That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases 
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We all have a story living with a chronic illness or having someone you care about with a disease. How has the illness effected your life? How do you cope with your symptoms, difficult docs, being misunderstood, not being able to work?
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I also tend to butt heads with my doctors. I am very pro active and like to understand all medications and the risks involved. How else can I make an intelligent decision about MY health and quality of life?
What's dont they "get" about that? Im amazed how cavalier people can be who are specialized to the Gastrointestinal field with insensitive remarks and questioning why it's not acceptable to have to be in the toilet over 30 times daily?
But I digress! lol (as I tend to do)
This is my first post and Im glad to find this discussion group. I hope its still "active".
I had Colon Cancer about 12 years ago and had a colon resection and j pouch. I have ongoing "issues" particularly with diarrhea...sometimes uncontrolled...even with lomodal. Im severely Anemic and recently had a blood transfusion. We are doing Endoscopy and just finished a Capsule Endoscopy to find any more polyps that might be causing me to lose blood. Anyhoo...lots of "stuff" but working thru it the best I can.
Im exploring alternative/natural remedies also and learning about "essential oils". Im trying to think "outside the box" a bit. : ))View Thread
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
View ThreadCheck out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
http://www.vsl3.com/
Talk to your GI Doctor about this. I have Crohn's and it's helped me.View Thread
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
Yes, there must be more awareness and education about IBD and IBS... actually, more awareness about all chronic illnesses. People have a very difficult time wrapping their brains around these types of diseases.
Take care & be well
View ThreadCheck out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
Please post your concerns, questions, knowledge, comments.... anything regarding digestive issues/diseases.
Again, I apologize for my MIA for several months. Thank you for understanding.
~That GirlView Thread
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD? Community
Take the Poll
Poll Results
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Diet changes, eating something I'm not supposed to50% (1)
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Stress0% (0)
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When I'm sick or coming down with a cold. When I'm menstrual0% (0)
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Medications- NSAIDs (non-steroid anti inflammatory), Antibiotics0% (0)
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Infections50% (1)
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD® Community & My support and educational blog ahhhhhihavecrohnsdisease.blogspot.com/
Check out my blog and FOLLOW me. I post helpful medical research and news that I feel digestive disease sufferers would be interested in knowing. I'm all about offering support and treating the disease in the most harmless and nontoxic, but effective, method possible. I'm determined to get better, but not die from medications like the evil biologics. There are safe and effective treatments out there that we just dont hear about due to the drug companies and a bunch of other factors. If that sounds like your thinking and your mentality or if you need to vent or maybe just want to explore my findings, come check me out. Best health to all of you
View ThreadCheck out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD® Community & My support and educational blog ahhhhhihavecrohnsdisease.blogspot.com/
If you already figured out the problem, I would like to know what it was & if it was infact parasites. That can happen by eating meat that was a little undercooked or from an insect landing on our food.... crazy that we could have parasites living in our bodies for years, eating off of our food that we eat and not even know.
If I were you, I would do a cleanse. They have colon cleanses specifically to rid your body of toxins and parasites. Even if it was nothing, I would still do that anyway for my own peace of mind.View Thread
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD® Community
Check out my Community - That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases The WebMD® Community
Go to.......... That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases
The WebMD® Community
Go to.......... That Girl's Support Lounge - Intestinal Disorders and Diseases
The WebMD® Community
Oh... I've got to ask this one. How's the nursing staff?View Thread
Take the Poll
Poll Results
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Great! The best thing since sliced bread (gluten free of course:)0% (0)
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My doctor is good. No complaints & confident in him/her20% (1)
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My doctor is average. Fair. Nothing to brag about0% (0)
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My doctor is tolerable. Not fully satisfied40% (2)
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My doctor is awful. I'm currently looking for a new dr.40% (2)
The ancient herb boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has been used for thousands of years to treat conditions that, in recent years, have been found to be caused by inflammation. Originating in Africa, China, and the Middle East, boswellia herbal extract is derived from the sappy resin of the boswellia tree. In the 1970s, German scientists discovered that boswellia produces therapeutic effects similar to those of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) compounds ibuprofen and aspirin. Unlike boswellia, however, NSAIDs work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. Unfortunately, medications that inhibit COX-2 often inhibit COX-1, which is needed to maintain a healthy stomach lining and common side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding.
