Q: Is there any good medicine or treatment for Colon Spasms?
I think I may have IBS because I get REALLY bad colon spasms at random times of the day.

A: In Homeopathy system you got remedies. But it needs thorough investigations and total symptoms. Consult a good physician. You need to maintain a good diet – easily digestible one

Q: I have find an all natural herbal colon cleansing treatment, How do you feel like？?
The only safe or effecitve colon cleanse!!
lose weight
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cleanse your digestive system
breaks up fecal matter
decongests and cleanse
stop occasional bloating
reduces water retention
supports your colon health
supports the health of vital organs
http://www.banluren.cn/ad/bowtrolcoloncleanse.html
Kind of effect do you think how? Advice to me about it！

A: Oh they make you feel just marvy. lmao.

Q: If someone has colon cancer and the only options are chemo or removal of the colon, can they deny treatment?
Would family and friends be shocked if they refused treatment? If it’s so bad the colon needs to be removed, won’t some people prefer just to die from the cancer?

The whole stoma thing… I couldn’t do it.

A: Chemotherapy alone is not going to bring the cure. Nobody can/will force you to have an operation if you don’t want it. But remember that having a segment of the colon doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a stoma. Often the two ends of the bisected colon are simply anastomosed together. Most people who actually have a stoma live a happy life with it. Given the choice between a stoma and death, most people will chose the stoma.Unfotunately some alternative practitioners exploit peoples predjudices/fears and offer them worthless treatments.

Q: What is the best treatment for colon inflammation?
Is it diet ? is it by medicine ? is it by reducing stress? many doctors could mot solve the problem?

A: Usually steroids.

Q: Why did Placido Domingo choose to have colon cancer treatment in the failed USA health care system?

A: Because he would be dead and buried before he could have gotten treatment in countries with Government health Care like we will be getting. Emergency surgery takes several months in Canada – same in Europe.

Q: What is a good at home treatment for a colon cleanse?
I have heard to help lose weight one should do a colon cleanse to get rid of toxins. I just want to know what I can do with out spending lots of money.

A: Visit this site, if you want to know how to get colon cleanse benefits for your body just for couple bucks

http://best-colon-cleanse-benefit.blogspot.com/

Colon cleanse is great for people who are serious about feeling healthier and losing weight.

Q: What is the best treatment for Colon cancer stage 4?
Wheter surgery or chemotherapy?

Else suggestion, please?

Thanks
some how there is a puncture in the liver
Thanx a lot
Thank you for the answer Grizzler….. I appreciated it much.
What is the % chances of success in Colon Cancer Treament?
Thanks heckkon….
Thank you Yagen

A: The below suggestions highlight why internet searches can be harmful to people. Unfortunately, the likelyhood is that with stage 4 (Dukes D) colonic cancer, there will be no curative treatment. It has spread to other organs, most commonly the liver, but also the lungs and potentially the bones. The latter two are less common, but are more common in rectal cancers.

Treatment options. Most of the time the primary bowel tumour will be removed, mainly to prevent the chance of obstruction of the bowel, which can obviously cause major problems. At the operation, the extent of the liver mets will also be assessed, sometimes using intra-operative USS, other times just manually feeling the liver. If there is a solitary lesion, or multiple lesions in one lobe of the liver, then there is a chance of curative treatment.

An MRI will usually be performed as it gives finer detail of the liver and ensures there are no other smaller mets not visible on CT or other modes of imaging. Post bowel surgery, normally give chemotherapy (several regimens available) and then re-scan to see if the liver disease has changed in the interval. If it is still deemed operable, then hepatectomy may be possible if there is enough residual liver left.

If as is most often the case, liver surgery is not possible, then post resection chemotherapy will be offered, with the hope of improving the survival.

If bowel surgery is not an option, then palliative chemotherapy will be offered, sometimes with radiotherapy depending on the site of the tumour, and the symptoms.

Q: what is a good at home treatment for a colon cleanse?
I have heard to help lose weight one should do a colon cleanse to get rid of toxins. I just want to know what I can do with out spending lots of money.

A: I love questions like this. There are hundreds of books out there that say something like “death begins in the colon” and “cleanse the toxins” and other rubbish.

While there is truth to poor diets causing ill health (Americans eat a lot of fat and have a very high incidence of colon cancer), there’s a lot of myths too.

Fiber is the key. Instead of looking for miracle cures, adapt a healthy lifestyle. Eat whole-fiber, low fat foods and read labels. (While you’re at it, cut down on the salt too). Just reaching the FDA’s recommended allowance of fiber daily can be a challenge. (No more fast food!) Also, drink plenty of water. You can’t flush out the bad if it’s stuck like a rock inside of you. (Constipation hurts). Finally, exercise. Along with all the other health benefits (and burning calories, duh) regular exercise will promote peristalsis (the regular movement of stuff through your insides).

Seriously though, it takes some work to keep yourself healthy. Keep at it. And please stay away from people who are going to shove stuff where it doesn’t belong and “flush you out”. That’s really not good for you. Also, stay away from laxatives unless your doctor suggests it. They can have very bad side effects.

Just eat right and exercise.

Footnote: Enemas and Go-Lytly are not good! You can severely imbalance your sodium and postassium levels! (read: heart failure) Don’t stick things up there unless a doctor (a real doctor) tells you to!

Q: What factors should drive treatment choices within the range of options to address adenomatous colon polyps?
There appears to be a range of discretion in the medical literature about treating a proliferation of precancerous (“adenomatous”) colon polyps – from periodic surveillance colonoscopy with polectomy, to surgery to remove some or all of the colon? What are the factors and considerations a patient and doctor should consider in determining an appropriate course of treatment within this range of options?

A: What kind of medical literature are you reading?
I have no idea what a polectomy is, but there is no reason to remove part of the colon simply because you had polyps..

Q: How bad is it when doctors use radiation as treatment for stage 4 colon cancer?
My best friend has stage 4 colon cancer. She’s only 24 years old. She told me that they are going to start radiation, what does that mean? I read about how they do it, but how bad does it have to be before they do radiation?

A: Just as the poster before me, they do radiation even for Stage 2 cancers. I have to get radiation for Stage 3B Breast Cancer I was officially diagnosed as cancer free but I have still have to go thrut he radiation as a safety measure. All Stage 4 cancer is bad but that does not mean that she can’t beat it–people beat statistics all the time. Keep a positive attitude and my thoughts and prayers are with you and her and the family during this difficult time.

Q: Thinking of getting colon Hydrotherapy treatment any word of advise?

A: Don’t do it!

Those “colonic irrigation” people are shysters, pure and simple. They prey on the innocent, trying to tell them they need to “clean out” their colons. Nature itself does that cleaning out very well, by itself, whenever you have a bowel movement. Don’t fall for that trap. It’s just a money-making scheme. And furthermore, their hoses could injure your intestines and you’d have to go into the hospital for surgery to repair the injury. They are trying to hoodwink you. Don’t fall for it.

And besides — you’ll find that the intelligence level and educational level of persons who run those “colonic irrigations” are VERY low. They’re just out to make a buck. Don’t give them the time of day.

Q: Could there be a connection between colon cancer treatment and massive stroke?
It happened to Gwenyth Paltrow’s dad…he had colon cancer, overcame it and then passed from a massive heart attack. The same thing happend to my grandfather. Does anyone else know of a similar circumstance?

A: Having cancer puts a person in a hypercoagulable state meaning that they are more prone to forming blood clots. Many cancer patients develop deep vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli. They can also form clots that travel to the brain causing strokes or CVAs and clots to the heart such as a heart attack or MI.

Q: Effectiveness of Xeloda and Avastin Combo As Primary Treatment for colon cancer that has spread to liver?
Xeloda tablets daily and Avastin 2xmonth intervenous. How effective is this as a primary treatment for colon cancer that has matastized to the liver. Cancer is inoperable and also harsher chem/radiation regimens are not possible due to poor health and severe renal problems. Cancer was operated on some time back so it is not present in the colon. Just the liver.

A: I don’t really know, but for what it’s worth, I’ve included you in prayers to Jehovah God that he portion out some Holy Spirit upon you to help you deal withwhat you’re going through.
God Bless and thanks for reading.

Q: what are the treatment or surgerys of colon cancer?
what are the names of treatments and surgerys for a patient who had colon cancer?

A: kellbell: I don’t know that I can’t tell you ALL the names and treatments for Colon CA, but I can tell you of my experience. 1). A colon CA might be discovered via a COLONOSCOPY….looking with a camera (no kiddin’) into one’s colon. Via the colonoscopy the MD’s might view a normal colon, or perhaps find POLYPS, a growth on the lining of the colon POSSIBLY indicating a Cancer related cell growth, or an actual TUMOR (again an abnormal growth of cells) and again, as I understand, possibly a CA or possibly not. Lab testing of specimen tissue ( a BIOPSY) determines a CA growth and the type of. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy for lab testing. Should these polyps or an actual tumor be found to be CA, then I believe a surgery is indicated. The surgeons will remove the parts of the colon necessary in an operation called a COLECTOMY. The colon, your “large bowel” which is connected to your small intestines at one end and your rectum at the other, is basically identified in 3 parts: the ASCENDING COLON, the TRANSVERSE COLON, and the DESCENDING COLON. Surgical removal of a section of the colon is called a HEMICOLECTOMY, removal of all the colon is referred to as a TOTAL COLECTOMY or a SUB-TOTAL COLECTOMY, Some persons who receive a colectomy are also fitted with a COLOSTOMY, a “hole” in the abdomen via which an exterior bag device is located to accept the fecal matter ( poop..you know..) the patient produces. Such a patient , as long as they have a colostomy will no longer pass feces rectally..only into the device, which obviously the patient changes/empties as necessary. P.S., I have known people with a Colostomy who have had such for 25 years and better…you could “look at them and never know ” they were wearing the device. In my case, I received a sub-total colectomy, I am basically without any colon save for a small remaining part near the rectum to which the distal end of my small intestines is attached. I do not have a colostomy. I attribute this to good luck and my surgeons’ skill. another P.S….my Kaiser surgeon has “saved” me twice now. How does one acknowledge such a person, and all the other staff as well? I do it by having fun every day. THANKS AGAIN KAISER!!! Colon CA might also be treated with a course of CHEMOTHERAPY…basically a medicine designed to “attack and kill fast growing type cells), whether they are CA or not I suppose, thus some of the side effects of Chemo..{fatigue, nausea amongst others). Hey, another P.S., all through Chemo I also tried to have fun, and sorta did..I was as active as I could be given the circumstances. Being on chemo is not “a nightmare”.
After a surgery for colon CA the MD’s will continue to follow a patient with follow up colonoscopies as well as other regular exams. I hope I have answered some of your questions, I know I have not stated “all the treatments existing for Colon CA”, just those I am familiar with and aware of. Here is what I think of CA, and my experience. Cancer is like a bully, twice you size and completely able to pummel you, but no matter how many times he punches you…you get up and say “F/U cancer”, whether you are going to get smashed again or not. F/U CANCER, and heres a big F/U for all those too ill to say it for themselves. Just as with all other bully’s, one day you are going to get your A** kicked too.

Q: Effectiveness of Xeloda and Avastin combo as a primary treatment for colon cancer that has spread to liver?
Xeloda tablets are taken twice daily and Avastin 2xmonth intervenous. How effective is this as a primary treatment for colon cancer that has matastized to the liver. The cancer is inoperable and also harsher chem/radiation regimens are not possible due to poor health and severe renal problems. The cancer was operated on some time back so it is not present in the colon. Just the liver.

Thanks for helping

A: We don’t know yet, hopefully it will be effective on my brother-in-law who just had the colon surgery when they found the lesions on his liver. I believe the combo is what his doctor recommended as well.

Q: DIet + Crohn’s?
I’ve been living with Crohn’s for about 5 years now (diagnosed for about 2) and I have been religious about taking my pills. 2 lialda in the the morning and my librax whenever I get pain.

I just feeling like I should be doing more with my diet to help though. I don’t ever eat peppers. If I eat more than 1 piece of shredded lettuce I beat myself up. And I try my best to have small meals, though its hard to do when the cafeteri on my campus is 1/2 mile walk away and my meal plan gives me 2 meals a day.

What else could I be doing? I heard something about hot and cold foods? Is there anything else I should avoid or do more often?

A: Every body have their own triggers what one person can eat another one can not.

Talk to the people at your school and get a doctors note if necessary. about small meals it is the amount of food that should concern them not the amount of times you eat.

if they will not let you do that
are you aloud to take some of the food to your room??

if so get a combination of cold and hot foods (make sure that they will not go bad)

or at the very least go to a food store and buy healthy snacks so you can eat the way you should.

I would also keep a journal keep track of what foods you are eating and how they effect you.

keep track of how you are feeling and how many b.m’s a day you are having and all of that good stuff
it really helps when you go and see your doc when he asks you how are you doing?? you know bring the book with you.

you may also find out that you can not eat some food when you are under stress that you can normally.

foods that are high in fibre tend to help.
as fibre soaks up the excess water in your bowel.

there are some herbs that can help if you want a list please feel free to email me
but I would take it over with your doc first before you try any of them.

just remember what works for one does not work for another.

Q: What is the best diet for crohn’s disease or IBS?
If you have recipes or “tricks” on what helps the gut… please let me know.

A: Plain foods, no spice.
No fried foods.
Yougurt to maintain the healthy balance
Stay away from things that constipate as well

Q: What is the best diet for Crohn’s disease and why?

A: hi psy, I am an actual crohn’s pt. since the age of 12. Diet will vary in each person as their digestive system is affected differently by the illness. One person may be able to tolerate fresh fruits and veggies while the other can only tolerate steamed or mashed fruits and veggies.

If you check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site, they have all of the information you need ranging from diagnosing IBD, how it’s treated with newer drugs, diet info, as well as a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts. There is even an open forum where you can post this question to others who have Crohn’s.

Another suggestion is to set up an appt. with a dietician at the hospital you most frequent. They deal with specialized diets in people who have a variety of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, IBD, etc. and need a special diet in order to maintain proper nutrition.

Definitely check out CCFA. All of their information is accurate and up to date. The forum is great as well. You will meet so many others like yourself.

Q: What would be a good healthy diet for someone with crohn’s?
I have crohn’s disease and it is hard for me to eat anything that has a lot of fiber in it, like steamed vegetables, raw vegetables, cereals, etc. So my diet mainly consists of carbs and meat. Along with this not so varitable diet and my treatments I am gaining a lot of weight. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can maintain a healthy diet and lose some weight without causing a flare up?

A: Most folks with crohn’s find that a gluten free diet eliminates many symptoms. I know you feel like you don’t want to cut out MORE foods, but I highly suggest you give a high saturated fat (especially from virgin coconut oil) diet a good trial. You might also want to try chia seeds, they are high fiber but the fiber is encased in a gel sack that makes it easier on the digestive system.

Nearly 6 years ago, I started Atkins low carb way of eating to just quit gaining weight. I had to get my out of control appetite under control. I never imagined I could LOSE weight without hunger or exercise, since I’ve become disabled. I never bothered weighing or measuring til I’d noticed that my clothes got huge quick. When my health improved dramatically also, I knew this was my new way of life and since it’s eat all you want (of low carb foods) I know I can do this for life.

My personal carb level is low. I am older & disabled & don’t move much (or cook much) but I eat all I want of meats, eggs, cheeses, yogurt, fats, green vegetables, almonds, berries, flax seeds, chia seeds, shirataki noodles and other foods. Someone active would have a MUCH higher carb level & can usually include all fruits, beans, whole grain products but not sugar & highly refined carbs in unlimited amounts. As long as you have <9grams carbs per hour, you will maintain insulin control & shouldn't gain weight, no matter the calories.

Most overweight & obese people have blood sugar & insulin dysfunctions and can NEVER eat carbs as someone with a functioning body can. They make the mistake of going back to the way of eating that made them fat and that is not possible and yes they will gain all weight back if they eat what they ate that made them obese originally. Insanity is defined as doing the exact same thing, in the exact same way and expecting different results. Many people can return to moderate carb levels but very few can really eat all they want of sugar & maintain weight or health.

You can lose more body fat eating protein & fat (don’t eat protein alone) than not eating AT ALL. To lose weight fast, eat all you want, but nothing but meat, eggs, healthy oils, mayo, butter & half an avocado a day (for added potassium). Keep the calories high & the fat percentage high, at least 65% of calories. Green vegetables & some cheese will continue weight loss but at a slower pace.

The first 2 weeks eat several cups a day of (mostly) lettuce & celery, cucumbers, radishes, mushrooms, peppers & more vegetables thereafter – add 5 grams per day additional every week (20 grams day first 2 weeks, 25grams 3rd week, 30grams 4th week etc) til you gain weight, then subtract 10grams. That will be your personal carb level (everyone is different & depends on how active you are.)

Start with meat, fats & salads for 2 weeks and then slowly add in more green veg, wk4 fresh cheeses, wk5 nuts & seeds, wk6 berries, wk7 legumes, wk8 other fruits, wk9 starchy veg, wk10 whole grains. You will learn how your body reacts to different foods.

The body won’t release fat stores if you lower calories below what it needs. It will slow metabolism to compensate & store every spare ounce as fat. If you continue lowering calories, it will continue lowering the set point, til it can survive off nothing & store fat on anything. The body will only release it’s fat stores if it knows there is plenty of nutritious food.

Eating carbs while trying to lose body fat is terribly inefficient. When in glycolysis (burning glucose as fuel) you have to lower your calories (which slows your metabolism) & exercise heavily to deplete your glycogen stores before burning body fat.

The core of Atkins program is converting the body from glycolysis (burning glucose as fuel) to ketosis (burning fat as fuel). Dietary fat levels need to be at >65% of total calories, if not, the body will still remain in glycolysis by converting 58% of excess protein into glucose (via gluconeogenesis).

It takes minimum of 3 days to convert a body to ketosis, (but only one bite to convert back to glycolysis). People feel sluggish the first week but most feel better than ever thereafter.

Simple carbohydrates (sugar, flour, bread, cereal, pasta, potatoes, rice) trigger insulin, the only fat storage hormone. Protein releases the fat burning hormone glucagon.

High insulin levels promote inflammation, weight gain, hunger & unbalance other hormones. Controlling insulin levels will balance out other hormones & allow human growth hormone (HGH) to be produced naturally so lean muscle will be gained even without exercise.

Q: Brother with Crohn’s – diet and alchol?
My brother has bad Crohn’s and still drinks alchol. How bad is this for him?
Also he is having to take about 140 pills a week – is this a normal quantity.

A: Drinking is not good for anyone with Crohn’s disease, especially if his medication includes a antibiotic medicine. Crohn disease patients may suffer from dehydration and depression, so this may be why he drinks. Drinking dehydrates the body, so drinking is making his disease worse. Tell your brother that he is hurting himself by drinking.

Q: Crohn’s Disease- Diet?
Heyo, my question relates to the diet of Crohn’s disease patients, I have Crohn’s disease myself, and find that I can eat basically any food and it doesn’t really cause a flare up of any sort. However, every few months I’ll get a flare up from hell! because of this, its very hard to pinpoint what foods actually cause the flare ups, so i was wondering, is there….
1. Any possible ideas of how to pinpoint the cause of flare ups
2. Any particular foods known to cause flare ups
3 Lastly, if there is any correlation with stress and flare ups.

Anywho, thanks for the time
All the best
-Anthony

A: hi anthony, I am a crohn’s pt. for over 20 yrs. Definitely check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site as it has great information on diet, stress, surgery, latest treatments, a live chat and a hotline run by health experts. There is an open forum where you can post questions to others who have Crohn’s and can honestly answer your concerns as they are/have been in your shoes.

Also, start a food diary and jot down what you ate, how you felt during and after you ate. If you had to run to the bathroom asap due to the big “D” or if you had the big “C” afterwards. I learned that from attending a local CCFA support group meeting. The member was the wife of a local physician and she has UC.

Look into attending a local meeting as well as the educational meetings in your area as some of the speakers are also patients themselves. I’ve already heard drug reps., insurance reps, dieiticians, and even local GI surgeons speak. Well worth educating yourself by attending these free events. best of luck to you.

