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Flare up Help

Sat, October 04, 2008 2:00 PM

I am a 15 year old female. I have had what the doctors call a "working" diagnosis of Crohns since last year. I am currently taking Nexium, Levbid, Erythromycin, Aviane (for hormone therapy, I have bad flare ups with my period), and soon to be added to the list is Periactin (spelling?). I am extremely sensitive to even the mildest and smallest doses of many medications. Oh, also, I have a strong history of auto immune diseases in my family. My symptoms are pain, fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and recently I have been getting flashes of being really hot/sweaty/flushed and then getting really cold, I also had ulcers when I was first "diagnosed." When I have flare ups, or just a bad night, I am so debilitated, and since all my meds are preventative, I have nothing to treat the awful symptoms. I am currently seeing a pediactric GI that is really active in trying to find me an acurate diagnosis. I have had A LOT of blood work, 3 endoscopies, 1 colonoscopy, the barium xray, and a bowel emptying scan (radiology), and so far nothing is completely conclusive. The reason I am on such odd meds for Crohn's is since it is not a definate diagnosis they treat me on a symptom by symptom basis.I was hoping for some suggestions of things that might help on these occasions to even soothe the symptoms even slightly: any good foods, bad foods, ice?, heat?, anything really. I need these both so these times arent so painful and so I can still do homework while I am sick, thus far that has proved impossible. Thanks.

cshap
Joined Oct 4, 2008

Tue, October 07, 2008 8:55 PM

Reply posted for cshap.

my period seems to trigger my crohns also. i have found the only thing that really helps me during that time is lortab which isnt something they like to hand out all that often but since my dr knows that i only take it when i absolutely need it he doesnt seem to mind giving it to me. also look up soft food diets and try that. it isnt what it sounds like. it is a diet that consist of no fried foods but baked and broiled and it cuts out alot of red meat which is very *** the digestive system. also avoid as much fiber rich foods as possible. i know that corn products are *** the digestive system also. you will still be able to enjoy hamburgers and such but instead of frying them in a skillet you will be cooking them in an oven. also for some odd reason it says to stay away from charcoaled food so if you have a gas grill use it instead. avoid as many spices as possible also especially pepper since it is hard to digest. google a soft food diet and see if it helps. it has helped me some but it isnt a cure by any means. at least i dont hurt after i eat. you are way too young to have deal with this and i do hope you feel better soon. bless you

kimhg
Joined Mar 21, 2008

Mon, October 06, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for cshap.

First I would like to say that you are so young and I hope that you get better soon. I get all those symptoms to and I never feel like eating anything. when I get my periods I am very sick. I know that a heating pad on my belly feels good. Sometimes I'll take some extra strenght tylenol that helps a little but when you don't feel good at all and nothing seems to help and you are hungry try eating some chicken broth or italian ice. For me bread helps me but just plain not toasted or nothing.When you are having a bad pain full day don't eat anything heavy for a couple days. A liquid diet is much better. I take lots of medicine to but I have never been in remission yet and I have 2 little kids. Lots of resting is the key. Stay away from soda or any carbonated drinks. See if maybe when you eat or drink dairy products you notice that you have more pain. I know I do. Anyway I hope I was able to help a little bit and good luck to you. Don't discourage yourself it takes time. That's what everybody tells me here on this site.