use of footwear since birth causes > multiple sclerosis in humans because countries and climates that > utilize more or deforming footwear exhibit greater prevalence of the > disease.  Women are affected more than men; women’s footwear is more > physically deforming to the feet because of higher heels, pointier > toes, and smaller sizes, but any shoe might have a more deforming > effect on the lighter build of a woman’s body.  Since multiple > sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, it seems reasonable that the > habitual use of shoes could be the predisposing condition for others, > including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease. > You may find my thesis on shoes and disease at > http://www.shoebusters.com on the Internet.  My outlined treatment > involves removing the cause; regularly applying a contrast bath–or > more descriptively, an alternate cold-hot footbath–to maintain > flexibility in the feet; barefoot walking to maintain strength in the > feet, resorting to wide-toed, soft-soled moccasins if necessary; and > getting plenty of rest. > Depending on age, footwear habits, and daily demands, a 20-minute daily > walk, supplemented by a 20-minute contrast footbath every third or > fourth day (about twice a week), could actually be sufficient to > control or prevent many common conditions, but the regimen should be > used as the foundation for any other therapy, which may provide further > relief of symptoms if necessary. > Thank you very much for any questions, discussion, or feetback. > the barefoot loafer, >    James Semmel

Response:

Question:

> Well when paying someone’s salary doesn’t that make them a little

bias? So we shouldn’t pay attention to what Ray Strand writes in "What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know…" since he is PAID BY USTANKA (or "serves as a member of the medical advisory board," in USTANKA-speak). And we shouldn’t pay attention to what Lyle MacWilliam writes in "The Comparative Guide…" since he is PAID BY USTANKA (or, like Ken, "serves as an independent associate"–translation:  salesman).

Response:

> And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s > always my own fault and

It’s not impposible that you can treat Crohns disease but it is more  likely that you are mildly deluded/ and or trying to gain prospects for your U$ana downline. John

Response:

> Independent?   you mean they pay them too test there products.  Thats your > idea of independent?

Ken USED TO have no problem with his employer, USTANKA, paying to get independent verification: posted: Oct 30 2002, 6:44 pm     Your Right NA it was an independent Company not the Government that found the inadequacies [USTANKA had been caught distributing defective vitamins]. USANA is not required by Law to do so and most companies will not HIRE OUT independent testing of there products, Thats why they can guarantee the Potency,.Laboratory tested, quality guaranteed. Meets USP specifications for potency, uniformity, and disintegration where applicable.is on every bottle…. *******sure it’s an ADDED EXPENSE******* but in this day and age of ingredients not being true to label it’s nice to know that [yadda yadda yadda]

Response:

Ken I see your trying to brush your hair and make your self a little more attractive to "prospects". Anyway here’s a site that will help youexplain some of that multi level marketing stuff http://www.quackwatch.org/ Cheers John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’ll be 10 years come this spring. > And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s > always my own fault and it’s never so bad that i would have to miss work or > anything. I learn my lessons on what foods to avoid and how far I can push > my physical limits the same way as most of us do.Through trial and error.But > for the most part life is good even with this disease.  I haven’t been so > physically active and painfree since I was a teenager. > 8 years > symptom and drug free. > Don’t make things up. He’s only claimed he’s drug free–not symptom > free. That’s YOUR fantasy.

Response:

Well when paying someone’s salary doesn’t that make them a little bias?   Or let me put it to you this way…. Has anyone who has paid them ever been refused?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes… My multi is just fine thank you. You also can’t seem to wrap your > mind around a few points, the most annoying of which is the INDEPENDENT > testing of supplements. Yes… you pay them as they provide a SERVICE. Do > you ever go to the dentist? Never mind don’t answer that question. Let’s > just say you went to the dentist and he/she found a cavity and charged you > $50 to fill it. Do you think that the dentist made up the fact that you > had a cavity? I mean you paid him/her right? How do you know how much > electricity you use? You get a bill each month and then you pay the > electric company… oh my, maybe they are just making it up I mean you do > pay them… > Debs >>Did you read what I wrote Ken? I KNOW what’s in them and how much of each >>ingredient. They contain ALL the vitamins and minerals that I feel I >>need. A good vitamin and mineral supplement doesn’t need to cost a lot. >>It should also be USP labelled… you know that persnickety little >>INDEPENDENT testing that I have been talking about for a few years… >>Debs > Independent?   you mean they pay them too test there products.  Thats > your idea of independent? > Debs I showed you the study where it said the amount of vitamin C needed > to protect your eyes from damage…and your Vitamins don’t even come > close to it and your eyes have now been damaged and you still believe > they are good enough? >>>Just that there cheap?    Thats the only reason? >>>>You should read the post BEFORE you reply to it Ken. Then you wouldn’t >>>>have to ask questions like this. >>>>Debs >>>>>And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb? >>>>>>Like the dirt cheap ones I buy at Costco. Ken has told me they are >>>>>>them. They have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. >>>>>>Debs >>>>>>>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>>>>>>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>>>>>>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should >>>>>>>be >>>>>>>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, >>>>>>>and are >>>>>>>cheaper ) >>>>>>>Wowza! >>>>>>>John >>>>>>>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php >>>>>>– >>>>>>remove YOURFOOT before responding >>>>– >>>>remove YOURFOOT before responding >>– >>remove YOURFOOT before responding > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Yes… My multi is just fine thank you. You also can’t seem to wrap your mind around a few points, the most annoying of which is the INDEPENDENT testing of supplements. Yes… you pay them as they provide a SERVICE. Do you ever go to the dentist? Never mind don’t answer that question. Let’s just say you went to the dentist and he/she found a cavity and charged you $50 to fill it. Do you think that the dentist made up the fact that you had a cavity? I mean you paid him/her right? How do you know how much electricity you use? You get a bill each month and then you pay the electric company… oh my, maybe they are just making it up I mean you do pay them… Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Did you read what I wrote Ken? I KNOW what’s in them and how much of each >ingredient. They contain ALL the vitamins and minerals that I feel I need. >A good vitamin and mineral supplement doesn’t need to cost a lot. It >should also be USP labelled… you know that persnickety little >INDEPENDENT testing that I have been talking about for a few years… >Debs > Independent?   you mean they pay them too test there products.  Thats your > idea of independent? > Debs I showed you the study where it said the amount of vitamin C needed to > protect your eyes from damage…and your Vitamins don’t even come close to > it and your eyes have now been damaged and you still believe they are good > enough? >>Just that there cheap?    Thats the only reason? >>>You should read the post BEFORE you reply to it Ken. Then you wouldn’t >>>have to ask questions like this. >>>Debs >>>>And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb? >>>>>for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They >>>>>have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. >>>>>Debs >>>>>>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>>>>>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>>>>>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >>>>>>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and >>>>>>are >>>>>>cheaper ) >>>>>>Wowza! >>>>>>John >>>>>>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php >>>>>– >>>>>remove YOURFOOT before responding >>>– >>>remove YOURFOOT before responding >– >remove YOURFOOT before responding

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Well UC Berkley discovered Vitamin E so "go figure" John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ya well Berkely only believes a few vitamins should be taken over the RDA’s > recommendation  so go figure  :) > Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? > This is whatUC Berkley say: > They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be > labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and are > cheaper ) > Wowza! > John > http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php

Response:

> Did you read what I wrote Ken? I KNOW what’s in them and how much of each > ingredient. They contain ALL the vitamins and minerals that I feel I need. > A good vitamin and mineral supplement doesn’t need to cost a lot. It > should also be USP labelled… you know that persnickety little > INDEPENDENT testing that I have been talking about for a few years… > Debs