Q: Diet for Crohn’s disease?
We’re having a friend with Crohn’s disease over for dinner tonight, and I want to make sure I don’t cook anything that will make her sick. Long story…but she doesn’t know that we know she has this disease, and I don’t feel comfortable bringing it up with her.

Is there anyone out there living with the disease, or who knows about it and can fill me in?

Also, does this menu sound OK – all I know about the disease is that sufferers should avoid spicy food:

grilled chicken marinated in lemon, olive oil, thyme
sauteed asparagus and snow peas
white rice

I am trying to keep it as neutral as possible. Thanks!

A: It’s hard to say, since you can’t ask her and you don’t know the details of her condition, but it should be fine. I have Crohn’s disease and grilled chicken and white rice are some of my “safety foods” and I have never heard of anyone having problems with them, or read anything about problems with them. The one hangup could be that if she’s on a low-residue diet for a stricture (narrowing of intestines, which is common with Crohn’s), then she may need to only eat vegetables that are very well-cooked, almost mushy. (And some vegetables shouldn’t be eaten at all on a low-residue diet.) This could be done by steaming or baking the vegetables. But it’s very kind for you to be considerate, and I would just cook the meal and not worry about it and if she chooses not to eat something (because she’s not supposed to), just don’t mention it and offer her more of the other foods she can eat.

Q: A Diet for Crohn’s Disease?
One of my best friends has Crohn’s. He cannot eat raw foods, such as: vegetables, fruits and nuts. He also has trouble with dairy and some starchy-carbs. Such foods cause “flare-ups” of his Crohn’s. Pretty much the only food he has no trouble digesting is meat.

What kind of recipes can be prepared for him?

A: hi marci, I am a crohn’s pt. since the age of 12. Basically, it is a crap shoot as to what crohnies can eat and what they have to avoid.

If you check out the Crohn’s & Colitis foundation’s site, they have information on diet, the latest treatments to get it into remission, as well as a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts. There is also an open forum where patients and their family/friends can post questions to others who have IBD (crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) to get answers.

CCFA has a bookstore with books on diets for IBD patients. I have the American Dietetic Association guide to better digestion by Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD. It is my bible because it explain in easy to understand language what happens to the body when the illness flares, gives the patient the big “D” or big “C” and what foods are best to eat during these times.

Definitely check out CCFA’s site and look into getting the book from your local library. Also, post this question on the open forum as you will get better answers there than on YA because those folks have actually gone through what your friend is dealing with and won’t give you false information.

I hope he feels better.

Q: Crohn’s disease diet question?
Can you recommend some good websites to find out more information on this topic? My husband has crohn’s and is having awful flare ups and needs to get on a diet of some sort. Thank you in advance.

A: hi arj, I am a crohn’s pt. for over 20 yrs. Diet alone will not get it into remission. He needs to be put on one of the newer treatments such as Entocort, Remicade, or Humira. He should be eating foods though that will not aggravate his gut when he feels lousy.

For more information, check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site. They have stuff on diet (what to eat when flaring), surgery, the latest treatments, as well as a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts well versed in IBD. There is also an open forum where you can post questions to others who have Crohn’s. Family members are encouraged to check out the site to educate themselves on what pts. have to deal with daily.

Definitely ask your husband’s GI if he can be on one of the newer treatments and take something for pain as we are entitled to be made comfortable when out of remission. I hope he feels better.

Q: What should people with Crohn’s Disese avoid in terms of diet?
I have just been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disese (Age 17) and have just started the drugs for it. I am wondering if there are certain foods in particular to avoid to get symptons down (i.e. bloatiness). I am quite fussy anyway and my diet basically consists of bread, dairy, broc, potatoes, cereal, fruit squirtz, chicken, potatoes and noodles. Any suggestions?

A: The best thing is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, but it is VERY restrictive. SOme will say to say away from dairy, some certain bacterias, some gluten. During a flare-up stay away from anything thats an irratant (salad, spicy food, alcohol), as well as anything with seeds that can get stuck in open sores (pop-corn, strawberries, etc).

It mostly will be up to what works for you, and what your doctor thinks. Experiment and pay attention…

Q: High risk Crohn’s disease diet help?
My dad is 52 and has high risk crohn’s disease. I don’t know the details of it but I know he didn’t really take care of himself, so his flare ups are more often. I’ve done some research on it but, the diet seems like he can basically just drink water. I was wanting to know of things that he could eat that would be nutritious. Maybe from someone who has high risk or someone who knows someone that does. Just anything he can eat that wouldn’t cause flare ups. Thank you.

A: Well both my dad and i have crohns and so doe my bf..we all agree, as long as he stays away from dairy cause that stuff make all of us way worse.

Q: Crohn’s disease diet..?
So they think i have crohn’s disease and there is a very strict diet for it. I want to be able to deal with this disease without meds, what are some meals i could eat that couldnt affect it? So far i’ve only been eating certin fruits,veggies, and nuts.

A: http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkws36YJKIkYBNQFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyazBrNHFmBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMwRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA1NTMDFfOTc-/SIG=11g116500/EXP=1250179767/**http%3a//greattastenopain.com/

This site outlines why certain combinations of food exacerbate your condition and how to avoid the subsequent pain and long-term effects.
Your specialist will have the most up to date information on managing the symptoms and you shouldn’t ever consider a drastic diet change without their advice but this lady’s experience and advice has helped hundreds of people, including someone I work with who has diverticulitis.

All the best.

Q: what is the best diet for one who suffers from crohn’s disease?
My 29 yr. old son is recently diagnosed and honorably discharged from the Navy. He is suffering so badly.

A: STAY AWAY FROM POPCORN!!! I have crohn’s and i had pains for like two hours after having a little bit of popcorn. Stay away from dried fruit and nuts aswell. If he’s not on steriods yes, see if he can have endocort. it has very few symptoms. try probiotics aswell.

Q: What is the best diet for one who suffers from Crohn’s disease.?
My 29 year old son is recently diagnosed and honorably discharged from the Navy as a result. He is in SO much pain and suffers So badly! The weight loss has been drastic.

A: hi cheryl, I am a crohn’s female since age 12. First, pls thank your son for defending our country and welcome him back home for me. My husband was in the Navy for 6 yrs. right out of high school. So I always make sure to go up to anybody in uniform and thank them personally. We live near an air force base & I see military persons all of the time.

Check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site as it has all of the latest updated information on the newer treatments, diet, surgery, locating a local support chapter near you, as well as a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts. There is also an open forum where pts. and family members can post questions to others who have CD.

He is entitled to be made comfortable while flaring. Have him ask his GI for pain medication such as Tylenol 3, Darvocet, Percocet, etc. Also, an antispasmatic such as Bentyl. The latest meds to get a pt. into remission faster are Remicade, Humira, and Entocort capsules.

Again, please thank your son for me and definitely check out CCFA’s site. great stuff!!!

Q: I have crohn’s disease and am vegitarian. What do you suggest me eating? What would be good in my diet?
I was told high fiber foods but need some suggestions of high fiber foods to eat. I tried eating nuts the other week which was a mistake. It was one of the worst pains ever in my stomach. Apparently cashews or peanuts are not good for crohn’s. It caused a serious flare up and a lot of pain. Can anyone suggest foods that may be good for me and may even make me feel better?

A: No! High fiber foods are horrible for someone with crohns. I had surgery about 2 months ago because of crohn’s. They removed 16 inches of my small intestine because it was so inflicted with ulcers. Eat foods that are very low in fiber. Fiber will scrape your intestines, thus causing more ulcers, and like me, it can cause intestinal bleeding. Cashews and peanuts are not good because they can actually become lodged in the areas of your intestines/colon that are inflammed. Eat foods low in fiber, being vegitarian does not help, but if you steam (i am talking like steam the crap out of them) your vegetables, it helps to lower the fiber in them. Please take care of yourself and get some expert advice, you do not want to go through what I had to, and to be honest, I have heard of worse.

Low fiber
Make a food log. When you eat log it all and then if you have a problem, try to pinpoint what food caused it and stop eating it. This is really helpful.

Hope this helped. God Bless

Q: What is the best treatment of IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?
I feel that I suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome that leads to continuous constipation, the doctors said that there is no cure for me and this illness will stay with me forever. Can anyone tell me plz if there is something to decrease the illness symptoms?
Thanks in advance

A: Try: http://www.healthmedicalinformation.com/digestive-advantage-ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome-capsules-96-count

all the best

Q: Is there a good home treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
I suffer from IBS, and it is really starting to take it’s toll on my social and family life. It only really affects me when it’s time to leave the house (when my adrenaline levels are elevated), and it is making me miserable. I haven’t been out to eat with my hubby and kids in a couple years at least, because the “flare ups” make me miserable and shake and sweat and I can’t possibly eat. I don’t have health insurance, so a doctor’s prescription isn’t an option. Are there any supplements that I can take or “home remedies” that will help me? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m willing to try just about anything to get my life back!
I’ve had this problem for most of my life, but it has gotten significantly worse since I had my gallbladder removed in December of ‘04. It is much more painfuul now (to the point I feel faint).

A: I’ve had the same problem on and off my entire life. Do NOT drink extra coffee like the person above me said. Coffee contains tanic acid, which irritates the lining of your stomach and can cause diarrhea. You don’t get “over it” like they said. It just irritates your stomach more and more.

A natural remedy would be peppermint. You can find the essential oil of peppermint at any natural foods store. Put a few drops up to a spoonful into some herbal tea and drink it. Avoid coffee & carbonated drinks as they’re irritating. If you need caffeine to wake up in the morning, try green tea. It’s not great on a stomach but much softer on it than coffee.

Licorice (black, not red) is also a remedy for upset stomach & diarrhea in general. You can find licorice tea at most stores.

There’s a really strong natural tea that will calm you down for those moments you get anxious – it’s Valerian root, also found at natural food stores. It doesn’t smell good (my husband won’t even let me keep it in the house but I don’t think it’s THAT bad but it really does have a calming effect when drank as a hot tea.

Get Fiber One on your cereal isle and put that on top of whatever cereal you eat. Fiber balances you out – helps bind you if you have diarrhea or help you go if you can’t. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of greens for natural fiber.

I bought something called “Colon Cleanse” online for like $90, but I never used it b/c my IBS cleared up before it arrived, but I think the main ingredient in it is just fiber… I know what you’re going through – I had IBS straight for 2 years once! UG! (before I found natural remedies)

Q: What’s the best treatment for Irritable bowel syndrome and the diarrhea that comes with it ?
My doctor put me on Donnatal but doesn’t seem to help. Anyone been on Donnatal and did it work for you if so how long did it take for you to see results ?
margaritaville : I.ve been in the medical field over 30 years so I don’t think germs was a problem

A: There are no medications that really work for ALL people. I use peppermint tea for any pain I have, and it helps. I also watch what foods I eat. Last night was terrible, I had eaten something I eat all of the time, but this time, my intestines did not like it. IBS is a learning process, but can be lived with. Google it(or yahoo search) and learn all you can. Don’t spend a lot of money on prescriptions, get samples if possible. Each of us react differently, so as an individual you must find your own way. I have used Equalactin and it works really well. I use it when going somewhere and don’t want to be on the toilet the whole time. It is an OTC medicine, available at most drug counters. (Again, search engine it). Stress will exasperate the problem, so if you are in a relationship that is stressful, you will have more symptoms. You can’t eliminate all stress, but you can determine your life styles, relationships and foods and work with that. It sounds like a lot of work, but I have gone from diarrhea daily to maybe once every 3-4 months.

Q: Can anyone describe the symptoms/treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome? How do you know if you have it?
and what can be done to treat it?

A: Irritable bowel syndrome can cause stomach cramps, bloating, excess or trapped wind, constipation, nausea, not feeling like you’ve finished when on the toilet to running to the toilet every five minutes. You should get it diagnosed by a doctor as it might be embarrassing but it may be something more serious. It can be managed by making a few lifestyle changes like avoiding foods which make you feel ill, drinking plenty of fluids and a high fibre diet if your not intolerant, getting exercise, trying to relax as IBS tends to flare up when you are stressed and medication. A doctor and or a nurse can advise what would be best for your symptoms. Peppermint oil capsules and peppermint tea can ease cramps and nausea and some fibre drinks come with an added anti spasmodic to help ease pain and either ease constipation or diorrhea. A laxative may be helpful at times.

Q: Irritable bowel syndrome treatment?
I need to know about the possible treatments for Irritable bowel syndrome. As much relevant information as possible.
An important note though, I do not have nor believe to have this disease. I am recollecting information for a presentation/homework.

A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders that doctors see. Yet it’s also one that many people aren’t comfortable talking about because the signs and symptoms may be embarrassing. Some signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:

* Abdominal cramping
* Bloating and gas
* Diarrhea, constipation or both

As many as one in five American adults has irritable bowel syndrome. Most people with IBS find signs and symptoms improve as they learn to control the condition. Only a small percentage of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms.

Fortunately, unlike more serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are:

* Abdominal pain or cramping
* A bloated feeling
* Gas (flatulence)
* Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
* Mucus in the stool

Treatment

Because it’s not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms so that you can live your life as normally as possible.

In most cases, you can successfully control mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by learning to manage stress and making changes in your diet and lifestyle. But if your problems are moderate or severe, you may need more than lifestyle changes alone can offer. Your doctor may suggest:

* Fiber supplements. Taking fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) with fluids may help control constipation.
* Anti-diarrheal medications. Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea.
* Eliminating high-gas foods. If you have bothersome bloating or are passing significant amounts of gas, your doctor may also ask you to cut out such items as carbonated beverages, salads, raw fruits and vegetables, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
* Anticholinergic medications. Some people need medications that affect certain activities of the nervous system (anticholinergics) to relieve painful bowel spasms.
* Antidepressant medications. If your symptoms include pain or depression, your doctor may recommend a tricyclic antidepressant or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These medications help relieve depression as well as inhibit the activity of neurons that control the intestines. For diarrhea and abdominal pain, your doctor may suggest tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline. Side effects of these drugs include drowsiness and constipation. SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) or paroxetine (Paxil) may be helpful if you’re depressed and have pain and constipation.-

Hope I have given you a long write up and it will help you-

Q: What is the best homeopathic treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sometimes called spastic or nervous colon, it’s the most common disorder among people with gastrointestinal problem. People with IBS have a difficult
time staying regular and often complain of pain somewhere in the digestive system after eating. The good news is that IBS is not dangerous.
The natural remedy below may help prevent or relieve IBS, according to some health professionals.

Ayurveda:
Triphala, a gentle but powerful internal cleanser made from the Indian fruits amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki, is the main Ayurvedic treatment for digestive and eliminative problem, says David Frawley, O.M.D., director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Some health food stores sell triphala capsules or tablets; you can also purchase them in Indian pharmacies. Dr. Frawley. “people who take triphala don’t develop a laxative dependency.
In fact, triphala helps restore the tone of the large intestine.”

Food Therapy:
“If you eat a lot of cooked protein, hydrogenated oils, concentrated sugars or other foods that are hard to digest, your colon can react – and not nicely,” says Dr. Klaper. He advises that those with IBS avoid meats, dairy products, greasy snack foods, spicy fare and sweets. At first sign of a flare-up and during the time the colon is inflamed, build your meal around easy-to-digest foods such as rice, sweet potatoes, well-steamed green and yellow vegetables and bananas, he suggests.
Then after the bowel inflammation subsides, he says, you can start adding new foods to your diet, one at a time every 48 hours.
This way, he explains, you can watch for any ill effects of the new foods.

Q: Has there been any advance in the treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome?
I would like to wake up one day in my life where the day is about me and not my digestive system.

A: Haven’t heard anything about it in a couple of years.

Try eating a consistent diet of grains, frutis, veggies, and meat.

Q: treatment for irritable bowel syndrome does not work. what to do?
i tried antidepressants, bentyl, eating more fiber, peppermint oil enteric tablets, probiotics, herbal supplements, went to psychiatrists, etc etc

But still no relief in symptoms and pain. My father says IBS is fake and that he does not recognize it. He says it is psychological and that i’m fine but pretending to be in discomfort.

How to let my medically illiterate father know the pain and discomfort is real? I have had lots of fights and arguments with him on this topic.

A: While there are many synthetic over-the-counter and prescription medicines to treat digestive complaints and disorders such as IBS, they tend to come with side effects and can lead to disruptions in delicate body systems.

Among other things, they can cause a weakened immune system, electrolyte imbalances and a disruption in intestinal flora – all of which may ultimately worsen the problems associated with IBS. For these reasons, many people have started to turn to natural remedies to treat IBS and other related conditions.

Herbal ingredients such as German Chamomile, Meadowsweet, Ulmus fulva and Sutherlandia frutescens have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and digestive – health properties that make it an effective preventative for IBS flare ups. In addition to this, a number of herbal ingredients work to immediately relieve IBS symptoms.

Mentha piperita in particular has become widely known as a treatment for IBS, as this herb works by relieving cramps and gently relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract – thus effectively calming irritable bowels and reducing stomach pain.

Other beneficial herbs include Ginger, Fennel and Pelargoneum graveolens. Remember to always source your natural remedies from a reputable company to ensure maximum effectiveness, safety, and correct therapeutic dosage.

Destressing through Yoga, jogging, fiber, less of alcohol, caffeine, soices etc are some other measures you have to take.

More details on the above can be found at the source link below

Q: what is the cast and procedure for the bowel cancer treatment?

A: Huh?

Q: How long do orallly administered treatments of bowel cancer take to show they are working?
If a person takes an orally administered bowel cancer treatment drug, how long will it take the doctor be able to know if the drug is working or not, and if not, change the medication?

A: It depends on the stage of the disease. It is not just like fever or cold it is termed cancer. You should understand what is bowl cancer and the treatments mean for this disease.

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy. Therapy is usually through surgery, which in many cases is followed by chemotherapy.

The usual treatments are Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some times depending upon the severity of the disease and due to side effect of radiation etc. another surgery called COLOSTOMY may be done by doctors. You will be able to see your self the effect/working of chemotherapy Chemical medicine given with IV fluids in about 15 days of giving first cycle by all the hair of the patient falling and becoming bald.

Q: hi what is irritable bowel syndrome and what is the treatment ?
i think i have irritable bowel. i am in so much pain

A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain or discomfort, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term but manageable condition.
The main symptoms of IBS are crampy pain in the stomach area (abdomen), and painful diarrhea or constipation. Most people have either diarrhea or constipation, but some people have both. Other symptoms are mucus in the stool, swollen or bloated abdomen, and the feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement. IBS has no cure, but you can do things to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve diet changes, medicine, stress relief, or a combination of things to see what works best for you. You can read more about IBS here

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/

Q: Have you ever tried hypnosis for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome?

A: Hello Chick

IBS has two causes, stress or diet, sometimes both.

With regard to diet, find out what causes you problems & eliminate them from your diet.

With regards to the stress, yes hypnosis is a wonderful treatment for stress & therefore could help with IBS, as can meditation.

Sadhara

Q: What is the best current treatment / management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

A: Discover which foods make you flare up the worst and avoid them, I know a lot of people who say a wheat free diet helps and others who say a pear everyday.

Q: What’s the best food for my cat who possibly has irritable bowel (and getting treatment for giardia)?
One of my cats, Davis, had his (9 year) senior check up and blood work. His general exam and blood panel look great. Davis has appeared to have a sensitive stomach at times over the years. He eats, drinks, has clear eyes, normal behavior and a great coat.

He has bloody, loose stools and has lost 1 pound in two months. He tested + for giardia 5 days ago. Our vet gave him an injection to calm his intestine and sent home 5 doses of anitbiotic. After 3 days of medication, there was still blood in his stool. The vet was surprised the injection didn’t help. He said to check in on Monday and let him know how Davis is doing.

The vet is wondering if Davis may have irritable bowel and possibly need prescription food.

Aside from the Giardia we are treating, do you have ideas on what food is best for his sensitive system?

I free-feed 6 cats. So they would all be on the same food. Two are asthmatic and get flovent daily. Otherwise, we are all in great shape. ; )

A: I am having almost the same problem with my cat Jasmine at the moment except she is only 6 months old. She has been treated for Giardia 3 times in the last month and it just kept coming back. She is still having diarrhea but her most recent fecal exam finally came back negative for giardia. The vet thinks she may have IBS.