Boswellia differs from the NSAIDs in its mode of action. Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune conditions by blocking the lethal pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). A number of immune system chemicals released during the inflammatory response contribute to the chronic inflammation seen in atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and certain autoimmune diseases. Blocking these pro-inflammatory chemicals reduces symptoms of inflammation and helps taper the autoimmune mechanism.
The Actions of Boswellia
Although the benefits of boswellia are similar to those of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, boswellia works by blocking 5-LOX, which is the first enzyme released in the metabolic pathway leading to the synthesis of the immune system cytokines known as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are harmful inflammatory substances thought to directly influence the disease process in a number of different disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and asthma.
The active ingredients of boswellia, the boswellic acids, decrease the activity of another pro-inflammatory enzyme known as human leukocyte elastase (HLE). HLE and leukotriene levels are increased in many inflammatory diseases and allergic reactions. To date, boswellia is the only substance known to reduce levels of both HLE and leukotrienes. In 2005, researchers found that boswellia works in part by altering the expression of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), another integral component in inflammation. An excess of TNF-α promotes chronic inflammation. Applying boswellia to cells has been shown to decrease the TNF-α-induced expression of cell adhesion and matrix metalloproteinase proteins, which are biochemicals related to endothelial dysfunction, cancer metastasis (spreading), arthritis, and other disease processes.
Benefits in Arthritis and Crohn's Disease
Researchers have found that boswellia helps prevent the deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue. This suggests that boswellia may relieve symptoms in arthritis by inhibiting the breakdown of connective tissues that is caused by tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. Studies in both humans and dogs show after as little as two weeks of boswellia therapy include reduced pain, stiffness, and lameness.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, boswellia can help reduce the immune cells that promote inflammation while increasing the number of immune cells that inhibit inflammation (anti-inflammatory cells). In studies of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease boswellia reduced gastrointestinal inflammation and tissue damage.
http://www.suite101.com/blog/daisyelaine/boswellia_reduces_inflammation
View Thread
I'm searching to find out why this drug that is said to help people with autoimmune diseases - Crohn's being just one of the diseases, is not approved by the FDA yet for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
There are so many positives for prescribing this drug vs all the biologics that come with the risk of some very dangerous side effects. Not to mention, naltrexone is super reasonable in price, few side-effects and is effective!
I just wanted to share my findings when searching on the FDA site for clinical trials. Let me know if you find this encouraging or helpful to you.
Be well everyone!View Thread
This site is a consumer health information site where you can have the answers to your medical health question answered by people qualified to answer your question. From dentists to pharmacists, they have loads of experts. They also provide up to date research findings and a ton of information can be found on the site.
Reputable too. That's a big thing with me. People can say & write anything about anyone or anything so finding reputable trustworthy resources and facts is vital. The site's been going for over 10 years.
Hope it's helpful to someone!View Thread
We know the feeling from diseased to healthy and all the time that goes by in between or leading up to wholeness. Even if you haven't gotten to the place of health that you are satisfied with and are still fighting your disease and/or in search for the treatment/pattern of lifestyle changes that you are confident with to keep you disease free,
how long have you been battling with your disease?
Everyone has different factors in their life that will influence and have an effect on your health. Crohn's, colitis, ibd, ibs and all these disease seem to require a lengthly recovery time. That's just what i've noticed.
I am curious to know how long it has taken you from the time you started flaring to the time that you can say that you are feeling whole again (which to me means being able to spend most of your time during the day on your feet without requiring a nap, you don't experience symptoms like rectal bleeding, pain along with frequency or whatever your symptoms may be - They are gone). The majority of your thoughts aren't mostly consumed by health / diseases / symptoms / treatments/nutrition. You can hold a job again, exercise or anything that will require strength and endurance doesn't look impossible. Basically, you have gotten your life back!!
Take the Poll
Poll Results
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6months - 1 year0% (0)
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2 years0% (0)
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3 years0% (0)
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4 years75% (3)
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5+ years. or Still not better25% (1)
There's gluten free beer, and liquor that does not contain gluten. For some people, gluten intolerance/celiac disease is big problem. There's vodka made from potatoes not wheat and tequila (one of my favs, but I have to resist myself) is made from a cactus not wheat.