Independent?   you mean they pay them too test there products.  Thats your idea of independent? Debs I showed you the study where it said the amount of vitamin C needed to protect your eyes from damage…and your Vitamins don’t even come close to it and your eyes have now been damaged and you still believe they are good enough? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just that there cheap?    Thats the only reason? >>You should read the post BEFORE you reply to it Ken. Then you wouldn’t >>have to ask questions like this. >>Debs >>>And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb? >>>>for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They >>>>have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. >>>>Debs >>>>>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>>>>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>>>>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >>>>>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and >>>>>are >>>>>cheaper ) >>>>>Wowza! >>>>>John >>>>>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php >>>>– >>>>remove YOURFOOT before responding >>– >>remove YOURFOOT before responding > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Did you read what I wrote Ken? I KNOW what’s in them and how much of each ingredient. They contain ALL the vitamins and minerals that I feel I need. A good vitamin and mineral supplement doesn’t need to cost a lot. It should also be USP labelled… you know that persnickety little INDEPENDENT testing that I have been talking about for a few years… Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Just that there cheap?    Thats the only reason? >You should read the post BEFORE you reply to it Ken. Then you wouldn’t >have to ask questions like this. >Debs >>And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb? >>>for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They >>>have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. >>>Debs >>>>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>>>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>>>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >>>>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and >>>>are >>>>cheaper ) >>>>Wowza! >>>>John >>>>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php >>>– >>>remove YOURFOOT before responding >– >remove YOURFOOT before responding

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

and ya it sure does show    :)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yeah, they are intelligent and obviously not trying to sell anything. > Debs > Ya well Berkely only believes a few vitamins should be taken over the > RDA’s recommendation  so go figure  :) >>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and >>are >>cheaper ) >>Wowza! >>John >>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They > have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. > Debs > Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? > This is whatUC Berkley say: > They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be > labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and > are > cheaper ) > Wowza! > John > http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

You should read the post BEFORE you reply to it Ken. Then you wouldn’t have to ask questions like this. Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb? >for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They >have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. >Debs >>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and >>are >>cheaper ) >>Wowza! >>John >>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php >– >remove YOURFOOT before responding

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Just that there cheap?    Thats the only reason?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You should read the post BEFORE you reply to it Ken. Then you wouldn’t > have to ask questions like this. > Debs > And whats your reasoning behind taking those Deb? >>for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They >>have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. >>Debs >>>Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >>>This is whatUC Berkley say: >>>They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >>>labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and >>>are >>>cheaper ) >>>Wowza! >>>John >>>http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php >>– >>remove YOURFOOT before responding > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Ya well Berkely only believes a few vitamins should be taken over the RDA’s recommendation  so go figure  :)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? > This is whatUC Berkley say: > They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be > labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and are > cheaper ) > Wowza! > John > http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php

Response:

Please tell me what the following means. It’s a  quote from your post below: One report that suggests otherwise as compared to how many reports that say they are legit….including our governent. Thanks, Debs > Yes debbie I did…..but as you know there are tons of reports that say > otherwise….or else it would be outlawed > same as pyramid schemes are.  One report that suggests otherwise as compared > to how many reports that say they are legit….including our governent. >Did you even read the below post?? It appears you did NOT. >Debs

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

for quite a while!! They aren’t… because I KNOW what’s in them. They have been INDEPENDENTLY tested. Debs > Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? > This is whatUC Berkley say: > They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be > labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and are > cheaper ) > Wowza! > John > http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Yeah, they are intelligent and obviously not trying to sell anything. Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Ya well Berkely only believes a few vitamins should be taken over the RDA’s > recommendation  so go figure  :) >Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? >This is whatUC Berkley say: >They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be >labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and are >cheaper ) >Wowza! >John >http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Ya getting out of bed with a bounce in one step in the morning is a real bummer.  :) I mean where did the fatigue and all the aches go ?   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Lots of people have very mild cases of Crohns. > Ken. > Your case is an unusual one though it has "Usana Complications" > John > It’ll be 10 years come this spring. > And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s > always my own fault and it’s never so bad that i would have to miss work > or > anything. I learn my lessons on what foods to avoid and how far I can > push > my physical limits the same way as most of us do.Through trial and > error.But > for the most part life is good even with this disease.  I haven’t been so > physically active and painfree since I was a teenager. > 8 years > > symptom and drug free. > Don’t make things up. He’s only claimed he’s drug free–not symptom > free. That’s YOUR fantasy.