The most frustrating thing about Giardia is that it is highly contagious to humans and other animals! Davis needs to be separated from his buddies until he is better. We also had to disinfect her box daily and wipe her paws and butt every time she went so that she didn’t reinfect herself when grooming.

We have been feeding her Innova Evo dry food and the vet put her on high fiber prescription wet food. I am a bit reluctant to continue the use of the prescription food because it is food that was specifically designed for obese cats. The Innova Evo is a very high protein diet that contains fruits and vegetables too which we think might just be too rich for her tummy. We are in the process of switching her to Royal Canin which is still a high grade food but has a bit more fiber than the Innova Evo – hopefully it works. I have heard that rice is very easy to digest and may help with the diarrhea. I hope that you are able to find a solution soon! If I come up with anything good I will let you know!

Q: what are the symptoms and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome?

A: The main symptoms of IBS are crampy pain in the stomach area (abdomen), painful diarrhea or constipation. Most people have either diarrhea or constipation, but some people have both. Other symptoms are mucus in the stool,swollen or bloated abdomen and the feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement.
IBS has no cure, but you can do things to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve diet changes, medicine, and stress relief. You may have to try a combination of things to see which works best for you.

Q: Are hookworms an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease ? If so is the therapy available in the USA ?
What countries is it available in ?

A: Oh, my goodness! Yuck! I looked it up, and yes, there are studies showing that hookworm can be effective treatment of Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and various other immune disorders. What a shocking discovery, but I don’t know if I could expose myself to it. I just typed your question in my search engine and found it. The lady I read about went to Africa and went barefoot. They can also cause undesirable side effects such as anemia. Thanks for an interesting question that made me curious enough to look it up. I learned something new today, because of you and it is a good thing to learn new things at my age.

Q: Does anyone have information on the use of injectable methotrexate for treatment of Crohn’s Disease?
My 15-year-old daughter is experiencing a severe Crohn’s Disease flare-up that has been resistant to several in- and out-patient medical therapies. Her G.I. doc now wants to try weekly, injectable methotrexate. Any information you can share? Thank you.

A: Methotrexate belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-metabolites. Antimetabolites impede the body’s natural chemical processes, such as DNA production and cell division. They are helpful in cancer treatments. The FDA is approving cancer treatments for Autoimmune Diseases such as Crohn’s. If you’re uncomfortable giving her a shot they do it in infusions. Before doing this, did your gastro say anything about Remicade or Humira? I have Crohn’s Disease and I’m on Remicade. If she is on 6 MP (Imuran) do not do this new drug. As you know she can only take Tylenol…that is about the basic that I can tell you off hand. I’m sorry she is in a flare, they’re trying to get mine back into remission and I hope they do the same for her. Good luck.

Pharmacy & Vet Tech/Crohnie

Q: Has anyone tried Dr. Ray Lala’s healing mineral treatment for Crohn’s disease/Ulcerative Colitis?
While I will appreciate other remedies, I am specifically looking for results from the Dr. Lala treatment.

A: hi sm, I am a crohn’s pt. for over 20 yrs. Have you checked out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site for information?

They have tons of stuff ranging from diet, newer treatments to put pts. in remission faster, locating a local support chapter, as well as a live chat, a hotline, and an open forum where you can post questions to others who have IBD.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are so many scams out there which will take our hard earned $$$ by offering false promises of a cure.

When a cure is found for IBD, I am sure it will hit the newpapers first as well as our GIs.

good luck to you.

Q: For treatment of Crohn’s Disease (vs. Ulerative Colitis), do you recommend Prednisone or Entocort?
Since Crohn’s affects the whole digestive system (rather than the more localized areas in UC), I was wondering if any of you CD patients have had better (or at least adequate) flare treatment on Entocort, rather than on Prednisone. I’d love it if my daughter with CD could be treated with something other than Prednisone… Thank you.

A: I’ve had CD for about 10 years now. I was put on Entocort about a year and a half ago, and i love it! I have only had 2 flares since i’ve started taking it, and only had to be hospitalized for one. When the flares get acute, my doc puts me on the prednisone along with the entocort, but thats usually just for a two week period till everything calms down. As far as using Entocort for maintanence, i can’t say anything bad about it – I love it, its like a miracle drug to me!

Q: Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
My boyfriend’s mother has crohn’s disease and she has had some problems with it. She recently took a vacation to visit us (12 hrs away), and the day she got back home she went to the hospital for chemotherapy treatments. She told my b/f that it was nothing to worry about that it was just treatment for her crohn’s. I don’t know much about crohn’s/treatments, but I have never heard of chemotherapy as a form of treatment for this disease. She has lied to him once before when she was having renal failure and she told him that it was just a simple kidney infection. Is chemotherapy a treatment used for crohn’s disease?

A: i think so. theorpy means cure.

Q: what is the best treatment for Crohn’s?
I have crohn’s and have trouble…pain and other symptoms, what can I do other than watch what I eat and take drugs??? (prescription drugs) I am just not well….please help.

A: hi big, I am a crohn’s pt. myself for over 20 yrs.

If you check out the crohn’s & colitis foundation’s site, they have an open forum where you can post questions to those who have CD, use their live chat and hotline run by healthcare experts, look up information on the latest treatments–Remicade infusions, Humira shots, Entocort capsules, pain mgt., diet, latest surgical techniques, finding a local CCFA support chapter near you, etc.

I am on pain mgt. for a hernia, Entocort to keep things under control for over 5 yrs., had Remicade and Humira a few yrs. ago, attend the local support chapters to meet drug reps, dieticians, local GIs, and to get information on which hospitals and MDs to avoid when treating a flare up.

You have that right as a patient to be made comfortable when in pain. Ask your GI or primary care MD for Darvocet, Percocet, etc. as well as a muscle relaxer, and an antispasmatic like bentyl for the stomach spasms.

I feel for you. Definitely check out CCFA and post on their forum. Family members are welcome at CCFA’s site and local meetings to educate themselves on what we go through.

I hope you feel better.

Q: Crohn’s treatment?
My girlfriend has been diagnosed with Crohn’s recently, the doctor has prescribed anti-inflamatory medicine and also steroids with in the next few weeks, what good does the steroids do and what effects or side effects could it have ?

A: Be patient and supportive.
Please research all you can on Chron’s.
It’s a nasty bathroom problem.
The Steriods will help her feel better and immediately reduce the inflamation. Steroids are used in the worst time of your treatment to get instant relief.

www.CrohnsOnline.com
www.livingwithUC.com that’s what i deal with, same treatment.
Email me anytime, just be supportive and make sure she eats bland foods, and drinks water and gatoriade.

the other medication that she is perscribed, asacol, pentasa, or rowasa, is an anti-inflamitory that works in the lower intestine, and will help her not feel crampy and hopefully she will be going to the toilet less.

I would suggest you have some imodium AD on hand, some Gas-X and Bean-o.

She will most likely be very tired, and not in a very pleasant mood. She will be feeling better in a couple weeks.
Go to her Doctor appts. with her, and ask questions.
She will be happy that she has someone with her, and that you care, and want to understand her ongoing condition.

I belong to this website.
It tells you all about Chron’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
It’s important that she feel comfortable when you all go out, know where the toilets are, and buy her soft toilet paper, and if she’s having a real bad time of it, –Just email or IM me.

Mystic_Gift@yahoo.com
Mystic_Gift IM anytime. I have a lot of people who have this, and we all just need support. We are scared, and we hurt, and it’s draining. And SEX is the last thing on our minds.

Bland foods. Make her a grilled cheese, avoid spicey foods, and stress.

I hope i’ve helped!
I will list the site that has a support group, newsletter and 10 things to help you cope and understand.

she’s and you are not alone, a lot of people have this stinky problem and no one talks about it!!

I hope she uses her meds, and gets quick relief.
I admire you for asking and wanting to be more informed.
Yes, the meds are expensive, but worth it.
Just validate her feelings, don’t ask why, ask what ONE thing can i do to make your life easier this hour?

Gatoraide always helps me! cuz going to the bathroom a lot, you get dehydrated.

here are 2 sites that I rely on for comfort and information.

Crohn’s Disease Community
www.LivingWithCrohnsDisease.com
- Crohn’s Disease patient resources. Find information on symptoms.

Join the Crohn’s & Me Community
www.CrohnsAndMe.com
you have to Register to learn and connect with other Crohn’s patients.

Get Crohn’s Disease Facts
www.CrohnsOnline.com

Q: What is the treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
Is there a diet regime for Crohn Disease?

A: While diet does not cause Crohn’s, certain foods have been shown to irritate the condition in some people. In particular, milk, alcohol, hot spices, and fiber appear to be the most aggravating foods for some people with Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, individuals with strictures (areas of narrowing of the bowel) may develop increased symptoms by eating things such as nuts, seeds or popcorn. People with Crohn’s disease should eat a nutritious diet that contains protein; enough calories to maintain weight; vitamins A, B-12, C, D, and folic acid; and the minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.
Here are some websites that have tips and recipes.
http://www.remicade.com/crohns/crohns_lifestyle/crohns_diet.jsp

http://ibscrohns.about.com/od/dietandrecipes/?terms=diet+free+recipe+smoothie

Q: Question about Crohn’s treatment?
OK, no medicine has worked in the past except methotrexate, which helped and then we stopped, and I haven’t been better with Crohn’s since. (It’s in my colon). We’re doing it again, the weekly injection, and the ugly yellow medicine burns my skin, and makes me feel HORRIBLY sick. I have had seven doses, I’ve heard it can take up to twelve. My doctor doesn’t think I could physically or psychologically cope with many more injections, and has suggested the tablet. Two other people agree, but one woman said that maybe I’d cope better if I HAD no other option, and just sucked it up. I’m scared though, if the injection would have worked, and the pill doesn’t, if I’ll regret coming off the injection, and wondered what would have happened if I’d stuck to it another five weeks, no matter how sick it made me. (I was on 25 milligrams and my doctor only wants me on 15 with the tablet). Should I just go to the pill after 12 injections, or see if it works now? Im 14 desperate and very ill
P.S. I’ve tried EVERYTHING, literally, and without success. It’s either Methotrexate injections, methotrexate pills, or surgery.

A: HEY, you need more options! If someone’s telling you to suck it up, be nasty to them! You have every right to!

Have you tried an immunosuppressant drug? I’m on 6MP and maybe that’ll work for you. Crohn’s colitis isn’t very different from small bowel Crohn’s like I have. Ask your GI about the 5 ASA group(they’re like aspirins). I suggest Pentasa and what about Entocort?

Frustrating, when the treatment is a series of trial and error drugs, isn’t it? Been there, done that! I hate injections myself. At least try prednisone, that stuff is VERY effective! Keep us updated, please! Good luck!

Q: Stem cell treatment for crohn’s disease?
I have read a few articles stating this is a promising treatment with effects lasting longer than most prescribed drugs for this illness. I also read that skin cells can now be reprogrammed into making stem cells, which would please a lot more people since no embryos would be destroyed, right?

My question is when will this treatment be readily available for all crohn’s patients?

A: Well, the transplant is the same old bone marrow transplant that has been around for 50 years. Its called a stem cell transplant now because we now know that its the stem cells in the marrow that make the transplant work.

So, if it does work with crohn’s (but still not available to the public) all they are really doing is testing the statistics. If you are looking for the information for a a patient, they should try talking to their doctor to see if they can get into any of the trials for this.

A bone marrow transplant is the single treatment in an overwhelming majority of the diseases that adult stem cells can treat. It completely replaces the immune system, so it is pretty versatile for treating anything that originates in or damages the immune system. Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease, so it makes sense that this transplant may be able to treat it.

The stem cells in this case would come from one of two, maybe three sources… bone marrow, peripheral blood, or possibly cord blood. Skin stem cells would not be used in this case.

Embryonic stem cells are still used in research, and contrary to popular belief, the limited success of adult stem cells does not negate the need for embryonic research. But, to be clear, embryonic stem cells are not a part of this treatment.

Be warned though, this transplant is incredibly traumatic, phenomonally expensive, puts you at significanly higher risk for at least half a dozen cancers, comes with a min of a one year recovery time frame during which you will be out of work, and may leave you with life long medical complications needing meds.

Q: Starting Remicaid treatment for Crohn’s disease?
Would like to hear from people who are already with this teatment.

A: I have tried Remicade, and it didn’t seem to work well for me for long at least, and I had to stop taking it since I got a scary reaction once (trouble breathing, uncontrollable shaking), and some people DO get allergic reactions to it. But from what I know, it’s always given in a hospital setting and most people take Tylenol and maybe Benadryl beforehand, to help prevent a reaction. Humira (similar to Remicade), is less likely to cause a reaction since it’s made with human protein instead of mouse protein. I always found that interesting. haha.

To the other people who answered, just know that there is NO Crohn’s diet that works for everyone, and a gluten free diet is NOT always superior to meds, at least not for most people with Crohn’s. It might help some people or be superior to meds for a small number of people, but certainly not most people with Crohn’s. Not eating wheat or things with gluten is sure hard to do anyway, and I still don’t know how people with celiac disease do it, but I’m sure some of them cheat sometimes at least, and eat wheat products. haha. Rice bread and stuff like that tastes kinda crappy to me anyway, and I sure couldn’t just eat that all the time.

And it’s wrong to say people with Crohn’s actually have celiac disease a lot of the time. If anything, a lot of the time people with Crohn’s are told they have ulcerative colitis, but later on (like in my case unfortunately), find out it is Crohn’s. Celiac disease is pretty easy to diagnose from what I know anyway, by scoping someone and taking biopsies, and maybe taking specific blood tests too.

Q: Alternative medicine for Crohn’s Diesase treatment?
Do any of you know of or have tried effective alternative treatments for Crohn’s disease? Please be as specific as possible – I am looking for things that will help. Thanks

A: L-Glutamine, an amino acid that is the main source of energy for the mucosal cells that line the intestines, and helps them heal. Dosage is adjusted for each patient. The common dose range is 6 to 25 grams divided into 3 doses per day, 30 minutes before meals. Glutamine may increase T-cell attack in Crohn’s disease. In the Crohn’s patient glutamine may also be metabolized into citrulline, which is converted to arginine, a substrate for nitric oxide sythesis. Excessive nitric oxide has been shown to contribute to tissue injury and inflammation in Crohn’s disease. L-glutamine seems to be effective in ulcerative colitis.

A clinical study of ulcerative colitis patients demonstrated that feeding 30 g daily of glutamine-rich germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) for four weeks resulted in significant clinical and endoscopic improvement, independent of disease state. Disease exacerbation returned when GBF treatment was discontinued.

It has also been suggested that cabbage juice consumption may provide benefit to patients with gastric ulcers and gastritis, by virtue of its high glutamine content.

Q: Crohn’s Treatment?
Has anybody been taking Entocort?
how did effect you, what were the side effects, how long did it take for the side effects to go away, did it stay, how are you feeling now, u better worst?, any suggestions?

Thanks

A: Hi OM, I am a female crohn’s survivor who has been on Entocort for a while. My GI prescribed it for me b/c steroids have serious side effects if on them for a long time, which I was and needed to get off of them.

The great thing about Entocort is that it goes right to the source of inflammation. It doesn’t get absorbed into the bloodstream like prednisone, thus, no side effects like the moon face, mood swings, weight gain, increased appetite, etc.

I haven’t had any problems while being on this. It is a 3 mg capsule & the normal dose is 3 capsules a day. One thing though, there is no generic for it so the copay can be high. Ask the gi if he has any samples he can give you. That is what I did when I knew I was short on cash and just needed a month’s supply to tie me over.

The crohn’s & colitis foundation has a website with tons of information as well as a hotline and a live chat that is run by healthcare workers well versed in Crohn’s during the week.

Feel free to email me if you have questions.

Q: Infliximab treatment for Crohn’s?
Has anyone undergone infliximab treatment for their Crohn’s Disease? What was the process like? How many treatments did you need? And how long until you saw results? Would you recommend this treatment? And how much does it cost now that it is on the PBS?

A: Infliximab (trade name: Remicade) is a “synthetic” antibody designed to neutralize a substance in our body called TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha is believed to play a big role in some inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infliximab

For Crohn’s Disease, Remicade is often given as an intravenous infusion over about 2 hours. You can find more information about the use of Remicade in Crohn’s here (supplied by the manufacturer of Remicade):
http://www.remicade.com/remicade/crohns/crohns_studies/remicade_for_crohns.html

http://www.remicade.com/remicade/assets/Med_Guide.pdf

If you already know all this information, but simply want to talk to others who had infliximab, you will probably have more luck on discussion forums specific to Crohn’s rather than here at Yahoo Answers:
http://www.crohnsforum.com/

http://www.ccfacommunity.org/Forums.aspx

Good luck.

Q: Ever heard of Myoconda, a possible new treatment for Crohn’s?
It’s been approved by the United States FDA, they’ll probably have to do one more clinical trial before ppl can get it.

http://www.giacondalimited.com/pages/products/myo_conda.html

A: It is a Combination Antibiotic Therapy, seems to give promising results.
Thanks for the useful info.

Q: What do i expect after a Crohn’s ressection surgery?
I am about to have a ressection done after years of dealing with Crohn’s. Needless to say I am pretty nervous. What are the things to expect after surgery?

A: I had a bowel ressection this summer actually. I can tell you, I was very very nervous at first, and when I woke up from the surgery, it was not pleasant! I had it in my head that after years of dealing with crohns I could deal with some soreness in my stomach, but the worse thing was not that (The morphine made that pretty easy to get through!) it was the NG tube. I also got pretty hungry after 10 days of not eating straight. I would not be worried about Stomach Pains. Not that bad, actually! yeah you’re sore.So what? As a crohns patient, you KNOW what its like to be in pain. Also, you might be pretty dependant on people, needing their help to get up and down. Try and push yourself though. Walk everyday you can, more each day. Your back might hurt from laying in bed, but the more you walk, the FASTER you recover!! I was able to get out of the hospital the day after my NG tube was removed. Also, IVs are very annoying, so be carefull with them…I, and the patient (9 years, appendix removal…) next to me both had problems.

Keep a positive attitude! I bet you knew this was coming at one point. You will feel really crappy in the hospital, but let me tell you, after a month or so, you will be a better you! no more stomach pains, no more apetite problems, no more prednisone if you had to take it, no more !!

I had a bowel ressection – 10 inches of intestine taken out, as well as my appendix, a fistula, and some weird cyst no one knew i had lol. And I recovered faster than the 9 year old patient, who had a lesser surgery. It was the combination of dealing with crohns for so many years and just keeping a positive attitude that got me threw it. Also, books, my laptop, and my family were good company.

Good luck, if you want to know anything else, feel free email me. It has made me a better person…all the bumps in our life make us better people!!

Q: Is it easier to gain Weight after having surgery for Crohn’s Disease?
I going to have Surgery soon (in about a month or two) and i was wondering how much better do you feel after Surgery?
Its hard for me to gain weight right now and im hoping surgery will help?

I have a very mild case but its near small intestine.

A: hi hhh, I am a female crohn’s pt. dxed at the age of 12. I have had several surgeries for the past 29 yrs. I’ve had it and have found that it was easier for me to gain the weight seeing as I couldn’t eat much before due to the severe pain I was in. Once I had the surgery at age 17, I was able to enjoy my mom’s home made meals again. After I got married, I needed surgery due to a stricture in my small intestines so I couldn’t eat much or I’d have a partial blockage. Thus, I lost weight until that problem was fixed. Then I regained it once I started to eat hubby’s cooking. (He is a great cook and knows what to make for me when I flare),

For more accurate information, go to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site. There you will find stuff on medications, surgery, diet, locating a local support group near you plus they have a live chat & a hotline that is run by healthcare experts well versed in IBD. They have a forum where you can post questions to others like yourself & swap stories.

Surgery will definitely relieve you of pain and help if your well being hasn’t been helped by current treatments. The newer meds to take afterwards to help stay in remission are Humira, 6MP, Imuran, Remicade, and Entocort.

Feel free to email me if you have questions. good luck to you on your surgery. You will feel like a new person.

Q: Crohn’s surgery question?
I was told today that I would have to undergo surgery for my Crohn’s disease. They are looking at removing a small portion of my small and large intestine. I am a bit freaked out about it right now but fortunatly they wouldnt take out enough to make me wear a colostomy bag. Has anyone with Crohn’s undergone this surgery already? If so, how have symptoms been since?

A: Follow your doctor’s advise.

Q: describe crohn’s surgery?
can someone describe their crohn’s surgery from start to finish? i would like to know what to expect

A: crohn’s disease surgery is essentially removal of a part of the bowels, lke any other bowel surgeries, there will be an external anastamosis, they may put the two ends of the bowels together, pain, potential of infections, bleeding persists with any surgery. diarhea or malabsorption may become a chronic problem, talk to your surgeon for details, good luck

Q: how long would i have to stay in hospital after crohn’s surgery.(approx 12 cm removed)?
it will be my first surgery,believe infected area is in the large intestine
am not on remicade, have 3-4 flare ups a year which ease up with prednisone,but i’m thinking maybe if i have the surgery it wont keep coming back.i flare in the same spot everytime so if its gone maybe i’ll luck out???

A: Most likely around 3-7 days. They’ll need to do wound care and make sure you’re passing urine, gas and stools properly before you’re discharged. So, it really depends on fast your body can recover and do these critical things. Of course, your surgeon or his nurse can tell you more accurately. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before you sign the consent form.

Q: How often is surgery needed for a Crohn’s patient?
Thank you, A. Just diagnosed with Crohn’s.

A: I was diagnosed with Crohn’s about four years ago. At that time, my GI told me surgery was no longer done since it was virtually never successful. You can expect to be on a battery of different drugs until they figure out which ones work best for you. For me, a combination of Pentasa and Omeprazole has kept me in remission for several years, but it might be different for you. Anyway, hang in there. I know what you’re going through, and I empathize.

Q: Surgery for Crohn’s?
I’ve had Crohn’s disease for 10 years now, and have never had surgery. That might be changing in the next year or so, however, since my insides have developed a large amount of strictures and scarring over the years. I’ve been on Remicade for a long time, which has kept things bearable, but not that long ago, the strictures began acting up and causing considerable pain. I started on Prednisone, and it has the symptoms back under control. I have no illusions about the lasting effects of it, though, and fully expect to get cut open at some point. So, I’m wondering if anyone here has had surgery to remove random strictures in their intestines and what it was like, how the recovery period was, the couple months following, and any other pertinent info there is to be had.

A: Honestly the surgery SUCKS! BUT, It is so worth it! Find a surgeon you love & trust, express to them all your concerns etc. I had a wonderful surgeon who had a great sense of humor, a day after my surgery he came to see me & told me that the foot of my small intestine really needed to come out & he told me they checked every inch to make sure that it was only located in the section that came out. He also told me that he had my “guts spread out through the hallway & started laughing i knew he was obviously joking. I was in the hospital fora week & was back to work a week later (no heavy lifting!!) I noticed it took at least 6 weeks to feel back to my old self again. Good Luck!

Q: as a possible crohn’s patient do they take special considerations with surgery for me?
do they have to do anything special for me? i am having knee surgery.

A: You definitely need to be sure that your doctor, surgeon and anesthesiologist know about your condition. You may not need anything above the norm, or there may be further tests, different meds….who knows? Don’t assume the medical staff have read or even have been given all of you medical records. I have ulcerative colitis (Crohn’s partner) and have had several surgeries without needing anything special that I know of, but all my medical staff were gratefull that I mentioned it.

Q: Crohn’s Disease – Resection Surgery?
I’m 26 and have had Crohn’s for about 10 years. During my most recent colonoscopy my gastroenterologist discovered a lot of scarring which is causing a partial obstruction. He stated that scarring is irreversible and will need surgery to correct. I would have to have 15 inches removed and then they would reconnect the ends of the colon. I’m looking for the pros and cons. Has anyone had this? Did it lead to more frequent surgeries? How long were you in the hospital? How long would I have to stay out of work?

A: I had resection surgery about 10 years ago when I was 27. They took out about 6 six inches of my small intestines and my appendix for good measure while they were in there.

So far this has been my only surgey. Since this disease varies between people there is really no way to tell how many more surgeries you may or may not need after the first one.

I’d say the pros would be that you should be in remission for a while after the surgery. Of course there is no way to know how long that will be.

Cons other than going through the surgery and recovery time would be that the disease mostly likely will come back near the area of the resection.

I was in the hostpital for about 7 days. I was stayed out of work for about 4 weeks total.

Q: In 1994 i had my illeum removed. my dr removed during surgery to stop crohn’s. i use b12 monthly. should i?
in 1994 i was ambulanced to hospital with abdominal problems. after being in the hospital for 2 weeks, my dr, who was the head surgeon of a ny hospital, performed my surgery. following surgery, he told me my illeum was removed so that i would NOT have crohn’s disease or be hit by my insurance company with a pre-existing medical history.

i improved miraculously quick, but i continue to be plagued with abdominal problems, none too serious, however, i take b12 shots monthly. should i be doing more at my age? i’m now 55?

A: hi lu, i am a crohn’s pt. for 28 yrs. I had my ileum removed yrs. ago and take B12 shots myself. As for your surgeon telling you that the crohn’s would be gone completely, he is WRONG. It can show up at the site of the surgical area at any time. It is known for that.

If you check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site, it will tell you the same thing. Crohn’s can appear at any time anywhere from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum, and anus. If you have a total colectomy and given a permanent ileostomy, the CD in your large gut is gone b/c it’s been removed HOWEVER, it can return where it was dissected.

The CCFA site has great updated information on surgery, symptoms, the newer treatments–Entocort, Humira, and Remicade…ask your GI if you are a candidate for any of these, finding a local support chapter near you, as well as a hotline and an open forum where you can post questions to others like yourself.

Knowledge is power. The more you educate yourself, the better it will be in coping with this. I am speaking from experience as I’ve had this since age 12.

Q: Kids & Crohn’s Disease re: Surgery (question)?
Our 11 yr old has Crohn’s – went through a 6 week intensive feeding tube program Feb-March – then went into remission but only lasted until a few weeks ago. The pains came back & we noticed some malabsorption (only gained 1 pound in 3 months) were told at recent exam by GI Dr. there are 2 options 1) Imuran (which has some nasty possible side effects) or 2) back on 4 week feeding tube program using Peptamin (Nestle special high nutritional formula) The feeding tube program in combination with an anti-inflammatory gives the intestines a chance to “heal” and take in heavy duty nutrients that were not absorbed prior

We haven’t explored surgery and not sure we want to at this point until growth & developement are complete.

Let’s face it, there are only so many feet of intestine that can be removed…

Does anybody know how many years go by after surgery (on average) that perhaps add’l surgeries are needed?

And also how long after surgery (on average) before another flareup?

A: A flare can be caused by anything. Food poisoning is a common cause for a flare. Also, things like French fries and sometimes salad will cause massive fissures in the intestines and colon. I would only advise surgery if he can not handle the pain, or if the doctors advise it. Crohn’s disease is a mystery to us right now!

This is also a gene carried by the father and is most common in males. So make sure your son knows that when he gets older.

but to answer your other questions. Once the person has surgery, they will probably laps back into another flare sooner or later, but the hope is that it is going to be a lot less drastic.

Edit – to the post bellow me – While some of what you say is right, you are also very very wrong. I am sure that changing the diet of the patient will work wonders, excessive bile is NOT the cause of crohn’s. Crohn’s is caused by the patients IMMUNE system attacking, generally good, bacteria in the intestines. They attack it so much that fissures (small cuts) actually form in them! But what is worse, is that because the intestines are so packed, they often grow together and form new canals. These can often get infected since stool can get stuck in them. Also, Crohn’s can be anywhere from the mouth to the anus, bile would not be causing problems in the esophagus or the mouth unless they threw up all the time.

I really hate to say it, but this disease is caused by unknown problems with the immune system, and tends to run in family’s. Medications should be really down to mainly anti-inflammatory to try and stop the massive attack Crohn’s patients intestines undergo.

If your son is having a really bad outbreak, i would suggest surgery, they will only remove the portents of the gut that is badly infected. If he does go into remission, make sure he eats right, and is never confronted with food poisoning… this can, and most likely will cause him to flame up again.

Also, people with Crohn’s are a lot more likely to get sick because their immune system is in non-stop attack mode on their GI tack.

Best of luck to him, and anyone els in the family who might have it…

Q: Does having your tubes tide help you during your period for Crohn’s patients?
I never had a problem with this until I had surgery on my Crohn’s back in 1999. Now every month it is extreme lowerback pain, and cramps. Someone please help with this.

A: If you are having pelvic pain with your periods after surgery and the surgery that you had was abdomino/pelvic, then I would imagine you were left with scar tissue and adhesions which become agitated and inflammed during your period. So your period and the congestion of the uterus agitates the adhesions causing more pain, or adhesions from the pelvic area are agitating the uterus when its congested and contracting to expel menstrual fluid. having your tubes tied will do nothing for this. Sometimes, after a year or two, the adhesions and scar tissue can stretch a little bit and the pain won’t be so severe. The other option is more surgery to remove the adhesions, or laporasocpic surgery to see how bad the adhesions are. The good thing about laporascopic surgery is that its small and non invasive, and the doctor will be able to see if there are adhesions and where, and how bad they are. he will also be able to rule out the possibility of ovarian cysts or other pelvic growths, and probably do a scope of the inside of the uterine wall to check for fibroids that could cause the pain at the same time.

Q: How is the Surgery for people with Crohn’s Disease ???
I think im going to need Surgery later this year and i’m alittle scared because i never had surgery before.

Does the surgery heal you 100% ??? How do you feel after the surgery ??? How long was the recovery time?? What Meds do u take after words?
well the Dr. said my small intestine is the infected part and it’s going to removed and to put back during my surgery.

My crohns is a mild case but hasnt got much better in a year. Soo surgery might be the answer.

A: this sounds kind of bizarre, buut i was in literally the exact same siituation as you two years ago. i was in some pain and meds were not really working. the doctor told me i would need a surgery and i got pretty scared. however, i realized that it is best to just forget about it iin the time leading up to the surgery. my plan worked, and two years later i am in complete remmision. after recovering for two weeks i completely forgot about it and i was and stil am completely healed. i now take asacol which is just holding down the fort. after the surgery i felt mediocre. in the time just after the surgery it does hurt to walk a little, but it is easy to fight through with a couple short walks around the hospital ward a day. afterwards, the only thing standing between you and home is farting. concentrate on that, then you get to go home and be a glorified couch potatoe for a while. make sure you have video game systems and movies galore for this time period. anyways, good luck and try not to worry.

Q: Can I really heal myself from Crohn’s Disease?
I do not want to have an 8th surgery for my Crohn’s disease and I don’t want the drugs. I am going to a place called The Chopra Center and try to heal myself. Is it possible? Does Meditation help? Here is my blog so far…
http://www.aWellnessExperience.com
All this information is great, Thank You!

A: First, Crohn’s disease is an event, like Tuberculosis, that is a result of our modern diet. Primitive cultures were resistant to these types of diseases and many others because their diets contained high amounts of nutrients that are missing from our foods today. Just go to the Mausoleum where dead food is held in state and look at the junk as you walk down the death row aisles. There is very little nutritive value there. Most people are not aware that Cavities are a result of modern man’s diet as well. Primitive people did not have cavities and amazingly enough they didn’t put fluoride in their water supplies and didn’t need fluoride toothpastes either. In fact, they had no need to clean their teeth of tartar either. They had good jaw formations that allowed their teeth to come in and not be crowded.

Many studies have been done indicating pasteurized milk as one of the culprits in Crohn’s disease. Previous research found that the mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) was present in about 92 percent of patients with Crohn’s disease, compared to 26 percent of patients in a control group.

MAP is present in about two percent of commercial pasteurized milk. So, not only does pasteurization kill the beneficial bacteria available in milk, but it leaves a potentially harmful organism alive and well. Making matters worse, the conventional recommendation to drink milk that has been pasteurized at even higher temperatures is far from helpful.

What nearly everyone fails to appreciate about pasteurized milk is that although the pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria are killed during pasteurization so they can’t multiply, they are NOT removed from the milk. The dead bacteria are STILL IN THE MILK.

If the bacteria are there, they can serve as a stimulus to your immune system and cause all sorts of autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease being only one example.

Instead, RAW milk from healthy grass-fed cows is actually one of the more profound healing agents you can turn to when confronted with inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s. Rather than cause it, raw milk can send your IBD into remission. This is because if cows are raised properly and only fed grass, not immunized, given access to plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and not given antibiotics or harmful vaccines that impair their immune system, then they simply do not get sick or become colonized with these pathogenic bacteria in the first place. Thus there is no need to pasteurize their milk.

What many also fail to appreciate is that pasteurization is NON discriminate in its ability to kill bacteria. Pasteurization kills the GOOD bacteria in the milk that actually makes you healthy and can reverse diseases like Crohn’s.

An additional cause are parasites. These are not easily detected and in a lot of cases cannot be found until after death an a thorough autopsy is performed!

It is not easy to be healthy in America. In 1905, the CDC reported less than 5% of ALL Americans were chronically ill. In 2005, the CDC reported that over 53% of ALL Americans are now chronically ill. Does that sound like Americans are being fed good, quality food and that our medicines are really helping us to be healthy? NOT.

Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to infections. It is how the body causes more blood to flow to the infected area, so it can deliver the necessary nutrients that can heal the injury. If the nutrients are not in the body, the injury won’t heal properly and the inflammation will become a chronic problem, like in Crohn’s.

An imbalance of the two essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6 will make the body inflamed. Most Americans have huge stores of omega 6 and little omega 3 fatty acids. It’s not enough to just take a bunch of omega 3 fatty acids, but one should put foods in their bodies that are close to the 1:1 ratio of these essential fatty acids to fix this issue and avoid foods high in omega 6’s. Commercial beef found in the Mausoleums that house the dead foods (super markets) are very high in omega 6’s because the feed Angus Beef grain in feed lots and allow the animals to walk around in their own feces. Grass fed beef is healthy and contains a good omega 3 to omega 6 balance. Wild fish, NOT FARM RAISED, also are a good source of this balanced scenario, as long as they are not cooked at high temperatures.

Vegetable Oils, like Soybean, Canola, Cottonseed, and Corn are terrible for you and contain lots of omega 6 fatty acids and when heated, these unstable oils form TRANS FATS with just a very little heat.

Many parasites go undetected and Crohn’s is a result of this. A typical sign of parasites is the feeling of tiredness. Many doctors misdiagnose this as some other ailments with fancy names, like Epstein Barr, etc.

I suggest you do the following to make a good attempt at fixing the crohn’s:

Go to: www.organicpastures.com Buy your dairy products from them, especially RAW MILK, Colostrum, raw butter, and raw cream. Like the primitive people, this will provide nutrients that make you strong, not weak and contribute to disease. Eat fermented vegetables and make your own keifer milk and Kombotchu. These provide organisms that heal the body, not damage it like drugs with all their so called “side effects.”

Also, go to: www.healthline.cc (not .com) and purchase:

keifer grains — to make your own keifer milk from raw milk
Parastat — This kills the parasites in the intestine
Paracidin — This kills the liver flukes in the liver.

Take maximum dosages of both of those. They are natural herbs and no chemicals. I would also purchase the “super food trio” in capsule form, not powders.

All these things above will contribute to your solution. I think you will be very surprised at the results and how well good nutrition can work for you.

Q: Can you have crohns and NEVER need surgery?
Can you have crohns and NEVER need surgery?
i found i have crohn’s no matter what am i going to have surgery or are there people that never need it?

A: I have Crohn’s too, and my symptoms are controlled well enough on medication that I will likely not need surgery. It all depends on how bad your symptoms are, what type of symptoms you have and how well they can be controlled with diet and medication.

The main reason that someone with Crohn’s needs surgery is for a stricture that narrows the intestine to a point where stool cannot pass, an inflammation that becomes infected and needs to be removed or such bad symptoms that surgery sounds like a relief.

Work with your doctor to control your symptoms with medication. Find your trigger foods and avoid them when you are having symptoms and you should be able to avoid or postpone surgery for a long time.

Q: Does anyone know about Suboxone being used for treatment of crohn’s disease?
i was diagnosed with crohn’s disease about a year ago. nothing has worked for me except for prednisone, which causes very bad side effects after awhile so i can’t take it for more than 3 months at a time. i met a girl today that was telling me about how she has had crohn’s for 11 years now and her symptoms were even more severe than mine and prednisone was the only thing that worked for her other than oxycontin and perks, which i’m not on any pain meds, (and when she was laid off her insurance ran out and turned to heroin to kill the pain) until she started taking Suboxone. She has been part of a study group for it for 2 years now and she said it has finally been approved for not only helping with opiate abuse but also for crohn’s disease treatment. she said it is a life-saver and she feels like a normal person again and has energy and it’s as if she doesn’t even have crohn’s. does anyone know anything about Suboxone for crohn’s disease? the only thing i’m finding information about it being used for is drug abuse. i really want to tell my gi doctor about it. please help.

A: hi stoe, I am a crohn’s pt. for 25+ yrs. Have you check the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site to see what they have to say about it?
Try calling their hotline, live chat, or posting the ? on their open forum to see if anyone else w/CD has heard of it.

CCFA’s main HQ is in NYC and they do tons of research on IBD and work w/many scientists/pharmacy techs etc. to find the cause, cure, and a better way to treat the disease until a permanent cure can be found.

good luck and definitely give CCFA a look into and call them.

Q: How do I transfer my Crohn’s Disease treatment to England’s National Health Service?
My doctor in America recently told me to transfer my treatment for Crohn’s Disease to the NHS in England since I’ve been studying here and living here for two and a half years, so I could only be under his care in America when I went home for visits.
I’m scared that the NHS will not offer my medication, Mercaptopurin, as a treatment option.
I am also concerned because this medication requires blood work to check for liver damage, but I have an intense fear of needles. This is eased by numbing medication prescribed to me in America, but I am pretty much positive that the NHS would not offer that? If this was the case, is it possible to buy things supplementally? I’m sorry, I’m so confused!
Since I live on scholarships , student loans, and a crappy job, private care is not much of an option.
I should have mentioned that I do have an NHS card / #, so I know I am able get access to care. I was confused where to go from there…

A: I have Crohn’s & can tell you for a fact that the NHS is NOT the lowest treatment you can get. Personally I dont take your drug but it is available. The only problem you may have is with eligibility:
This is from an immigration site. If you have an existing condition then even if you qualify for treatment it may not apply to pre-existing conditions.
I’d check with Citizens Advice(CAB) or your local GP
“However, eligibility under this category will not generally apply if the overseas resident came to the UK knowing that they needed medical care. The exception is if they were specifically referred to the UK for treatment under a reciprocal agreement.”

Q: No sexual arousal after Crohn’s Disease treatment?
I’m a bottom guy, over the course of a year I developed a Crohn’s Disease and it had taken a great deal of my daily activity, I lost almost a quarter of my body weight as in January I was only 82 lbs, while the treatment and medication have shown progressions, and I started to go back to work, the problem is I don’t feel any sexual arousal anymore, I wonder if it’s the disease or the medication but I can’t tell my doctor because I’m not out yet, I feel guilty towards my boyfriend who has gone from understanding to all grumpy lately. I feel so useless and unattractive. what should I do?

A: my aunt has crohn’s, i don’t know that it’s impacted her sexual life, but then it’s a slightly different situation for her.

my advice is to talk to your doctor, doctor patient confidentiality prevents him from outing you and you’ll get your answers from an informed source.

if you don’t want to do that, i’m in nursing school and i swear by webmd

Q: Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
My boyfriend’s mother has crohn’s disease and she has had some problems with it. She recently took a vacation to visit us (12 hrs away), and the day she got back home she went to the hospital for chemotherapy treatments. She told my b/f that it was nothing to worry about that it was just treatment for her crohn’s. I don’t know much about crohn’s/treatments, but I have never heard of chemotherapy as a form of treatment for this disease. She has lied to him once before when she was having renal failure and she told him that it was just a simple kidney infection. Is chemotherapy a treatment used for crohn’s disease?

