Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group
Crohn's disease is a systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many medical...
Since being told that I have Colitis almost 20 years ago by my GP I was not given any more medical attention from them for it. I was on my own until I met my Naturopathic doctor, four years ago. Most of what you all talk about I had no idea about. I basically took care of everything by myself. It never occured to me to go to the hospital or that there might be medicine to help. I bleed everyday for 6 or 7 years before I met my ND and she has helped me to heal my intestines. Actually, after hearing your stories about surgeries and the medicine, in a way, I am glad they didn't do anything.
Once I had gone to my doctor because I had discharge from my vagina that looked like poo. She just ignored what I said and did nothing so I thought that I was crazy. But after reading some of the older posts I saw others write a little about it. I am starting to think that maybe I am not crazy. Does anyone know anything about that? Can it really happen? Am I crazy?
After too long with that doctor's office, 17 years, I have finally switched.
Once I had gone to my doctor because I had discharge from my vagina that looked like poo. She just ignored what I said and did nothing so I thought that I was crazy. But after reading some of the older posts I saw others write a little about it. I am starting to think that maybe I am not crazy. Does anyone know anything about that? Can it really happen? Am I crazy?
After too long with that doctor's office, 17 years, I have finally switched.
http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/special/tn10138/sec1.htm
There's more information about it on the web.
I have had this problem for a year (diagnosed with Crohn's over 30 years ago). Finally, I got a fistulagram and discovered that I have a Rectovaginal fistula. This was caused by surgery that I had a year ago (not related to Crohn's) I am now trying to decide my best "course of action." I was told by my GI that only Remicade would help...but the fistula would come back if I discontinue Remicade. So, I asked him "What's the point?" I am taking an alternative treatment for Crohn's / Colitis and have refused Remicade for fear of the side effects (personal choice). I have seen a surgeon who tells me that she can TRY to fix the fistula by stitching up the "hole" in my rectum. She said it is an "iffy" surgery, so I am not really sure what to do. I want to get this fixed...as I said...I have had this problem for a year.
I guess this is one of those responses that is "about you and about me." I am hoping for any feedback form anyone on my "surgery" issue.
Bottom line, my opinion....I believe that you may want to try to get a fistulagram to see if you have a fistula...although I have been told that a fistula is "more common" if you have Crohn's. And bleeding is more common if you have Colitis. After all...we all respond somewhat differently to our illness and treatment.
I wish you the best of luck with this "issue,"...I know what you are going through and you are NOT crazy!
Big hugs,
Patti
I forgot to mention that I first tried to "treat" this fistula with an antibiotic (Flagil) for 11 days (which made me very ill) and was unsuccessful.
Did this problem (fistula?) disappear on it's own for you? Also, what type of treatment did your naturopath put you on to stop the bleeding? It's off topic, but I always like to know what's worked for others?
Thanks.
Sometimes it just gets frustrating trying to figure it out when the doctors just ignore whatever I say.
Kill, first thing my ND did was get me off of gluten. I was already off of dairy, eggs, nuts, caffine, (probably more but just can't think of it right now). She put me on 15 grams of l-glutamine a day(not all at one time), gi-encaps, which contains (plantain bananas, DGL licorice root, slippery elm, and marshmallow root), and fish pills. After my first appointment with her and taking my supplements, I felt so energized. First time in many many years.
I also do not wear anything around my waist. and haven't for about 15 years. Any little touch it makes me bloated and hurts so badly then I start vomiting.
If I get heartburn which is not often now, I eat culiflower. I don't know what it is, but it helps me with it.
My latest discovery, has been the vitamin B5. I read this obscure little information about sensitivity to citric acid being caused by lack of B5 in the diet. So far since taking it it seems to have helped so that I don't bleed with small amounts, (which any little amount would start me bleeding). I have not tried anything that contains more than a small amount. (I'm too scared)
Sorry for the long post. My kids have left me alone for the time being.
Take care. And thanks to everyone's posts. I have learned much from them.
Good luck!