Dry wine red wine I hear is somewhat tolerable (scd recommendations) the SCD diet does not recommend sugary beverages or sweet wine. SCD also suggests staying away from beer.
It a matter of what your body can tolerate.
Good luck and have a sip for me if you decide to take the risk
View Thread
I tried this diet a few years ago and didn't stick with it. I'm not going to tell you the diet and restrictions are not easy. You have to be dedicated, motivated and serious about gaining your health back. I have heard stories upon stories of success by people that cured themselves with this diet. Because diet does matter and make a difference!
So, if you've tried this diet, how did it go and how do you feel now in contrast to when you 1st started the diet?
Also, what has your doctor discussed with you regarding food/diet?
I will begin the SCD diet today. WIsh me luck that I will finally get better from this dreadful Crohn's Disease

http://www.scdiet.org/
information about the SCD diet can be found at this site, if interested. I like this site, but keep in mind, there's a ton of information about this diet out there in Web world.
Share a SCD site that you like if you have one! I'd love to check it out!View Thread
I spoke with a friend that was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease not even a year ago. Doctors had him on Prednisone that was not effective for him. He is now on Remicade and still isn't finding relief for his Crohn's symptoms. To my surprise, my friend really had no knowledge about this potent medication he is receiving and I don't think he was informed much about modifying his lifestyle, especially his diet and the foods he should be avoiding. When I asked my friend what he eats and if he still drinks alcohol, he pretty much has changed nothing about his diet and does still consume beer, gin and vodka. I was shocked that no one spoke with him about what he eats and drinks and puts into his body. I've learned that if the doctor or nurse doesn't ask, you must tell and you must ask questions as well. It's your life and your body! One little modification could make your disease completely decrease in symptoms and bring you into remission; everyone's goal!
I tried my best to inform my friend about how he must eliminate anything that he eats and drinks that make his symptoms worse in any way. A diet journal or a notebook is helpful with recording your lifestyle/diet and recording changes that you experience with symptoms of your illness. Obviously unhealthy food and beverages (like alcohol, junk food, fast food, fried foods, sweets ect.) should be completely removed from your diet. Our society at this current time, has been informed and has made our country knowledgeable about healthy diet choices and what is considered healthy and unhealthy.
Some doctors believe that diet has nothing to do with your intestinal disease. I've had doctors literally tell me that I could eat anything I wanted to. Well people, this is an absolute lie. What goes into our body very much effects how it runs and how you will feel.
Remember that if you don't ask, sometimes you will not be told. All health care providers are different, don't expect to be told helpful tips or even important information that you should have knowledge about.
Write down in your journal all your concerns and questions that you have before your next gastro appointment.
*I recommend making a list of questions because you're not a computer. You will most likely forget some of those concerns, no doubt.
*If you are not sure about a treatment or something that your doctor has recommended for you, do research. It's your responsibility to find out about your disease and treatment options. Trust me, there's a ton of good, easy to understand reputable information out there.
* It's your right as a patient to refuse a certain procedure or treatment that your doctor has recommended if you are not comfortable with it. I am not encouraging people to go against your doctor or to be a skeptic, difficult patient. I am saying that if you do not agree with the doctors' treatment recommendation for you, you have every right to decline and refuse that particular method.
*Ask for alternative treatment options available. Nowadays with our advancement in technology and the extensive research being conducted, there's usually several treatment options for a condition. You deserve to know what they are so you can make an informed decision and one that you are confident saying "Yes" to.
I almost forgot to mention
The choices you make do matter. It may be difficult to cut certain foods and drinks from your diet, but I will say that everyday will get easier AND our substitute options are great! You can pretty much get a healthier option of anything.................................... Sorry, not the gin though!
Knowledge is Power!
Good Health AlwaysView Thread
Here's some helpful ideas for someone with IBS. Check it out!View Thread
Anyone have any experience with this?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127104904.htmView Thread
Various ways to reduce stress
*Exercise or a good brisk walk... get moving
*Deep breathing techniques
*massage
*talk therapy .. have a nice talk with a good friend
*write in a journal
these are just a few ways you can reduce stress in your life. If you have any helpful ways to keep your stress level down, please share them.View Thread
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