A: i think so. theorpy means cure.

Q: Does anyone have information on the use of injectable methotrexate for treatment of Crohn’s Disease?
My 15-year-old daughter is experiencing a severe Crohn’s Disease flare-up that has been resistant to several in- and out-patient medical therapies. Her G.I. doc now wants to try weekly, injectable methotrexate. Any information you can share? Thank you.

A: Methotrexate belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-metabolites. Antimetabolites impede the body’s natural chemical processes, such as DNA production and cell division. They are helpful in cancer treatments. The FDA is approving cancer treatments for Autoimmune Diseases such as Crohn’s. If you’re uncomfortable giving her a shot they do it in infusions. Before doing this, did your gastro say anything about Remicade or Humira? I have Crohn’s Disease and I’m on Remicade. If she is on 6 MP (Imuran) do not do this new drug. As you know she can only take Tylenol…that is about the basic that I can tell you off hand. I’m sorry she is in a flare, they’re trying to get mine back into remission and I hope they do the same for her. Good luck.

Pharmacy & Vet Tech/Crohnie

Q: Are hookworms an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease ? If so is the therapy available in the USA ?
What countries is it available in ?

A: Oh, my goodness! Yuck! I looked it up, and yes, there are studies showing that hookworm can be effective treatment of Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and various other immune disorders. What a shocking discovery, but I don’t know if I could expose myself to it. I just typed your question in my search engine and found it. The lady I read about went to Africa and went barefoot. They can also cause undesirable side effects such as anemia. Thanks for an interesting question that made me curious enough to look it up. I learned something new today, because of you and it is a good thing to learn new things at my age.

Q: Has anyone tried Dr. Ray Lala’s healing mineral treatment for Crohn’s disease/Ulcerative Colitis?
While I will appreciate other remedies, I am specifically looking for results from the Dr. Lala treatment.

A: hi sm, I am a crohn’s pt. for over 20 yrs. Have you checked out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site for information?

They have tons of stuff ranging from diet, newer treatments to put pts. in remission faster, locating a local support chapter, as well as a live chat, a hotline, and an open forum where you can post questions to others who have IBD.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are so many scams out there which will take our hard earned $$$ by offering false promises of a cure.

When a cure is found for IBD, I am sure it will hit the newpapers first as well as our GIs.

good luck to you.

Q: For treatment of Crohn’s Disease (vs. Ulerative Colitis), do you recommend Prednisone or Entocort?
Since Crohn’s affects the whole digestive system (rather than the more localized areas in UC), I was wondering if any of you CD patients have had better (or at least adequate) flare treatment on Entocort, rather than on Prednisone. I’d love it if my daughter with CD could be treated with something other than Prednisone… Thank you.

A: I’ve had CD for about 10 years now. I was put on Entocort about a year and a half ago, and i love it! I have only had 2 flares since i’ve started taking it, and only had to be hospitalized for one. When the flares get acute, my doc puts me on the prednisone along with the entocort, but thats usually just for a two week period till everything calms down. As far as using Entocort for maintanence, i can’t say anything bad about it – I love it, its like a miracle drug to me!

Q: What is the treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
Is there a diet regime for Crohn Disease?

A: While diet does not cause Crohn’s, certain foods have been shown to irritate the condition in some people. In particular, milk, alcohol, hot spices, and fiber appear to be the most aggravating foods for some people with Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, individuals with strictures (areas of narrowing of the bowel) may develop increased symptoms by eating things such as nuts, seeds or popcorn. People with Crohn’s disease should eat a nutritious diet that contains protein; enough calories to maintain weight; vitamins A, B-12, C, D, and folic acid; and the minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.
Here are some websites that have tips and recipes.
http://www.remicade.com/crohns/crohns_lifestyle/crohns_diet.jsp

http://ibscrohns.about.com/od/dietandrecipes/?terms=diet+free+recipe+smoothie

Q: Stem cell treatment for crohn’s disease?
I have read a few articles stating this is a promising treatment with effects lasting longer than most prescribed drugs for this illness. I also read that skin cells can now be reprogrammed into making stem cells, which would please a lot more people since no embryos would be destroyed, right?

My question is when will this treatment be readily available for all crohn’s patients?

A: Well, the transplant is the same old bone marrow transplant that has been around for 50 years. Its called a stem cell transplant now because we now know that its the stem cells in the marrow that make the transplant work.

So, if it does work with crohn’s (but still not available to the public) all they are really doing is testing the statistics. If you are looking for the information for a a patient, they should try talking to their doctor to see if they can get into any of the trials for this.

A bone marrow transplant is the single treatment in an overwhelming majority of the diseases that adult stem cells can treat. It completely replaces the immune system, so it is pretty versatile for treating anything that originates in or damages the immune system. Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease, so it makes sense that this transplant may be able to treat it.

The stem cells in this case would come from one of two, maybe three sources… bone marrow, peripheral blood, or possibly cord blood. Skin stem cells would not be used in this case.

Embryonic stem cells are still used in research, and contrary to popular belief, the limited success of adult stem cells does not negate the need for embryonic research. But, to be clear, embryonic stem cells are not a part of this treatment.

Be warned though, this transplant is incredibly traumatic, phenomonally expensive, puts you at significanly higher risk for at least half a dozen cancers, comes with a min of a one year recovery time frame during which you will be out of work, and may leave you with life long medical complications needing meds.

Q: Starting Remicaid treatment for Crohn’s disease?
Would like to hear from people who are already with this teatment.

A: I have tried Remicade, and it didn’t seem to work well for me for long at least, and I had to stop taking it since I got a scary reaction once (trouble breathing, uncontrollable shaking), and some people DO get allergic reactions to it. But from what I know, it’s always given in a hospital setting and most people take Tylenol and maybe Benadryl beforehand, to help prevent a reaction. Humira (similar to Remicade), is less likely to cause a reaction since it’s made with human protein instead of mouse protein. I always found that interesting. haha.

To the other people who answered, just know that there is NO Crohn’s diet that works for everyone, and a gluten free diet is NOT always superior to meds, at least not for most people with Crohn’s. It might help some people or be superior to meds for a small number of people, but certainly not most people with Crohn’s. Not eating wheat or things with gluten is sure hard to do anyway, and I still don’t know how people with celiac disease do it, but I’m sure some of them cheat sometimes at least, and eat wheat products. haha. Rice bread and stuff like that tastes kinda crappy to me anyway, and I sure couldn’t just eat that all the time.

And it’s wrong to say people with Crohn’s actually have celiac disease a lot of the time. If anything, a lot of the time people with Crohn’s are told they have ulcerative colitis, but later on (like in my case unfortunately), find out it is Crohn’s. Celiac disease is pretty easy to diagnose from what I know anyway, by scoping someone and taking biopsies, and maybe taking specific blood tests too.

Q: Drinking “Ensure” as a treatment for Crohn’s disease?
Hey everyone, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease going on 3 years ago. I have been pretty fortunate in that my Crohn’s isn’t really all that bad, I don’t really have that many flare ups and they haven’t really been severe up to this point….at least compared to some other people that I know with the condition. I take Pentasa to keep it under control. I have health insurance so I only end up paying $40.00 a month for the meds, if I didn’t I would have to pay around $400.00 for a month’s supply! <--You could buy a pretty nice car for that! Anyway though, I heard a while back that in Europe they were treating Crohn's patients with "Ensure". Yes I'm referring to the milk-like beverage you can buy at any grocery store. I was wondering if anyone else had heard this too, if so, is it actually supposed to be an effective treatment?

A: My logic would be that they are not really treating Crohn’s with Ensure but instead making sure that people who suffer from Crohn’s get enough vitamins in their diet. Many people with Crohn’s are not getting a steady diet because of their condition, so that makes me think that the Ensure is merely a dietary supplement for them. I know that this is also something that people with acid reflux should try because it has been recommended for me.

Q: Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
I have been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease 4 years now. My flare ups occur usually once every three months. Once I have a flare up the pain is awful. Is there anything I can do during my flare ups in order to be more comfortable?

P.S. I used to be a smoker for 12 years and I’ve quit for three months now. It doesn’t seem to help a lot though!

A: Have you heard of low dose naltrexone? It really helps with Crohn’s Disease. http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/
scroll down about one-third of the page to see photos of what low dose naltrexone does for Crohn’s Disease.

Q: Humira: treatment for crohn’s disease?
Starting this treatment soon, was wondering about the side effects and procedure. If it worked for anybody.

A: hi lak, I am a female crohn’s pt. who was on Humira for a while. It takes over 6 months for it to kick in so you have to be patient.

The drug company that makes this has an RN come to your home to teach you how to give yourself the injection. They follow up with you if you have questions and side effects.

Be sure to numb the area with an ice pack (not that dinky thing they give you) so you won’t feel the medicine going in.

For more information, check out the crohn’s and colitis foundation of america’s site. they have a hotline, a live chat, and a forum where you can post questions.

good luck to you.

Q: Know any natural treatments for Crohn’s disease?
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease about 10 years ago and have been on medication ever since. I’ve been wanting to try to wean myself off them by doing some natural/alternative treatments. Does anyone know any good, proven ones?
I have tried Remicade and Entocort. My doctor mentioned Humira but decided against it.

A: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlqhwhbHVYtxg73Nhc6CSGzsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090329214012AAPlSqX

Check out my question, I would copy and paste it for your convenience, but there is too much info there. I know of multiple all natural substances which can be used and are cheap and effective.

Hey Travis, I wanted to make sure that you looked at my information because I care about your health so putting a link probably wasn’t sufficient. I’ve studied Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis for some time, to tell you the truth I have no social life whatsoever, I have OCD and social anxiety so I spend quite a bit of time immersed in research. The reason why mainstream medicine isn’t finding the cause of Crohn’s is because there are multiple causes, but the main underlying issue is usually if not always an autoimmune one.

The “immune system uses the lethal effects of oxidants by making production of oxidizing species a central part of its mechanism of KILLING PATHOGENS (wheat is a pathogen if you do not have the proper enzymes to digest it). Although the use of these highly reactive compounds in the cytotoxic response of phagocytes CAUSES DAMAGE TO HOST TISSUE, the non-specificity of these oxidants is an advantage since they will damage almost every part of their target cell. This prevents a pathogen from escaping this part of immune response by mutation of a single molecular target.

So in order to prevent pathogens from multiplying, the body attacks with a non-specific response which will damage target cells AND EVEN YOUR OWN TISSUE, for most people this is very small damage. In most people there is an enzyme which digests wheat, but if you don’t have this enzyme then your body will attack the wheat because it is treated as a pathogen.

DMSO and melatonin are all natural antioxidants which can freely move through any membranes, so using these substances neutralizes a lot of the oxidative damage but since a deficiency in the processing of wheat is a problem it’s best if you stop eating wheat and gluten which is in almost all packaged foods. I have pages of references to support this hypotheses, and the website I’ve added as a source goes into the process I described with more details. Melatonin makes you sleepy, and resets your biological clock in a way, so it’s best if you take this 30 mintues before you go to sleep like my brother who has Crohn’s.

Q: DIVERTICULITIS diet(s) or treatment suggestion(s) to avoid surgery?
Taking swedish bitters 3x a day, and meals consist of: fresh fruit and oatmeal for brekky, small portion dinner at noon, clear broth for supper is what I am doing at the moment. Drinking herbal teas, apple and cranberry juices and water. Surgery SCARES me!!

A: Keep doing what you are doing. The body goes through a six week cycle and really needs to be pushed into a healthier groove.
60% of your immune system is in the lower intestines. You must keep your bowels moving. Ideally a bm should be 3 times a day, but if one is all you can manage…fine.
Take flax seed, or flax seed oil. Remember, this medicine takes time. Stick with it, stay positive and get to a naturopath.

Q: What are some natural treatments for diverticulitis?

A: Stop eating nuts and corn. It won’t help the already formed pouches, but with those not irritating the intestines, you may not notice as much pain.

Q: Does anyone know of a link between chemotherapy and colitis/diverticulitis?
A family member is currently undergoing chemo treatments and ends up with acute colitis and/or diverticulitis everytime. One hospital stay and 2 ER trips so far.

A: I can’t give you any link that says there is a connection, but my husband had a similar experience. Chemotherapy is a toxin being put into the body, so the treatment sometimes seems worse than the symptoms of the disease. In the last 14 months we have had more trips to the ER than I can count – only 2 hospital stays.

Q: Does anyone know how long diverticulitis should last after antibiotics are given?
I’ve been taking antibiotics for two weeks,and its not getting any better I read that some doctors put people on a liquid diet but mine did not just like to here from others about there treatments.

A: The trouble is that antibiotics as well as dealing with infection kill the friendly bacteria in the gut so adding to the diarrhoea.
A liquid diet would be sensible, try soft foods like soup, ice cream, fingers of toast or bread and butter with a savoury spread or honey.
Normally a high fibre diet is recommended for patients suffering from diverticulitis, but if the antibiotics are partly causing the problem it could be sensible to eat light invalid style foods, easily digestable. And drinking plenty of fluid to replace fluids you are losing makes sense.
You need to replace salt and sugar too.

I am sorry the link is to a cancer site, but it had the most sensible advice I could find about diarrhoea.

Q: ulcer in colon and diverticulitis’s?
My mum has just been told that she is suffering with this condition after years of flare ups which she had put down to stomach bugs and the like.She was admited to hospital last week after 5 weeks of being very ill and in terrible pain.I’ve read up on Diverticulitis and understand the treatment but does anyone know what an ulcer in the colon is called and what treatment she is looking at?
The hospital haven’t told her much other than antibiotics and another week in hospital.Whats the longterm treatment?My mums 56 if that helps?

A: | health information | health factsheets

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Ulcerative colitis
Published by BUPA’s Health Information Team
February 2004

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel diseases. It can cause frequent bouts of diarrhoea that may contain blood and mucus. It can also cause abdominal pain.

Ulcerative colitis tends to have flare-ups and then settle down again for variable amounts of time, although it is possible to have a single attack of the condition.

What is it?
Ulcerative colitis affects the rectum and variable amounts of the rest of the colon (the large bowel or intestine). The other main inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. In around 10% of cases, it is not possible for doctors to distinguish between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. For more information, please see the separate BUPA factsheet titled Crohn’s disease.

Approximately 1 in 100 people are affected by ulcerative colitis. The disease affects men and women equally and can develop at any age, but most commonly affects adults aged 20-40. It is not an infectious illness.

What causes ulcerative colitis?
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood. Inflammatory bowel disease tends to run in families and 10 to 20% of people with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are likely to have at least one other person in their family affected. Researchers are also looking at the links between environmental factors such as nutrition and exposure to various infections.

The digestive system

Symptoms
The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is frequent, watery diarrhoea, which may be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain and the passage of blood and/or mucus. When the disease affects only the rectum – the final portion of the bowel, it is known as proctitis. When ulcerative colitis affects more of the colon than the rectum alone, symptoms are more severe. The symptoms vary according to the degree of inflammation in the bowel and whether or not the lining of the bowel has become ulcerated. In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, there may also be:

pain on opening the bowels
urgent and frequent need to open the bowels
the sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowels
diarrhoea, even during the night
nausea
loss of appetite
weight loss
extreme tiredness
A number of other problems may be associated with ulcerative colitis. These are more likely when the disease is active and include skin rashes, mouth ulcers, joint pains and anaemia.

Ulcerative colitis is defined as mild, moderate or severe, according to the frequency of diarrhoea, the presence of blood and how generally unwell the person is.

Complications
During a severe attack, around 1 in 20 people develop an inflamed and enlarged colon (megacolon), causing abdominal pain and tenderness. This requires urgent medical treatment to avoid the bowel perforating (a hole forming in the bowel wall). Half of people with megacolon improve with drug treatment but the other half need surgery.

Ulcerative colitis can cause changes in the liver (called sclerosing cholangitis), which may be picked up on blood tests to test the liver function.

Having ulcerative colitis increases the risk of developing bowel cancer, particularly for people who have had frequently recurring symptoms for more than 10 years. For this reason, people with ulcerative colitis are encouraged to do all they can to keep the condition under control. They are also offered bowel screening at regular intervals, to look for pre-cancerous changes.

Diagnosing ulcerative colitis
The pattern of symptoms, and a physical examination will indicate to your doctor whether ulcerative colitis is a possible diagnosis. A stool sample will usually be sent to the laboratory to rule out an infection, the most common cause of diarrhoea. When ulcerative colitis is suspected, blood tests are also done to help assess the severity of the illness.

Your GP may be able to perform a limited examination of the rectum or lower bowel. However, for a more thorough examination, your GP may need to refer you to hospital.

There, a gastroenterologist, a doctor specialising in the digestive system, will assess the amount of bowel inflammation and take biopsies (samples of the lining of the bowel) for laboratory testing.

To do this, gastroenterologists use endoscopes – flexible telescopic instruments with a light and lens at the tip, which send pictures of the lining of the bowel to a video monitor. The usual procedure for suspected ulcerative colitis is called a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which can be done even during a severe attack.

A colonoscopy uses a similar, but longer, instrument. The whole of the large bowel can be viewed, but it is not usually performed during a severe attack as it can increase the risk of complications.

The biopsy results can show whether ulcerative colitis is present. The results may also help doctors to distinguish ulcerative colitis from Crohn’s disease.

Treatment
The aim of treatment is to control flare-ups as quickly as possible and reduce the chances of further flare-ups or complications.

Medicines
Medicines are used to get a flare-up (also known as a relapse) of ulcerative colitis under control. The doctor may also prescribe drugs to treat diarrhoea and pain.

Once the diagnosis is known, the main treatments are steroids and a group of drugs containing 5-aminosalicylic acid (known as the 5-ASAs). Examples include sulfasalazine and mesalazine. Steroids and the 5-ASA drugs may be given as tablets, enemas or suppositories. Taking drugs as enemas or suppositories makes sense when treating ulcerative colitis, especially when the very last portion of the bowel and rectum are affected.

Preventing flare-ups
Steroids act quickly to dampen down inflammation, but doctors try not to prescribe them for long-term control because of the risk of side effects. The 5-ASAs are more suitable for preventing inflammation and reducing the risk of relapse. For people with more severe ulcerative colitis, who would otherwise end up needing repeated courses of steroids, other immunosuppressant drugs (that dampen down the immune system), such as azathioprine, may be used.

Surgery
Most people who have ulcerative colitis never need to have surgical treatment. However, for approximately one third of people it may be necessary if:

medicines are not controlling the symptoms adequately
repeated attacks lead to poor health and poor quality of life
there has been a sudden complication, such as perforation
pre-cancerous bowel changes, diagnosed by colonoscopy
The most common operation is a proctocolectomy. The colon is removed and the end of the small intestine is joined to the anus. A pouch is made from the small intestine to act as a replacement rectum. The operation may be done in two stages so that, for a time, the end of the intestine is brought out through the wall of the abdomen and drains the contents of the bowel into a bag. This is known as an ileostomy. The bowel is joined up again in a second operation once the surgery to create the pouch has healed.

Unfortunately, the pouch may itself be affected by inflammation and a permanent ileostomy may be required. Even though living with an ileostomy is an inconvenience, much expert help and support is available. Quality of life can be much improved as removal of the colon cures the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Living with ulcerative colitis
Having ulcerative colitis can be physically and emotionally stressful. Having frequent bouts of diarrhoea can easily interfere with work and normal social activities. Support, explanation and reassurance is available from GPs, specialist nurses, patient groups and the hospital specialists involved.

For most people with ulcerative colitis, remission from disease can be maintained for very long periods of time allowing a normal family and working life.

Further information
National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
0845 130 2233

http://www.nacc.org.uk

Digestive Disorders Foundation
020 7486 0341

http://www.digestivedisorders.org.uk

Q: anitbiotics fro diverticulitis making me nauseated?
im on cipro and a sulpha drug for diverticulitis. and its making me so nauseated!! i have skipped a dose just to get relief. ive been on it for 6 days and im supposed to take it 10 days. i have been taking it with food,
i am so miserable. and wont be able to reach the dr till tomorrow, will he change to a different antibitoic or is cipro/sulpha the only treatment? if you have had this experience please help

A: You could be allergic to one of the meds that you are taking. I am allergic to sulpha drugs. Check with your doctor because you don’t need to keep taking meds when they make you feel this bad. Hope you are better soon.

Q: Diverticulitis?
I was in the Er with really bad pain around Christmas time. they said I had diverticulitis. I have had pain on and off since then. I went through the treatment but not sure if it worked. Well about 2 hours ago I started getting really bad sharp pains in my left side of the colon. It hurts worse when I walk or lay a certain way. The pain has gotten worse since it started. I am not sure what to do. I don’t have to have a BM and I don’t think it is gas. But I am not sure it is diverticulitis either. I have felt sick to my stomach 3 times today, to the point I just wanted to sit. I keep getting dizzy also. Could this be from diverticulitis? Any advice would be great. The bad thing is my daughters 9th birthday party is tomorrow and I need to be 100% for it. If it does get worse I will seek medical attention.
Thanks
Jamie

A: Diverticulitis is caused by the lodging of food particles in the sacs of the Diverticulum, part of the intestines. Usually patients with this are instructed to avoid certain types of foods that contain seeds, nuts, strings etc. These parts of the food have a tendency of getting trapped in the sacs, the sacs become inflammed and it causes pain. You may also experience bloating or gas. Try watching what you are eating, keep a diary this will help you identify what the cause of the discomfort is so you can avoid it. If it continues do seek medical attention, If left untreated the part of the intestine that is diseased/inflammed could decline and surgery may have to be performed to remove the diseased portion of the intestine. This is not an uncommon disease, unfortunately it is part of the aging process.

Q: Severe Diverticulitis.?
hi my dad has severe diverticulitis, this is like his second attack, the first one he had no treatment they just said that he had it and then he left. He might need surgery, hes 6feet and weighs app 205lbs , if he does need surgery, whats the death risk.

A: Treatment for diverticulitis focuses on clearing up the inflammation and infection, resting the colon, and preventing or minimising complications.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, the doctor may recommend bed rest, oral antibiotics, a pain reliever, and a liquid diet. If symptoms ease after a few days, the doctor will recommend gradually increasing the amount of high fibRE foods in the diet.

Severe cases of diverticulitis with acute pain and complications will likely require a hospital stay. Most cases of severe diverticulitis are treated with IV antibiotics and a few days without food or drink to help the colon rest. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

If symptoms of diverticulitis are frequent, or the patient does not respond to antibiotics and resting the colon, the doctor may advise surgery. The surgeon removes the affected part of the colon and joins the remaining sections. This type of surgery—called colon resection—aims to prevent complications and future diverticulitis. The doctor may also recommend surgery for complications such as a fistula or partial intestinal obstruction.

Resection of the colon is a fairly common procedure, there are risks to any surgery and it’s impossible to give exact figures.
It is not usually in the high risk category. Ask your father’s doctor who knows his general state of health.

Q: what is DIVERTICULITIS what are the symptoms ?
do they put you on treatment explain every detail please

A: Diverticulitis develops from a condition called diverticulosis. If you’re older than age 40, it’s common for you to have diverticulosis — small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract. In the United States, more than 50 percent of people older than 60 have diverticula. Although diverticula can form anywhere, including in your esophagus, stomach and small intestine, most occur in your large intestine. Because these pouches seldom cause any problems, you may never know you have them.

Sometimes, however, one or more pouches become inflamed or infected, causing severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits. When diverticula become infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. But serious cases of diverticulitis may eventually require surgery to remove the diseased portion of your colon.

Fortunately, most people with diverticulosis never develop diverticulitis. Best of all, you can help prevent both types of diverticular disease by including more high-fiber foods in your diet.

Diverticulitis symptoms can feel like appendicitis, except you’ll generally have pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, instead of the lower right side. The pain is usually severe and comes on suddenly, but sometimes you may have mild pain that becomes worse over several days and fluctuates in intensity. You may also have abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, and constipation or diarrhea.

Less common signs and symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

Vomiting
Bloating
Bleeding from your rectum
Frequent urination
Difficulty or pain while urinating
Tenderness in your abdomen when wearing a belt or bending over

In general, treatment depends on the severity of your signs and symptoms and whether this is your first attack of diverticulitis. If your symptoms are mild, a liquid or low-fiber diet and antibiotics may be all you need. But if you’re at risk of complications or have recurrent attacks of diverticulitis, you may need more advanced care.

If your condition calls for home treatment, you temporarily need to avoid all whole grains, fruits and vegetables so that your colon can rest and heal. Once your symptoms improve — often in two to four days — you can gradually start increasing the amount of high-fiber foods in your diet.

In addition, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to help kill the bacteria causing your infection.

If you have a more severe attack that includes or puts you at risk of bowel obstruction or peritonitis, you may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

If you have a fistula or recurring diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the diseased part of your colon.

Q: What is Diverticulitis.?
I’ve had problems with my bowels for several months. My GP reffered me to a Specialist, as a result I had a Entmoscopicy, and a Colonospicy [not spelt right sorry] and was told I had pollops which showed cancer cells, which were investigated and showed up benign, and was told by letter that I had to have another Colonoscipy in a years time. Also told inthe letter that I had Diverticulitis, and I did’nt need to see the Specialist again, but was not told what the cause was or what treatment there was. They were only bothered about the Cancer cells, which thankfully were benign. What if any is the treatment, and what is this condition.

A: Diverticulitis is inflammation of diverticuli (which are little pouches that form in the wall of your colon). These pouches by themselves are harmless, but sometimes food gets stuck in here and causes an infection or inflammation causing diverticulitis. You can optomize your chances of not getting this by avoiding all seeds (popcorn, tomatoes, poppyseeds) as these are particularly prone to getting lodged in there.

I bet that if you look at your letter closer, it probably says that you have diverticulosis. If you do have diverticulitis, you need to let your GP know this and, in many cases, this requires antibiotics. Normally, you would have abdominal pain with active diverticulitis.

Q: husband hospitalized w/ diverticulitis today on IV for ? on cat scan?
my question is this.. this is his 4th flare up & now hospitalized w/ fluids. Anyone been successful w/long-term treatment or any ideas? He’s 49 non-smkr, good weight nothing else an issue. Been reading the other answers & getting worried that this might re-occur?

A: has he been tested for hepatitis? the doctor would need to do antibody tests, not just a liver panel as they are not always reliable.
diverticulitis can be caused by hepatitis c infection.

good luck!

Q: anyone who has suffered diverticulitis? I need serious help!?
my mom has developed diverticulitis and is very sick, with the usual symptoms how long does this sickness last? what are the best treatments? are there anything she should avoid? they determined that she had this threw a catscan and gave her pain medication and antibiotcis anyones help would be appreciated!!!

A: I know she has to avoid ANYTHING with seeds, like strawberries, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds. This is usually very painful. Google it and you will get alot of advice for helping her.

Q: need urgent info re diverticulitis any surgeons out there? this is URGENT?
my sister is sick. this is urgent. she has ambulance on way but i am not happy with time scale of treatment. she is malnourished and today has no feeling in her legs. help me please

A: Do you mean unhappy with the treatment she is receiving from GP or surgeon?

Why don’t you talk to the nurses on the ward when she is admitted/ or if your hospitla has it talk to the PALS peopl (patient advice liaison) they could advise you how to proceed.

She may need a second opinion, more importantly how does she feel about the level of care she is receiving? Maybe the pair of you just need an update of whats going on, remember they’re medical people not miracle workers and there’s always somethings that are more difficult to treat or even impossible.

To all of the people who have posted insensitive or judgmental answers to this question – i was always brought up that if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything!

Q: are there any treatments or methods to correct the condition Diverticulitis’s?
please excuse misspelling,

can this condition be corrected by some kind of surgical proceedure,such as tieing off part of the intestines, such as methods used for weight loss???? is this possible?

as you see i have no professional accumen or knowledge to really know what i am talking about here,,, so if you can figure out what i am talking about, i would appreciate an answer, any and all answers, welcome, thank you,
these are excellent answers, but what i am looking for specifically is can these pockets that have ballooned,be corrected surgically, can they be tied off.or simply surgically reduced,just cut away,? or would the same process begin again, ballooning and pockets forming?

A: This is where pouches form in the colon wall then become inflamed or infected doctors don’t know why this happens but do believe its from a low fiber diet ( not enough fiber eaten).This makes the colon work much harder when waste must be eliminated.Since fiber helps to keep the stool softer and much easier to pass threw the colon and cause less or none of the pouches but now need to treat this and eat a tad better more fiber in foods water alot more fruits and veggies. Diverticulitis happens when bacteria gets trapped in the pouches this then becomes infected and inflammation. The treatments you receive depends on how bad a case you have and how severe the pain if much and if you have infection or not yet.You will most likely get some antibiotic’s so take as prescribed. Once this is healed up try eating more fruits and veggies alot more fiber in foods drink alot of water as well.try some new exercise try to stay a tad more active.

Q: Help! Diverticulitis ! 72 year old dad needs help More questions?
My 72 year old dad was discharged from the hospital after given IV for fluid loss. He did not get any other treatment. He is still bleeding. He is here visiting me from NYC and we are in Alabama. The doictor did not give him an antibiotic. He wants to call his regular doctor and get the antibiotic he was given the other time this happened to him. What is the name of the antibiotics used for this?

A: I did not find any specific antibiotic that should be used. I would suggest you check with a doctor.

Treatment
An initial episode of acute diverticulitis is usually treated with conservative medical management, including bowel rest (ie, nothing by mouth), IV fluid resuscitation, and broad-spectrum antibiotics which cover anaerobic bacteria and gram-negative rods. However, recurring acute attacks or complications, such as peritonitis, abscess, or fistula may require surgery, either immediately or on an elective basis.

Upon discharge patients may be placed on a low residue diet. This low-fiber diet gives the colon adequate time to heal without needing to be overworked. Later, patients are placed on a high-fiber diet. There is some evidence this lowers the recurrence rate.

In some cases surgery may be required to remove the area of the colon with the diverticuli. Patients suffering their first attack of diverticulitis are typically not encouraged to undergo the surgery, unless the case is severe. Patients suffering repeated episodes may benefit from the surgery. In such cases the risks of complications from the diverticulitis outweigh the risks of complications from surgery.

Presentation
Patients often present with the classic triad of left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis (an elevation of the white cell count in blood tests). Patients may also complain of nausea or diarrhea; others may be constipated.

Less commonly, an individual with diverticulitis may present with right-sided abdominal pain. This may be due to the less prevalent right-sided diverticula or a very redundant sigmoid colon

What is Diverticulitis :
Diverticulitis is a common disease of the bowel, in particular the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches (diverticula) on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed.

Complications:
In complicated diverticulitis, bacteria may subsequently infect the outside of the colon if an inflamed diverticulum bursts open. If the infection spreads to the lining of the abdominal cavity, (peritoneum), this can cause a potentially fatal peritonitis. Sometimes inflamed diverticula can cause narrowing of the bowel, leading to an obstruction. Also the affected part of the colon could adhere to the bladder or other organ in the pelvic cavity, causing a fistula, or abnormal communication between the colon and an adjacent organ.

Bowel obstruction
Peritonitis
Abscess
Fistula
Bleeding
Strictures
Retrieved from “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diverticulitis”

Q: Any idea what to do for fistula perianal treatment!?
Any idea what to do for fistula perianal treatment!?
My close firend has been facing troubles with perianal abscess, and after an incision it developed to fistula perianal. What is your suggestion, to undergo a surgery which may live him with incontinence or continue with medicaments. Actually my question is is there any chance to heal by using drugs or any other alternative way in order to avoid fiercy surgery?

A: A man that I knew that did not want to undergo surgery took the meds that this Dr. recommended and the lived on a liquid only diet for 30 days (liquid broth, milk, jello etc.), and it cleared up.

The man I knew took this extreme measure because he had family members who had had the surgery then developed cancers.

Q: What is Fistula and what is its treatment?
I think this is the advance stage of piles.

A: A fistula is….

1) an abnormal connection between two parts of the body (such as between the bladder or rectum)

2) an abnormal connection of two different spots of the same part of the body (such as the small intestine)

3) inflammation that works it’s way to the outside of your body to where it shows up on the skin (such as from the colon to the outside of your butt).

Treatment for these could require surgery, but if caught early, they can be treated with some anti-biotics.

Q: any idea what to do for fistula perianal treatment!?
My close firend has been facing troubles with perianal abscess, and after an incision it developed to fistula perianal. What is your suggestion, to undergo a surgery which may live him with incontinence or continue with medicaments. Actually my question is is there any chance to heal by using drugs or any other alternative way in order to avoid fiercy surgery?

A: Other ways to treat anal fistula is track debridement and fibrin glue injection, endorectal advancement flap closure and Seton use to drain and heal. Your friend needs to discuss all treatment options with a surgeon.

Q: treatment for fistula with out operation?
i’m suffering from fistula for the last two years,used homeo medicines and stopped.Tell me the best and easy way to cure fistula without surgery
i;m suffering from fistula near the anus(excretion point) for the last two years.i started useing homeo medicines but stopped using medicines in the middle.I want to know the best curefor this without surgery

A: You don’t say where do you have the fistula, and you say that it “stopped”. Please explain what do you mean

Q: Can deep cleaning be done if there’s a fistula/abcess? How many tooth can be deep cleaned for each treatment?
And how long is the interval required after each deep cleaning.

Will appreciate if anyone can answer my questions immediately. Thank you very much.

A: hi there chris usually if the dentist diagnosed you that you need a deep cleaning you usually at least go to a series of appointment in most cases they do it in a 2 visit program it just depends on how you tolerate the procedure. deep cleaning is basically a procedure wherein you you get numbed and do the supra and subgingival scaling so it will be at least more comfortable for you to tolerate the procedure. in dentristry term they called in scaling or root planing or subgingival currettage. usually they do it per quad like let say for example upper right and lower right. if you dont have any missing teeth usually per quad has eight teeth for an adult patient (including third molars) so per quad is usually 8 teeth.
in most usual cases its advisable for you to have a deep cleaning even if you have fistula so that way they can drain the abcess that you have, BUT if the dentist founds out that your abcess is periapical which means you have an abcess in the apex area of your tooth then the case is in it should be in your dentist discretion. that way they can determine exactly whats best for you. usually the procdure interval after you had your first appointment for deep cleaning is 1 week , it depends how you tolerate the procedure and again it depends upon what your dentist says

Q: Kshar sutra in the treatment of fistula: How much does it cost?
Hi, I am from india. The ayurved doctor tells me that it will cost RS 15,000 for the thread application for the first time. And RS 1500 for every subsequent weekly change of thread. He says since the fistula is smaller in length, it will heal only in 2-3 thread changes. Do you think this is a fair price? Also cure for fissure will require kshar-karma (application of ayurvedic medicine on fissure) and this will cost me another RS 15,000 for the first application and RS 1000 for subsequent weekly application.
Has anybody got an idea of how much it costs in your locality for this treatment?
Please share your experiance.

A: Hi, I am the guy who asked this question. thanks for answering. I first thought going the conventional way of fistulotomy(lay-open) and hamerrhoidoctomy(stapler) as advised by my doctor. But when i learned about the risks involved (incontinence, post surgery pain) and high chance of recurrence, I started exploring alternatives. Kshar-sutra seemed a likely candidate because
a)this is not invasive (not even a drop of blood is shed during the procudure)
b)0% chance of incontinence (has never happened in the documented history)
c)It’s a out-patient procedure
d) very little post operative pain (can return to work the very same day)

So after looking at all these factors I got it done yesterday. It was done under local anesthasia. The only painful part was the anestasia injection. It took 20-minutes for the entire procedure to be over.
The procedure involved the following:
1) local anestasia by injection
2) kshar-sutra for fistula
3)kshar-karma for fissure
4)anti-tetnus injection

I have been asked to take 1 tab each of amoxicillin and serratiopeptidase 3 times day after meals for the next five days.

yesterday was a little painful. Today i can feel very mild pain. I start work tommorow. There is no incontinence.
I will be visiting the doctor on saturday for the thread change and kshar-karma. Doctor tells me that hamerrhoids can be easily treated by the oil he has given me and won’t require any procedure. If it doesn’t shrink then he would have to perform kshar-sutra for the hamerrhoid too.

This whole thing set me back by 15000(kshar-sutra for fistula)+15000(khar-karma for fissure)+1000 (ayurvedic laxatives and oil for local application)= RS 31000

the subsequent visits gonna cost me RS 2500 per visit. He says it will take about 2-3 visits for complete cure.

Do you think this is a fair price? The conventional allopathic procedure would have cost me around RS 50,000 (incl one day stay at hospital).

1$ = RS 40

Please share your experiance.
Thanks for reading.

Q: can rectovaginal fistula affect virgins and what is the treatment?

A: I suppose it is possible if the person has some underlying weakness or predisposition for one. I would think if that is the case, that it would be found and treated at a very young age. Usually, though, in a young person, this would be from a trauma, most probably of a sexual sort.

The only treatment I know of for this is surgical.

I hope I helped

Q: what is recto vaginal fistula? causes,treatment?

A: It’s basically a “tunnel” that goes between your rectum and your vagina. This can cause you to poop urine, or urinate poop, etc. Surgical treatment can fix this, because if it isn’t fixed, it can lead to infection.

Many things can use it, trauma, injury, disease, etc.

Q: what is anal fistula and alternative treatment?

A: You can have a fairly good idea from the following links about anal fistula:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_fistula
www.mayoclinic.org/anal-fistula/
Fistula can also appear in other sites like Bilary fistula, Gastro colic(in Crohn’s), Vesico vaginal(following radio necrosis), Uretrovaginal(from Obstretical trauma) etc. These are abnormal passages culminating from abscess formations. Fistula ani can also be accompanied by Hemorrhoids, Fissures, and ulceration of the anus. Constipation and autointoxication are important factors. Most of the persons who have fistula are by their habits, conducts etc are pre-disposed towards that end. In other words there is an inbuilt pre-disposition towards receiving fistulous nature. This may be conveyed in Ayurveda by the word, Tridosha or in Homeo by respective miasms and therefore miasmetic remedies are warranted, and spiritually those of sinful nature. The person suffering from fistula therefore has less to do with his sufferings and conditions than what he has inherited. I would not consider it as a hereditary ailment, though. Only the habits and conduct of life, like strong idiosyncracies etc. ending up in Fistula are received hereditarily.

You have already seen the options available in conventional medicine. Either they are management techniques or surgery where the relapse and return of the malady is very common. In homeopathy the medicine of significant value in cure is Silicea and Myrestica Seb. But, as you are aware, these medicines need not be suitable for all persons as per basic principles of homeopathy, each person has to be treated holistically and the mediicine symptom picture should match with the symptom picture emiting from the person. However, in some cases organ specific medicines have been found successful and therefore, disease symptom specific too. Nitric Acid, and bacillinum, graphites are medicines that can help you with miasmetic aspects. Sulphur and berberis vulgaris are other medicines of value. Calendula can be used externally. High potencies of hepar sulph can help you with the drying up of abscesses. Change in life style is a must for permanent cure.

There are recorded first hand reports of ongoing curative process with www.Homeopathyandmore.com where Mr. Joe Livera is successfully helping the cure. with best wishes.

Q: What is the treatment of Anal Fistula.?
I am suffering form the diesease Anal fistula. It is a small swelling near the anus draing less pus( white fulid) .But it is not painful .I am taking Homeopatihic treatment from last one month. doctors says that it requires more time to cure.
Advice me anybady already suffered from this diease or any experience for further treatment.

A: Surgical closure of the fistula is the definitive management.

Q: Treatment of fistula -in-ano by natural way ,homeopathy or other (without surgery)?

A: You can try soaking in hot bath. This works for a while. I had one removed by surgery in sep 07 omg was it painful. I could not bare the pain for the first two weeks. Total healing time to pain free was one month. good luck

Q: What are other treatments for tooth abscess and fistula except distraction of the tooth?
What are other treatments for tooth abscess and fistula except distraction of the tooth since oral surgery hadn’t helped?