Response:

Did you even read the below post?? It appears you did NOT. Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Well if his report suggests that then I guess that should be telling you > something?   > NA had found a list of what the average distributor makes with > USANA……Hence the amount of realistic income is posted. > go check out www.usana.com >Speaking of usana did you see this? >Report suggests that all MLMs are pyramid schemes. Robert L. FitzPatrick, >president of Pyramid Scheme Alert has written a 64-page booklet which >states >that the entire network marketing industry is based on fraud. His key >points >include:

– remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Yes debbie I did…..but as you know there are tons of reports that say otherwise….or else it would be outlawed same as pyramid schemes are.  One report that suggests otherwise as compared to how many reports that say they are legit….including our governent.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Did you even read the below post?? It appears you did NOT. > Debs > Well if his report suggests that then I guess that should be telling you > something?   > NA had found a list of what the average distributor makes with > USANA……Hence the amount of realistic income is posted. > go check out www.usana.com >>Speaking of usana did you see this? >>Report suggests that all MLMs are pyramid schemes. Robert L. FitzPatrick, >>president of Pyramid Scheme Alert has written a 64-page booklet which >>states >>that the entire network marketing industry is based on fraud. His key >>points >>include: > — > remove YOURFOOT before responding

Response:

Vitamins helped your Crohns did they Ken? This is whatUC Berkley say: They shouldn’t cost more than a few pennies a day. Also they should be labelled USP ( Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and are cheaper ) Wowza! John http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMultivitamins.php

Response:

Lots of people have very mild cases of Crohns.  Ken. Your case is an unusual one though it has "Usana Complications" John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’ll be 10 years come this spring. > And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s > always my own fault and it’s never so bad that i would have to miss work or > anything. I learn my lessons on what foods to avoid and how far I can push > my physical limits the same way as most of us do.Through trial and error.But > for the most part life is good even with this disease.  I haven’t been so > physically active and painfree since I was a teenager. > 8 years > symptom and drug free. > Don’t make things up. He’s only claimed he’s drug free–not symptom > free. That’s YOUR fantasy.

Response:

Well if his report suggests that then I guess that should be telling you something?   NA had found a list of what the average distributor makes with USANA……Hence the amount of realistic income is posted. go check out www.usana.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Speaking of usana did you see this? > Report suggests that all MLMs are pyramid schemes. Robert L. FitzPatrick, > president of Pyramid Scheme Alert has written a 64-page booklet which > states > that the entire network marketing industry is based on fraud. His key > points > include: > *MLM companies entice people with false promises of extraordinarily high > income. However, fewer than 1/2% of those who enroll as MLM distributors > make a net profit after product purchases and related costs are factored. > *Top distributors with Amway Corporation earn most of their money from > selling "tools" (sales aids) to recruits rather than from product sales. > *Private lawsuits among top-level MLM insiders document systematic fraud > and > deception. > *An FTC trade regulation rule that forces honest disclosure of potential > income is desperately needed. > *Since 1991, Amway and affiliated donors have contributed more than $10 > million in direct and indirect contributions to the Republican party. > *Several years ago, when the Federal Trade Commission prosecuted Equinox > International as an illegal pyramid scheme > http://www.mlmwatch.org/06FTC/Equinox/equinoxftc1.html, economist David > Scheffman had testified that the company’s business model was legitimate. > Last year, Scheffman was appointed director of the FTC’s Bureau of > Economics. http://www.ftc.gov/be/scheffman.pdf (According to press > reports, > Scheffman had also testified for the tobacco industry that it was > implausible that they conspired to suppress research on safer cigarettes > because it would have been in their own interest to create a more > healthful > product and thereby increase sales.) > *Efforts are under way to weaken the ability of state agencies to > prosecute > MLM frauds. > Copies of "Pyramid Nation" are available for $13 for the first copy and > $8.95 for each additional one from FitzPatrick Management, Inc., 1235-E > East > Blvd, #101, Charlotte, NC 28203. These prices include first-class postage. > The Pyramid Scheme Alert http://www.pyramidschemealert.org/ is temporarily > inaccessible but should be back within a few days. > Pyramid Scheme Alert and Quackwatch are sponsoring a campaign to petition > the FTC to force MLM companies to disclose how much distributors can > realistically expect to earn. The petition is online at > http://www.mlmwatch.org/06FTC/mlmpetition.html > It’ll be 10 years come this spring. > And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s > always my own fault and it’s never so bad that i would have to miss work > or > anything. I learn my lessons on what foods to avoid and how far I can > push > my physical limits the same way as most of us do.Through trial and > error.But > for the most part life is good even with this disease.  I haven’t been so > physically active and painfree since I was a teenager. > 8 years > > symptom and drug free. > Don’t make things up. He’s only claimed he’s drug free–not symptom > free. That’s YOUR fantasy.