A: When you had the oral surgery, was a root canal performed? If so, that is the last ditch effort to say the tooth. If the fistula and the infection does not resolve in 2-4 weeks after having thins done, then extraction is your only option.

Q: possible causes and treatment of hepati arteriovenous fistula in english bulldogs?

A: Sorry but you’ve posted your question in the wrong category — Skin Conditions.

Q: How can I heal up a dental fistula without the tooth being pulled?
I have a pus draining fistula on a tooth where a bridge is anchored on. Antibiotic treatment hasn’t helped. Are there any natural remedies?

A: Nope, no natural remedies will cure a badly-infected tooth.

You have a fistula because the tooth above it is serving as a reservoir for the bacteria, and no natural remedies can get in that tooth, kill all the germs, and seal it off so it won’t be infected again.

The only way to get rid of the source of the infection is to either do endodontics treatment, or get the tooth pulled, depending on the specifics of your situation (to be determined by a thorough evaluation by a dentist).

Hope this helps.

Q: What’s root canal treatment? Can it be done at the same time after deeping cleaning?
What’s root canal therapy treatment? Is it 100% safe and effective. Is there any side effect? Can it be done at the same time after deep cleaning or it can only be carried out sometime after deep cleaning. Is root canal treatment necessary for perio disease treatment? My son may had fistula in his gum as his gum/teeth is feeling sore and dry. Can it be treated by taking medicine/prescription? Can deep cleaning be carried out if this happened?
Can anyone who knows please answer or give your advice urgently. Thank you very much.

A: CHRIS,
HOW OLD IS YOUR SON? ROOT CANAL TREATMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE. THESE ARE 2 SEPARATE ISSUES.
DEPENDING ON THE CLEANING, PLAQUE AND CALCULUS (tartar) ARE REMOVED FROM THE TEETH. THIS IS 100% SAFE AND EFFECTIVE.
FOR A ROOT CANAL, THE NERVE IS REMOVED FROM A TOOTH AND REPLACED WITH A STABLE COMPOUND. SUBSEQUENTLY, A FILLING OR A CROWN IS PLACED ON THE TOOTH. WITH PRIMARY TEETH THE PROCEDURE IS VERY EFFECTIVE. WITH PERMANENT TEETH THERE IS A 95% SUCCESS RATE.
I WOULD ASSUME THAT THE ROOT CANAL WOULD BE DONE PRIOR TO THE DEEP CLEANING.

Q: What factors should drive treatment choices within the range of options to address adenomatous colon polyps?
There appears to be a range of discretion in the medical literature about treating a proliferation of precancerous (“adenomatous”) colon polyps – from periodic surveillance colonoscopy with polectomy, to surgery to remove some or all of the colon? What are the factors and considerations a patient and doctor should consider in determining an appropriate course of treatment within this range of options?

A: What kind of medical literature are you reading?
I have no idea what a polectomy is, but there is no reason to remove part of the colon simply because you had polyps..

Q: is there any other treatment for nasal polyps beside surgery?
my mom has nasal polyps and i just want to find a way to help her
is there any other way? like herbals?? pls let me know

A: STEROIDS

OTHER THAN THAT

NEIN

SORRY

BUT THE SURGERY DO HELP

Q: What is the best non surgical treatment for a nasal polyps?

A: This may sound strange but it really works:

Cider (apple) vinegar in cotton wool, apply to polyp (nostril) once to twice a day.

Q: Does anybody know of a treatment for nasal polyps?
Preferably a natural drug-free one?

A: surgery. My husband has them and the doctor told him they have to be cut out.

Q: what is the gynae problem known as polyps and what is the outlook and treatment?
my friend has been told by hospital she has polyps (gynae problems)..she wants to know what these are as she wasn’t told fully

A: A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk it is said to be pedunculated. If no stalk is present it is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, sinus(es), urinary bladder and uterus. They may also occur elsewhere in the body where mucous membranes exist like the cervix[1] and small intestine.

Q: Most effective treatment for Nasal polyps and Maxillary sinusitis?
I have DNS and allergic rhinitis. Budesonide nasal spray has any advantage over others for treating polyps?

A: Why don’t u try taking Homeopathy I can assure u that it’ll b treated totally and u’d b relieved in no time off those polyps without any harmful steroids and /or any operation etc it’ll take time but it’ll get cured please consider taking homeopathy medicine it’ll b really b beneficial for ur problem…

I had been detected with Sinus problem and when i went for check up I was diagnosed with some other issue it was some growth of 3-4 small nodes in my throat and thus I had almost had lost my voice so I was told that I’d have to go thru very minor operation to get rid of those but i just went to my homeopathy doctor showed him my X-Rays and he just gave me medicines for just a month and everything was back to normal no nodes nor did i suffer from my sinus either no problem ever occured at all…this is why I’d suggest well it’s ur choice tho newayz best luck and take care.

Q: My mother was having ‘cough’ for years and it turned as allergywith cold&nasal polyps.Is there any treatment?
I ‘m scared whether it will turn to breathe problems. Now she is 46.
Please help me.

A: She can get allergy shots. You can give them to her. See an Allergist.

Q: Non-surgical treatment for Polyps?
I am diagnosed with DNS (Deviated Nasal Septum) in left nostril and Polyps in both nostrils. There is constant nasal block and I have lost sense of smell. To remove the nasal block, I have been using nasal drops like OTRIVIN, NOSEVION, EFCORLIN, etc. for the past 18 years. The problem is worsening. Though I am advised surgery, I am little bit scared of it. Is there a reliable non-surgical treatment for the above problem, in any medical culture- may it be Allopathy, Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha or Homeopathy. I want total cure. And written assurance for the same.

A: Don’t waste further time and keep trying alternative medicines. You have already waited for 18 long years and as you write things are only worsening for you. Every alternative medicine will make tall claims to have a solution to your problems and offer treatment. How would you then determine which system to choose? You will get more confused and probably cause even more damage than what it is now.

As far as written assurance is concerned no one will give you one. Even if some one does, he/she would not be actually serious about the same and find ‘n’ number of excuses after failure.

You need not worry about surgery, since school medicine is very advanced and there are thousands of people who have gone under the scalpel / scissors and have led a very long and healthy life. You will definitely get rid of your problem once for all and with proper medication after surgery you will lead a very normal and hazzle free life.

P.N: In any medical treatment you first need to have faith in that system and only then will the treatment be effective.

Good luck; Be brave !!!

Q: has anyone had polyps in their nose and what treatment !?
hi i think thats what ive got just one but has got big feels like i have a cold all the time ! thanks!

A: Nasal polyps are fleshy outgrowths of the mucous membrane of the nose.
* Nasal polyps are more likely to develop in people who have allergies or asthma.
* Some of the symptoms caused by polyps are nasal obstruction and congestion.
* Doctors usually diagnose nasal polyps based on their characteristic appearance.
* Corticosteroids can shrink or eliminate polyps, but sometimes polyps must be removed surgically.
Removing the polyps with surgery usually makes it easier to breathe through the nose. Over time, however, nasal polyps often return. Reduced or lost sense of smell does not always improve following treatment with medicines or surgery.

Q: My mother is having allergy for years. Now she has nasal polyps and dry cough. What about Chinese treatment?
Please tell me your opinion about Chinese medicine.
Or do you have any other suggestions to get rid of this.
She is 46 years old. I’m scared whether it would cause asthma gradually
Please help me on the basis of your experience

A: One of the non-invasive therapies available for nasal polyps is NSAID therapy. Have your mother take one aspirin a day if she can tolerate them, gradually, the nasal polyps will shrink. Make sure she can take aspirin before undergoing this treatment.

Q: What is likely treatment for colon polyps (adenomatous) condition? ?
I’ve turned 50 y.o. this year, conscientiously had a physical exam (all OK) and routine referral for colonoscopy screening. I have no symptoms of illness, am pretty healthy; but what I expected to be a routine colonoscopy actually found many polyps and prompted Dr. to make a referral for labs. Dr’s report said “The large number and variety of polyps is unusual.” and that “genetic testing is indicated.” Dr. had me back twice more, each time looked around in my colon and removed many polyps. The three colonoscopy procedures during past four months have found about 50 polyps, mostly pre-cancerous “adenomas” – tubular and tubulovillous per pathology reports; but no dysplasia nor carcinoma at present). Most polyps found have been fairly small, a couple 1.0-1.5 cm. Still some small
sessile polyps remain at present. After 3rd colonoscopy Dr. counseled that consideration should be given to genetic testing, “and ultimately colectomy may be needed.” Dr. referred me for “FAPKM” genetic testing, they drew my blood and have sent it off to Mayo Clinic. This “FAPKM” testing seems pretty specialized – they are looking for a specific genetic mutation that might inhibit my colon from suppressing polyps. I have no known family history of colon polyps, no family history of colorectal cancer. Everything I’ve read seems
to indicate that a colon with 50 pre-cancerous polyps is serious,
whether the cause is genetic or “sporadic,” and leaves me with the impression the colectomy option may (eventually?) be more likely needed than not. While I await test results I wonder, can anyone here explain likely range of outcomes for someone with my current condition?

A: There are several familial polyposis syndromes:
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), due to APC gene mutation- cancer occurs on average by 4th decade.
Attenuated FAP: similar but delayed age onset and fewer polyps
Turcots and Gardner’s syndromes: FAP plus various extraintestinal manifestations.
Peutz-Jegher’s, Juvenile polyposis syndromes, and others less common

Cancer rates can approach 100% in FAP in some series, frequently by age 45. You may have an attenuated version. Basically, if there are too many polyps to perform surveillance colonoscopy successfully, then colectomy is usually recommended.

Blessings

Q: nasal polyp treatment, what are possible/effective methods?
OK, so I had a sinus infection a few weeks ago, and while checking my x-ray for my sinus infection my dr. noticed something abnormal, and one MRI later I found out that I a unpleasant thing called nasal polyps. I have been referred to a specialist, but of course my app. isn’t for a few weeks, so i was wondering what my possible options are. As for the polyps themselves apparently one of my nostrils (sinus?) is nearly completely blocked (its apparently pretty big), and the other has a “normal” amount considering i have asthma and allergies. So ive heard alot about surgery as a treatment (what exactly would it entail?), but i was wondering if and what other possible alternatives may be open to me, since i’d rather not have to have surgery, such as medication or if i would even be candidate for that. Also just out of curiosity it seems to me that I can always breathe out of one nostril, but not both, and which one i can breathe out of will change from either right to left, so i was also wondering what this would mean in relation to how the polyp would affect me. First time on yahoo answers so forgive me if my question may be to long or confusing, thx.

A: My symptoms are similar to yours. I have elected to do nothing but live with it. It is only a nuisance when there is swelling. If I take it easy and lie down the inflammation goes away. I’m not bothered with sinusitis, nor sinus infections at this time. However, I have suffered from it in the past. Mine is triggered by allergy and stress. For the past two years, I take a daily dose of local honey. No sinus problems, no allergies, no asthma symptoms (which is induced by my allergies and stress). Just my story that I felt compelled to share.

Q: polyps is it dangerous and treatment?

A: josh – It very much depends upon the location and type of polyp. A nasal (nose) polyp, usually in people with allergies, may partly block good breathing and is simply removed. In the large intestine where about half of all people develop different size and different types of polyps, most are benign while some are considered to be suspicious and could, if left alone long enough, grow to start a cancer are also recommended for removal and examination under a microscope following simple ooutpatientremoval by way of a procedure called colonoscopy where a flexible tube with light and mmirrorallow the gastroenterologist MD to view and easily remove. Rarely is a polyp malignant.

Q: Is there a home remedy for urinary bladder polyps?
I was diagnosed with urinary bladder polyps over a year ago and saw them on a monitor during a cystoscopy. The treatment was apparently going to be very involved and would’ve required me to lose time from work. My work wasn’t going to allow it. Now I don’t have health insurance and am trying to find out if there’s a natural remedy/home remedy to get rid of the polyps. I’m tired of wearing pads for the “just in case” sneezes, coughs, and hardy laughs.

A: polyps can be cancerous, so they need to come out sooner or later.

Q: I was doing a self-exam when i noticed a lump on my cervic, i dont know if it is a cervical cysts or polyps?
I know it is not cervical cancer caused by HPV because i have normal pap test from my OBGYN…i was looking online at pictures and website’s but it says no treatment is necessary and they will go away but then why does is instruct me to go get checked out with my doctor…can cervical cysts or polyps led to infertility? also what causes them to come up?

A: It instructs you to see your doctor because no one can feel the difference between an abnormal cancer bump, and a normal cyst bump. There is no reason for these to show up, they just do! Some people think they are clogged mucous glands. They don’t interfere with fertility unless they get huge and in the way, bleed, or evolve into something else.

Q: Does anyone on here suffer with crohns and what treatment do you have?
I have had it for the last ten years it is no fun, especially trying to keep up with two kids. When I am feeling ****.

A: I find the best treatment is changing my diet. That’s the only thing that works to stop the pain and diarrhea.

As a general rule, the grain and cereal foods at the top of this list make the safest, easiest, and most versatile soluble fiber foundations for your meals and snacks.[1]

Rice
Pasta and noodles
Oatmeal
Barley
Fresh white breads such as French or sourdough (NOT whole wheat or whole grain)*
Rice cereals
Flour tortillas
Soy
Quinoa
Corn meal
Potatoes
Carrots
Yams
Sweet potatoes
Turnips
Rutabagas
Parsnips
Beets
Squash and pumpkins
Mushrooms
Chestnuts
Avocados (though they do have some fat)
Bananas
Applesauce
Mangoes
Papayas (also digestive aids that relieve gas and indigestion)

*Please choose a baked-daily, high quality, preservative-free brand. White bread does not mean Wonder.

Why is soluble fiber so special? Because unlike any other food category, it soothes and regulates the digestive tract, stabilizes the intestinal contractions resulting from the gastrocolic reflex, and normalizes bowel function from either extreme. That’s right – soluble fiber prevents and relieves BOTH diarrhea and constipation. Nothing else in the world will do this for you.

I’ve enclosed a link that will give you more information about how to change your diet. I know this works.

Q: I am currently undergoing treatment for Crohns disease which consists of Remicade infusions.?
I was also recently diagnosed with Graves disease and did the radioactive idione treatment. Well a few minutes ago my dog got in a fight with another dog and I broke it up and was bit by my dog. Its not a horrible bit a bit swollen and tender. It defenitly broke the skin. I called all my Doctors and there offices are closed. Should I go to the ER or wait until tomorrow. I just started Remicade and I don’t know all the side effects

A: hi jill, I am a female crohn’s like yourself. I had Remicade treatment for mine a few yrs.ago. The only side effects I remember are others stating at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America support group meetings were that at the time of infusion they developed heart palps or difficulty breathing. then the infusion was stopped. Others had a reaction after 2 or more infusions where it just didn’t work due to the pt. building up a resistance to the mouse antibodies in it. Now they premedicate pts. with benedryl to prevent that from happening.

I provided info for their site and hotline. They also have a live chat on their site that is run by healthcare professionals well versed in IBD M-F 9 am – 5 pm. (EST).

If you can’t get ahold of your GI, call your primary care MD. Here is the information from the drug company’s website on Remicade:

What are the possible side effects of infliximab?

Serious, even fatal, infections have been reported to occur during treatment with infliximab. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever or chills; sore throat, coughing, congestion or other signs of infection; redness, pain, or swelling of a skin wound; or burning or difficult urination.

Treatment with an immunosuppressant such as infliximab may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma). Treatment with infliximab may also increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder such as a lupus-like syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using infliximab and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Contact your doctor if you develop

headache;
muscle or joint pain;
rash or itching;
fatigue; or
nausea or vomiting.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect infliximab?

Do not receive “live” vaccinations during treatment with infliximab. Administration of a live vaccine may cause an infection or be ineffective during treatment with infliximab.

The administration of infliximab and anakinra (Kineret) may be associated with an increased risk of serious infections, and increased risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before using infliximab if you are using anakinra (Kineret).

Other medications may interact with infliximab or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, during treatment with infliximab.

Q: free nhs treatment for crohns and chronic diseases?
if you have chronic illness such as crohns, can u get free nhs prescriptions all your life?

A: As far as I’m aware, paying for an NHS prescription has nothing to do with what illness you have or what medications you recieve. If you are considered able to afford to pay for prescriptions, you do.

Q: Is treatment in a Hyperbolic chamber good for Crohns and Ankylosing Spondilitus?

A: I would think no. Hyperbaric works by adding more oxygen to the blood and increasing blood flow to bodily tissues. Those are diseases would not benefit from increased blood flow

Q: A treatment for Crohns, IBS, depression, schizophrenia, a positive approach to disease treatment: Probiotics?
Chemcial imbalances for many people is a common term for diseases of unknown origins, diseases or symptoms.

Well what can cause these chemcial imbalances, a bacteria, a virus, yes, but also this can be caused by a lack of ‘probiotics’ ( acidophilus) referring to the friendly bacteria that operates your digestive system.

When was the last time the doctor gave you bacteria, friendly bacteria ?

Modern medicine is all about attacking a problem.

What if the problem cannot be attacked, but cultivated, because the real problem is a lack of what is called friendly bacteria that processes food into chemicals. (yogurt, saurerkraut)

Since our body operates through bio-chemcial processes, then a lack of proper chemicals because we lack the ‘workers’ within the digestive system will cause many diseases, including cancer, or the breakdown of body cells; due in part because they don’t have the proper chemicals.

Have you heard of probiotics ?
Can this be the missing link ?
The “link” I mentioned referred to the probiotics.

If you are looking for a link, look up “parasites’, ‘’symptoms of parasites’, treatment for parasites.

Here is one:

http://www.abeautifuldifference.com/webdoc.535.html

A: Probiotics is very critcal for optimal health; however, there is only one product that guarantees that the microflora reach our intestines live (500 million) and that’s all-natural Optiflora (a patented process). Other products such as yogurt only indicate that the microflora are live at the time of manufacture not that they will be live when they reach our intestines. So, I agree that probiotics is essential for good health – use Optiflora!!!!

Best Wishes

Q: if you have crohns disease and the treatment isn’t successful. do you live?
my mom said that my dad might be having strokes and might have crohns disease. and im asking here. because right nwo im really scared because i dont kno wat will happen

A: There are many treatments for Crohn’s. Several types of medications are available to treat Crohn’s disease. There Anti-inflammatory drugs, Immune system suppressors, Antibiotics and several other medications.

If the drugs don’t work then there is an operation to do to give some relief. Once in awhile some people need a couple operations. So as you can see there are a lot of treatments avaliable. They can usually get it under control with one or the other. Sometimes a combination of surgery and medication will be used.

Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die.

Stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment of a stroke is crucial. Early treatment can minimize damage to your brain and potential stroke complications.

The good news is that strokes can be treated, and many fewer Americans now die of strokes than was the case 20 or 30 years ago. Improvement in the control of major risk factors for stroke — high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol — is likely responsible for the decline.

Q: has anyone not had any success with this form of treatment for crohns disease?
eat organic fruits & steamed vegetables & rice. AVOID dairy, hard meats, processed foods (artificial flavor, colors, preservatives), fried foods, popcorn, ice cream, sweets, pop, & alcohol. TAKE slippery elm, marshmellow root, ginger, aloe juice, fiber supplement such as ‘fiber smart’, probiotics, and fish oil. can anyone with crohns honestly tell me that after following this strict regimine that their crohns is not cured? my doctor does not believe me when i tell him this is all i need & i do not need to take steriods or asacol anymore. i feel great and ive met other people with crohns.. given them this advice and they feel great now too. so i want to help you all out there with crohns disease. it may be hard to eat such a strict diet but after doing it for awhile, you wont want to eat anything else.. anything else will seem gross! i went from a HUGE sweet tooth, eating fast food all the time and now i can’t eat sweet stuff or crap. just looking at it makes me feel sick. try it!
oh and i forgot.. you need to avoid caffeine and any stimulant drugs like the plaque.

A: Hi! I don’t have Chrohn’s, but I plan on becoming a gastroenterologist… specializing in food intolerances and illnesses that many doctors cast aside. From what I have read, many illnesses start in the gut. Chrohn’s is exactly that… an illness based in the digestion system. It only makes clear, conducive sense that what you put into your digestive tract effects how it functions. If you put junk into your home pipes, obviously they stopped functioning as well with time. It is even moreso with the digestive tract because it is living and chemically and electrically sensitive. I have heard a doctor discuss how the small intestines are the 2nd organ with the most nuerotransmissions… 2nd to the brain. It is incredibly important that we eat the right things to keep it functioning properly.

I applaud your efforts for taking control of your health! I encourage you to seek medical advice from someone who views the body as a whole entity. There are more and more doctors in the USA who are MDs but also becoming Integrative practitioners. http://thenewmedicine.org/ I would consider looking for an integrative MD if I were you. They believe in drug therapy as well as the non-traditional methods such as diet, supplements, stress-reduction, etc.

Below I have included a great article from Dr. Weil (an integrative doctor)… about some Crohn’s research and how he prefers treating patients with it.

Good luck and keep up the GREAT work!!

Q: Giardia treatment: Best choice for intestinal problem ie IBS, Crohns, and others… ?
Intestinal problems ? Labelled with IBS, or Crohns ?

Did you know that many tests for bacterial infections are not 100% accurate, in fact giardia requires some 3-6 negative tests to prove you don’t have it. Most doctors believe one is sufficient.

Research into herbal treatments for giardia, and related symptoms, has shown several ancient herbal treatments.

Which ones do you believe or have tried to be the best ?

Garlic.
Ginger
Green Black Walnut Hulls
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Oregano Oil

Something else ?

Simple Herbal Treatments !

http://www.abeautifuldifference.com/webdoc.535.html

A: Hi:

Well I use a probiotic which is Acidophilus, I choose bland foods, I tend to eat less fiber when I have a flair up. I take grape seed extract2 X day, Fish oil caps, and I always carry with me different forms of peppermint as peppermints help with the cramping.

Be safe and be well

Q: What is the treatment for Crohns disease. Can it completely cured/?
This has refence colon bleeding, while clearing the bowls

A: Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease of the intestines, therefore there is no cure for it. There are measures that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms, which seems to work for some people. Surgery, diet, relaxation techniques, alternative therapies (acupuncture, massage, reflexology, etc.) probiotics, etc. have all been proven to help individual cases.

Q: Have you or anyone you know used IV treatments for Crohns disease?
What was the outcome and cost? Did insurance cover it? Any info would be helpful.
Thanks!

A: My older sister has Crohn’s. She has been managing the
illness for over twenty years.
It is possible for Crohn’s Disease to go into
remission. However, most flare-ups are handled with
oral meds, such as Lialda (a form of mesalamine)
Prendisone (such as Depo-Medrol), & Azulfadine.
There are many new drugs used today to treat Crohn’s.
My sister was only on IV meds once, and that was when
she was hospitalized and dehydrated.
Insurance does pay, your doctor has to tell them why you
need IV meds as opposed to the orals.
This was our expericence. Hope this info helps you.

Q: i was just diagnosed with crohns, anyone have it and have had the remicade treatment?

A: Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with such an awful disease. I have been on pretty much every treatment including remicade. I have to come off it though because of an adverse reaction I had during my Last treatment. I can not imagine that your gi would go to remicade as a first treatment though.. Usually you start off with the less harmful meds i started off with asacol (i know the name is just awful for use with ibd..LOL) and prednisone. Then went to imuran then 6mp and pentasa, then entocort and librax, then remicade, then back to a combination of other treatments.. I would talk to my gi and ask why they are wanting to start you on something like remicade first.. Here are some links that i am sure you will find more useful than yahoo answers when it comes to crohn’s disease.
http://ccfa.org/ – crohn’s and colitis foundation of america – they even have online chat with a nurse or you can call with questions about meds or whatever.
http://crohns-sanity.org/forum/index.php – great for forums
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17 – great forum also..
I also have a list of 30 or so sites that have been helpful to me that i can email you if you would like..
I hope I have atleast been a little helpful

Q: Are there any similarities in the treatments for Crohns Disease and Lupus?
Similar as in steroids and/or pain meds,antibiotics etc?

A: Yes–as they are both auto-immune diseases. Your immune system is out of whack and basically turns on you.

Inflamation is one of the main pain sources for both conditions and steroids are used for both to reduce this.

However, while both have common meds used in treatment the rest is done on an idividual basis upon evalution of symptoms and severity.

Q: Is anyone familiar with TSO for Crohns?? Can they be transported or pose any health risk to someone else?
Happy New year! I am not familiar with the experimental treatment of TSO for Crohns disease, although I have checked websites, I do not see any answers as to whether or not it can be of any detriment to a partner not taking it coming from someone that is. Also, what are some health risks to the person that is taking it?

A: They feed you helminths which are very small worms, but not the worms you are thinking of. It is thought that this will decrease the host’s inflammatory processes. If a host has crohn’s it is thought that the disease will subside. I found the following research article for you. Best of luck.

Background: Crohn’s disease is common in highly industrialised Western countries where helminths are rare and uncommon in less developed areas of the world where most people carry worms. Helminths diminish immune responsiveness in naturally colonised humans and reduce inflammation in experimental colitis. Thus exposure to helminths may help prevent or even ameliorate Crohn’s disease.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the safety and possible efficacy of the intestinal helminth Trichuris suis in the treatment of patients with active Crohn’s disease.

Patients: Twenty nine patients with active Crohn’s disease, defined by a Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) 220 were enrolled in this open label study.

Methods: All patients ingested 2500 live T suis ova every three weeks for 24 weeks, and disease activity was monitored by CDAI. Remission was defined as a decrease in CDAI to less than 150 while a response was defined as a decrease in CDAI of greater than 100.

Results: At week 24, 23 patients (79.3%) responded (decrease in CDAI >100 points or CDAI <150) and 21/29 (72.4%) remitted (CDAI <150). Mean CDAI of responders decreased 177.1 points below baseline. Analysis at week 12 yielded similar results. There were no adverse events.

Conclusions: This new therapy may offer a unique, safe, and efficacious alternative for Crohn’s disease management. These findings also support the premise that natural exposure to helminths such as T suis affords protection from immunological diseases like Crohn’s disease.

——————————————————————————–

Abbreviations: CDAI, Crohn’s disease activity index; 6-MP, 6-mercaptopurine; DNBS, ditrinitrobenzene sulphonic acid; TNBS, trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; inflammatory bowel disease; helminths; immunomodulatory; Trichuris suis

Crohn’s disease is a chronic relapsing inflammatory reaction that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is common in parts of the world where helminthic colonisation is rare and uncommon in those areas where most people carry worms.1 It appears to result from an inappropriate immune response to normal gut flora. Helminths down-modulate the host immune response to unrelated antigens,2–4 a property that could be beneficial in Crohn’s disease. Helminths reduce inflammation in experimental murine colitis.1,5–7Trichuris suis, the porcine whipworm, is similar to human whipworm T trichiura. Ingestion of T suis ova results in short term self limited colonisation of humans.8 We therefore conducted a 24 week clinical trial to evaluate the safety and possible efficacy of live T suis therapy in Crohn’s disease.

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Patients were enrolled in a 24 week open label study after giving informed consent. The University of Iowa Institutional Review Board approved the protocol. Subjects with Crohn’s disease, as defined by standard clinical, radiological, and histological criteria, were recruited and followed at the University of Iowa and clinical practices in the State of Iowa. Patients 18–72 years old were eligible if they had a Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) between 220 and 450.9 A small bowel series and colonoscopy were required within the year before enrolment. Patients continued their Crohn’s disease medications if they met the following enrolment criteria: (1) mesalamine or derivatives if they had been receiving it for >8 weeks and the same dose for >4 weeks; (2) oral prednisone up to 25 mg/day if patients had been receiving it for >8 weeks and the same dose for >4 weeks; and (3) azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) if patients had been receiving it for >6 months and the same dose for >8 weeks. Before enrolment, patients had to have a haemoglobin concentration of >10.0 g/dl, white blood count of 5000–15 000/mm3, platelet count >150 000/mm3, no iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, total bilirubin <1.5 mg/dl, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase <100 U/dl, alkaline phosphatase <250 U/dl, blood urea nitrogen <40 mg/dl, serum creatinine <2.0 mg/dl, and stool examination negative for pathogens or Clostridium difficile toxin. Women had a negative pregnancy test and practised birth control. Patients with ileostomy, colostomy, resection >50 cm, obstructive symptoms, or anticipated need for surgery were excluded. They were not enrolled if (1) treatment in the last 12 weeks included cyclosporine, methotrexate, infliximab, or other immunomodulatory agents, (2) treatment in the last two weeks included antibiotics, antifungal, or antiparasitic medications, and (3) they had other diseases that could interfere with compliance or interpretation of the results.

Specific pathogen free pigs were given T suis ova by gastric gavage. After allowing time for worm maturation, adult worms were isolated from the colon and cultured in vitro. Ova produced in vitro were collected and allowed to embryonate for 5–6 weeks in phosphate buffered saline containing penicillin/streptomycin/amphotericin B at 22°C. The embryonated ova were then made bacteria free using 0.2% K2Cr2O7, washed with sterile saline, and stored at 5°C in phosphate buffered saline. Standard viral and bacterial cultures were performed on aliquots of ova to assure that they contained no pathogens. Pigs were inoculated with stored ova at regular time intervals to assure that the ova remained infective. This analysis demonstrated that stored ova retained viability for at least nine months. Eggs were divided into individual aliquots of 2500. This number of ova was the same as that used in our earlier pilot study.10 Subjects returned every three weeks to drink the ova suspended in a commercial drink. The study coordinator witnessed that all of the subjects consumed the drink.

Patients kept daily diaries of clinical symptoms. Dosing of all other inflammatory bowel disease medications was held constant. The following were obtained at entry and every six weeks: medical history and physical examination, pregnancy test, complete blood count, liver profile, and stool examination for ova, pathogens, and C difficile toxin. Means (SD) are given. Medians are presented with interquartile range. The two tailed Fisher’s exact test was used to examine patient characteristics that might predict response or remission.

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A total of 29 patients were enrolled and their baseline characteristics are shown in table 1. Most patients had longstanding disease (median 3.9 (1.5–6.8) years) and were refractory to standard inflammatory bowel disease therapy before enrolment. Fourteen patients were on corticosteroids and/or azathioprine/6-MP. Only 5/29 (17%) were on no medications; of these, 10 previously had tried corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressants (azathioprine, 6-MP, infliximab). Mean CDAI was 294, indicating that patients were moderately ill. The cohort included patients with anatomical disease distribution similar to that of the Crohn’s disease population at large.

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Table 1 Baseline characteristics of the patients*

Patients were compliant with the protocol; all patients completed their symptom diaries, attended all clinic visits, and received all doses of the ova. None was lost to follow up. Four withdrew at or before week 12 because of ongoing disease activity, and one withdrew between weeks 12 and 24 because of pregnancy. Ongoing disease activity was defined as failure to respond or achieve remission and these individuals are included in the analysis. There was no indication that the ova therapy made any patient more ill, and there were no side effects or complications attributable to therapy. Patients developed no new symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or worsening of diarrhoea. There was no deterioration in CDAI in the four patients that withdrew before week 12. Analysis of laboratory data collected during the study showed no significant changes in complete blood count or differential, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine, or aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, or alkaline phosphatase. All stool specimens were negative for ova and parasites.
At week 12, 22 patients (75.9%) responded (decrease in CDAI >100 points or CDAI <150) and 19/29 (65.5%) were in remission (CDAI <150). At week 24, 23 patients (79.3%) experienced a response and 21/29 (72.4%) were in remission (fig 1A). Mean initial CDAI of responders was 287.1 (47.8). It decreased to 92.0 (49.2) at week 12 and 99.9 (35.6) at week 24 (fig 1B). Thus the mean improvement in CDAI for these patients was 195.1 and 187.2 at weeks 12 and 24, respectively. There were six patients with a baseline CDAI between 250 and the minimum entry criterion of 220. All six achieved both a response (improvement in CDAI of >100) and remission (CDAI <150).

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Figure 1 (A) Percentage of patients achieving remission or response at week 12 or 24 after initiating ova therapy. (B) Mean change in Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI, mean (SD)) for respondents to ova therapy. CDAI <150 is remission. p<0.0001, week 12 or week 24 compared with baseline (time 0).

We performed subset analysis of patient characteristics looking for predictors of outcomes. Sex, patient age, disease duration, smoking status, or disease location did not influence the frequency of response or remission. There was a trend for patients using immunosuppressive drugs to improve to a greater degree than those not using these agents (table 2). Also, patients with a prior history of terminal ileum resection were less responsive.

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Table 2 Subset analysis of patient characteristics for response and remission

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Human helminthic parasites were considered as a therapeutic option. Many could not be used because there are no available sources other than a human carrier. Eggs from such a source would risk inadvertent transmission of pathogenic microbial agents. Also, some human helminths have disease potential or raise public health concerns.
Trichuris species are helminths with favourable characteristics for therapeutic use. Their life cycle minimises the risk of inadvertent colonisation. Trichuris ova mature in the soil and are ingested by the host. Ova hatch in the duodenum, releasing larvae that ultimately grow in 6–8 weeks into adult worms. They migrate to the terminal ileum and colon but do not invade the host. Worms can remain viable for 1–2 years in the natural host. Adult worms release ova that are shed into the stool. These ova are immature and are not capable of colonising another host until they incubate in the soil for several weeks to allow embryonation.

We chose T suis as the helminth to colonise subjects in this study. T suis, the porcine whipworm, is genetically related to T trichiura, the human whipworm. T suis is not a natural human parasite but it has been shown experimentally to colonise humans briefly without causing disease.8 The ova can be produced using pathogen free pigs, and processed to assure absence of biological contaminants.

Treatment with T suis ova for 24 weeks yielded a response rate of nearly 80% and a remission rate of nearly 73%, which was much greater than the anticipated placebo effect.11–14 This was particularly notable as many patients had refractory disease. Thus T suis ova therapy may produce substantial and sustained improvement in active Crohn’s disease. However, the study was open label, and we cannot exclude a high placebo effect. The treatment caused no side effects or complications even in patients receiving multiple immunosuppressants (for example, corticosteroids and azathioprine/6-MP), suggesting a high safety profile.

Subset analysis of the data suggested that patients on immunosuppressive therapy faired better, as did patients with an intact terminal ileum. We can only speculate on the reason for these observations. It is possible that immunosuppressives could have influenced T suis colonisation. Also, there could have been a synergistic interaction between the immunomodulatory effect of the helminths and the immunosuppressive effect of the other drugs. Terminal ileal resection also could have affected worm colonisation, or perhaps residual symptoms from the surgery confounded CDAI scoring. Both of these observations need confirmation in a prospective trial to assure that they were not artefacts.

There is an immunological basis to expect that exposure to helminths such as T suis will prove beneficial in Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease involves over reactive Th1 pathways, and helminths blunt Th1 responses. For example, helminths attenuate intestinal inflammation in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease. Interleukin 10 deficient mice spontaneously develop a Th1-type colitis characterised by infiltration of the lamina propria with interferon producing CD4+ T cells.15 Colonisation with T muris or Heligmosomides polygyrus retards development of colitis in interleukin 10 deficient mice.1 Mice and rats treated with di- or trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS, TNBS) develop a Th1 cytokine driven colitis that shares features with Crohn’s disease.16 Mice and rats exposed to Schistosoma mansoni are resistant to TNBS colitis.6,7 Colonisation of mice with Trichinella spiralis diminishes DNBS induced colits.5 This protection is associated with decreased systemic and colonic interferon and interleukin 12 expression, which are critically important Th1 cytokines.

Colonisation with helminths augments several immunoregulatory pathways that limit Th1-type inflammation. Helminths induce production of interleukin 4 and interleukin 13, which are Th2 cytokines. This Th2 response inhibits production of Th1 cytokines thereby reducing colitis severity.6 Helminths also induce regulatory T cells and immune regulatory substances such as transforming growth factor ß, interleukin 10, and prostaglandin E2 that assist in maintaining host mucosal homeostasis.4

In summary, T suis is well tolerated and appears efficacious for Crohn’s disease in this open label trial. Helminths probably inhibit intestinal inflammation by mechanisms different from current medications. Helminths may offer an easy to administer alternative or supplement to currently available therapeutic agents. These results justify a double blind controlled clinical trial. Furthermore, these results support the hypothesis that helminthic exposure provides protection against some immune mediated inflammatory disease like Crohn’s disease.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of Betty Musgrave, clinical research coordinator. Drs Miriam B Zimmerman and William Clarke, Department of Biostatistics provided assistance with study design, statistical methods, and data analysis. Additional participating University of Iowa gastroenterologists included Drs Jeffrey Field, Khurram Qadir, and David Ramkumar. Collaborating gastroenterologists from the State of Iowa included: Drs Dean Abramson, Nile Dusdieker, Joseph Ewing, Jon Gibson, Bernard Leman, Randall Lengeling, Sudhakar Misra, James Piros, Douglas Purdy, Leon Qiao, Surish Reddy, Robert Silber, Joseph Truszkowski, and Gary Weinman.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America provided the primary support for this study. The Broad Medical Research Program of the Eli and Edythe L Broad Foundation, the Ed and Liliane Schneider Family Foundation, and the Thomas Irwin Memorial Fund also provided partial support. The study sponsors had no involvement in the study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.

FOOTNOTES

Conflict of interest: None declared.

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Elliott DE, Urban JF Jr, Argo CK, et al. Does the failure to acquire helminthic parasites predispose to Crohn’s disease? FASEB J 2000;14:1848–55.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
Sabin EA, Araujo MI, Carvalho EM, et al. Impairment of tetanus toxoid-specific Th1-like immune responses in humans infected with Schistosoma mansoni. J Infect Dis 1996;173:269–72.[Medline]
Borkow G , Leng Q, Weisman Z, et al. Chronic immune activation associated with intestinal helminth infections results in impaired signal transduction and anergy. J Clin Invest 2000;106:1053–60.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
Weinstock JV, Summers R, Elliott DE. Helminths and harmony. Gut 2004;53:7–9.[Free Full Text]
Khan WI, Blennerhasset PA, Varghese AK, et al. Intestinal nematode infection ameliorates experimental colitis in mice. Infect Immun 2002;70:5931–7.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
Elliott DE, Li J, Blum A, et al. Exposure to schistosome eggs protects mice from TNBS colitis. Am J Physiol 2003;284:G385–91.
Moreels TG, Nieuwendijk RJ, De Man JG, et al. Concurrent infection with Schistosoma mansoni attenuates inflammation induced changes in colonic morphology, cytokine levels, and smooth muscle contractility of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid induced colitis in rats. Gut 2004;53:99–107.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
Beer RJ. The relationship between Trichuris trichiura (Linnaeus 1758) of man and Trichuris suis (Schrank 1788) of the pig. Res Vet Sci 1976;20:47–54.[Medline]
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Q: Hi, I have Crones disease and Hepatitis B. What diet and treatment options are there?
I am 23 years old and have been living with Crohns disease since I was 16. I just recently got diagnosed with Hepatitis B. I have been really depressed and feeling totaly alone! Is there anyone that can relate to me and give me diet and just some basic information on the best ways to maintain a healthy life?

A: I hope you are seeing a gastroenterologist; they will be able to help you with both problems. I don’t know a lot about Chrone’s but for HBV (Hep b) you will need to abstain from alcohol. Most people clear HBV through their own immune response after a short period of time, so you will need further tests to see if you have cleared it or if it has become chonic. If it’s chronic, you will need to have a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise) and discuss treatment options (lamivudine, pegasys) with the doctor. If left untreated, HBV is the leading cause of liver transplants. It can progress to cirhossis and liver cancer. If you take care of yourself, you can live a healthy life. I don’t want to scare you, but you need to know the facts. Hopefully, you will clear it naturally, as 90% of people do who become exposed to HBV. Best wishes.

Q: The NEW FDA approved ALLI pill and Crohns disease?
Could i take this pill if i have crohns disease? Just curious because of the treatment effects?

A: I would not suggest it as it can affect the digestive system. Check with your doc and I’d wait to see how it REALLY affects ppl first. FDA approval means squat these days.