Response:

Speaking of usana did you see this? Report suggests that all MLMs are pyramid schemes. Robert L. FitzPatrick,  president of Pyramid Scheme Alert has written a 64-page booklet which states that the entire network marketing industry is based on fraud. His key points  include:  *MLM companies entice people with false promises of extraordinarily high  income. However, fewer than 1/2% of those who enroll as MLM distributors  make a net profit after product purchases and related costs are factored.  *Top distributors with Amway Corporation earn most of their money from  selling "tools" (sales aids) to recruits rather than from product sales.  *Private lawsuits among top-level MLM insiders document systematic fraud and  deception.  *An FTC trade regulation rule that forces honest disclosure of potential  income is desperately needed.  *Since 1991, Amway and affiliated donors have contributed more than $10  million in direct and indirect contributions to the Republican party.  *Several years ago, when the Federal Trade Commission prosecuted Equinox  International as an illegal pyramid scheme  http://www.mlmwatch.org/06FTC/Equinox/equinoxftc1.html, economist David  Scheffman had testified that the company’s business model was legitimate.  Last year, Scheffman was appointed director of the FTC’s Bureau of  Economics. http://www.ftc.gov/be/scheffman.pdf (According to press reports,  Scheffman had also testified for the tobacco industry that it was  implausible that they conspired to suppress research on safer cigarettes  because it would have been in their own interest to create a more healthful  product and thereby increase sales.)  *Efforts are under way to weaken the ability of state agencies to prosecute  MLM frauds.  Copies of "Pyramid Nation" are available for $13 for the first copy and  $8.95 for each additional one from FitzPatrick Management, Inc., 1235-E East  Blvd, #101, Charlotte, NC 28203. These prices include first-class postage.  The Pyramid Scheme Alert http://www.pyramidschemealert.org/ is temporarily  inaccessible but should be back within a few days.  Pyramid Scheme Alert and Quackwatch are sponsoring a campaign to petition  the FTC to force MLM companies to disclose how much distributors can  realistically expect to earn. The petition is online at  http://www.mlmwatch.org/06FTC/mlmpetition.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It’ll be 10 years come this spring. > And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s > always my own fault and it’s never so bad that i would have to miss work or > anything. I learn my lessons on what foods to avoid and how far I can push > my physical limits the same way as most of us do.Through trial and error.But > for the most part life is good even with this disease.  I haven’t been so > physically active and painfree since I was a teenager. > 8 years > symptom and drug free. > Don’t make things up. He’s only claimed he’s drug free–not symptom > free. That’s YOUR fantasy.

Response:

It’ll be 10 years come this spring. And yes I still have crohn’s disease so yes symptoms do occur but it’s always my own fault and it’s never so bad that i would have to miss work or anything. I learn my lessons on what foods to avoid and how far I can push my physical limits the same way as most of us do.Through trial and error.But for the most part life is good even with this disease.  I haven’t been so physically active and painfree since I was a teenager. 8 years > symptom and drug free.

Don’t make things up. He’s only claimed he’s drug free–not symptom free. That’s YOUR fantasy.

Response:

Question:

Rachel, How is your husband doing?  I am keeping both of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Response:

Hi Rachel, Exactly a week after I had a Remicade infusion last March, I ended up back in emergency with a delayed hypersensitivity, serum sickness reaction. Joint pain was one of the symptoms, so much that I could barely move. My neck hurt, my jaw hurt, my throat hurt, my scalp hurt, etc. I also had a giveaway rash which turned to hives, and nausea. I was given IV steroids and antihistamine and the worst of the symptoms cleared up quickly, leaving me with a residual fatigue (I practically slept for a week). I had also collapsed unconscious in the bathroom when I went to vomit and woke up screaming about my knees because they were killing me (I have arthritis in the knees ). The nurse at triage in emergency said my symptoms were "pretty vague" and looked like she didn’t want to let me in, but since I was paying them $340 for the privilege (private hospital) she so very generously allowed me to see a doctor. She hadn’t even heard of remicade, so it was lucky I knew what the problem might be. I assume your husband’s doctors have already thought of this possibility, but I thought I’d mention my experience anyway, as the nurse as mentioned and the emergency doctor didn’t have a clue and paged my gastro at my insistence who told them how to treat me. Take care, I hope your husband’s problems can be properly diagnosed and treated, Amy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello, > I posted years ago about my husband who has Crohn’s, he has gone through > several resections , he has had a hard time. > He has tried Remicade several times but it was always while in the hospital it > seemed to help a little. We lived in Orlando where I am from and due to > circumstances we moved to TN(where he is from). He has great GI’s here, they > are the ones who originally diagnosed him 13 years ago(he is now 30). > He does not respond well to any drugs for this disease(mainly only steroids)he > is on Entocort, His new docs decided to do Remicade, this was Tues., Jan.4. He > started to seem real weak. Then on Tues, Jan. 11, he woke up with his neck and > throat hurting, i said go straight to the dr. He tested positive for strep > throat.So they put him on anitbiotics. the next day(yesterday) we ended up at > th UT emergency room. He cannot walk or be touched due to the severe > inflamation in all of his joints. he has an infection in his body thay they > cannot pin point and now they are saying he has emphysema(which his lungs were > always perfect) and they are checking his heart. they due not know what is > wrong they have said possibilities of about 10 different thing which none are > good. we are wainting for blood cultures. > Has anyone had or knows anyone that something like this has happened to? > Thank you all for any help. > Rachel

Response:

Rachel, I am so sorry to hear that your husband is so sick.  Remicade, an immunomodulators, weakens the immune system.  This, in turn, may have inadvertently opened the door for something your husband’s body was successfully fighting to sneak in and get the so called upper hand.  I pray the find out what the problem is soon so they can successfully treat it.  Has your husband’s GI been consulted?  Does he have privileges at UT and is he following his case?  If not, he should be contacted immediately, made aware of the situation and be consulted.  Please let us know how your husband does.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello, > I posted years ago about my husband who has Crohn’s, he has gone through > several resections , he has had a hard time. > He has tried Remicade several times but it was always while in the hospital it > seemed to help a little. We lived in Orlando where I am from and due to > circumstances we moved to TN(where he is from). He has great GI’s here, they > are the ones who originally diagnosed him 13 years ago(he is now 30). > He does not respond well to any drugs for this disease(mainly only steroids)he > is on Entocort, His new docs decided to do Remicade, this was Tues., Jan.4. He > started to seem real weak. Then on Tues, Jan. 11, he woke up with his neck and > throat hurting, i said go straight to the dr. He tested positive for strep > throat.So they put him on anitbiotics. the next day(yesterday) we ended up at > th UT emergency room. He cannot walk or be touched due to the severe > inflamation in all of his joints. he has an infection in his body thay they > cannot pin point and now they are saying he has emphysema(which his lungs were > always perfect) and they are checking his heart. they due not know what is > wrong they have said possibilities of about 10 different thing which none are > good. we are wainting for blood cultures. > Has anyone had or knows anyone that something like this has happened to? > Thank you all for any help. > Rachel

Response:

Hello, I posted years ago about my husband who has Crohn’s, he has gone through several resections , he has had a hard time. He has tried Remicade several times but it was always while in the hospital it seemed to help a little. We lived in Orlando where I am from and due to circumstances we moved to TN(where he is from). He has great GI’s here, they are the ones who originally diagnosed him 13 years ago(he is now 30). He does not respond well to any drugs for this disease(mainly only steroids)he is on Entocort, His new docs decided to do Remicade, this was Tues., Jan.4. He started to seem real weak. Then on Tues, Jan. 11, he woke up with his neck and throat hurting, i said go straight to the dr. He tested positive for strep throat.So they put him on anitbiotics. the next day(yesterday) we ended up at th UT emergency room. He cannot walk or be touched due to the severe inflamation in all of his joints. he has an infection in his body thay they cannot pin point and now they are saying he has emphysema(which his lungs were always perfect) and they are checking his heart. they due not know what is wrong they have said possibilities of about 10 different thing which none are good. we are wainting for blood cultures. Has anyone had or knows anyone that something like this has happened to? Thank you all for any help. Rachel

Response: