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Hi everyone,

Let me preface what I'm about to say, with this statement: I'm not an alocholic. I'm not "dependant" on alcohol in that addictive since, but I do enjoy a drink now and again.

Well, I USED TO, anyhow. Having a drink nowadays is like an VIP ticket to Wrestlemania ... IN MY GUT.

I know there are a lot of people who will be like "well that's technically good for you". I suppose in a purely medical since, this is a true statement.

For me, drinking (moderately) has been a very integral part of my creative process as a musician ... sitting down in the evening with a couple beers or a nice cocktail and picking up the guitar or sitting down at the keyboard is where everything starts. It's not that I can't write music without that, but it comes a lot more easily and a lot more naturally that way.

Let me preface the other thing that I'm about to say with this: I am serious, and I'm looking for serious open-minded responses not knee-jerk reactions.

A couple of the guys in my band are avid marijuana users. They swear by it. I myself, have never so much as tried the stuff (well once in college, but I don't think I did it right ... anyhow that's a long story).

Presuming that I move somewhere that it's legal, is this a valid alternative to drinking? Can I at least get into my creative space without completely flaring up my Crohn's?

From the basic google research I've done, I know it certainly won't HELP my condition, in any other way than being *not alcohol*.

Anyone have experience with this?

 Reply posted for plurgid.

Hi everyone.
I wanted to come back here and post a follow up.

I did indeed try marijuana, in spite of its illegal status in my state, and it has completely changed my relationship with this disease.

Just for full disclosure, I'm also taking Remicade treatments, and I know that's helping as well, but the bottom line is I still flare, like all the damn time.

Marijuana is no silver bullet, but it's extremely helpful. Recreationally, It's a great replacement for alcohol (if more powerful -- take it easy if it's your first time). Also no hangovers.

When I'm flared, it's an incredible aid. It reduces swelling without irritating my digestive tract. It allows me to get hungry again. It kills nausea after a remicade treatment immediately, and the "side effects" are entirely enjoyable.

About the only down side is that if I smoke it a whole lot, I start to get a little distractable during the day at work. A little caffeine seems to even that out nicely.

Why in God's name isn't this stuff legal?
Maybe it's time for me to start looking at a move to Cali.

 Reply posted for patman75.

So..... What's the general opinion on alcohol and UC?   I've heard a lot of things: from stay away from any and all versions of Demon Rum, to it's OK to try a dry red wine in moderation.  What do the social/moderate drinkers out there with UC can share, who has the real experience?  One person said Bud Lite works for them, another says North Carolina blackberry wine doesn't bother them (let me know which wine that is....I'm from NC, and would like to try it!).  Others say don't try any of that stuff: stay away, very far away.

Seriously, I know our doctors mean well, and must cover all their bases, but since nobody knows what causes this beaut of a disease, the only real experts are those who experience it 24/7.  And people who used to like wine with their dinner, just like people who used like to eat eggs with chili for breakfast, may have different results.

I'm not ready to try my chili yet, but when the sun goes over the yard-arm, thoughts turn to a crisp dry white.

 Reply posted for plurgid.

I have used MJ for pain and nauseau.  It helps and I do not feel like I am outside my body like I do using the various prescribed meds from my doctors.  The only time it does not help is with a flare.  I am able to funtction a lot better with the MJ vs the pain meds.  I have been on prescribed pain meds for over 15 years.  It is my understanding that these pain meds have an effect on ours bodies because of prolonged use.  I have a few friends (who also has chron's) and it also helps them. 

 Reply posted for plurgid.

Alcohol and MJ.... I've used them both. As for the alcohol... I have found that when I am not flaring, I can handle Michelob Ultra and Miller Lite. They don't seem to have an adverse affect on me (and I used to only drink dark beer). Then again, I don't drink too much. I've also found that flavored vodka in sprite (or other non-caffinated soda) is ok too. Again, I don't drink to get drunk anymore, because the porcelin goddess and I have had one too many run-ins with each other (we are currently not on speaking terms, and that is fine with me).

As for the MJ.... it is great for nausea and appetite trouble. Perhaps it does just "mask" the symptoms, but I agree with your assessment that all the other "legal" drugs we take do the exact same thing. And now for my soapbox moment - MJ should be made legal. It is not near as dangerous as nicotine or alcohol. That being said, I hope you find what works for you.

 Reply posted for plurgid.

Based on my own experience, I try to avoid any alcohol that is high in carbs, i.e. beer or alcoholic drinks that are mixed with soda, as this seems to cause symptoms to flare and is incredibly bloating. Very minimal issue with wine though, although some of the spicier reds tend to disagree with me, and adding mild (but not too acidic) juice seems fine to add to a mixed drink. Moderation is always key of course. :)

 Reply posted for patman75.

WOW! Thanks for the link, I'm surprised that my initial google search didn't turn that up. Very interesting that there are increased cannabinoid receptors in the colon of people with IBD ... very interesting indeed.

Unfortunately, I've been flaring consistently since my initial posting (it's been one heluva couple months). I've decided that I am gonna give MJ a try, but not until I get this thing under control, the last thing I need right now is another variable.

I do find it interesting that the CCFA stand on medical marijuana is "it might work, but don't try it". The rationale being that it just mask the symptoms. Interesting because pretty much every legit medication we have is just masking the symptoms as well ... or knocking down our immune systems with steroids.

Also interesting ... I think wannapug may have a point. Because of this constant flaring, I've been forced to forego alcohol for an extended period of time. Oddly enough, it's been a really fertile time for me in terms of songwriting. Maybe also 'cause the sleepless nights and lack of nutrition, etc get you into a sort of altered mental state when this stuff is as intense as it has been for me over the past few weeks.

Thanks for all the comments guys. It's good to know there are other folk out there who have been in this connundrum, who tried it and didn't go on a crime spree under reffer madness :-)

 Reply posted for plurgid.

I can tolerate dry red wine with no problems.  Drinking anything in moderation is always a good.

As for smoking...

Studies have shown that nicotine will give temporary relief from Ulcerative Colitis related issues.  Every time I smoke a cigar I have no BM the next day or it is very formed.  Nicotine has the opposite affect for people with Crohns.

As for marijuana, here is the CCFA stance on it.

http://www.ccfa.org/about/news/medicalmarajuana

I have read personal stories from people with IBD and IBS say that it help with their issues.

 Reply posted for plurgid.

It sounds like the alcohol helped you break down your inhibitions and allow your creativity come through.  Never having used MJ I can only go by the old jokes that says it makes you mellow and very hungry- not sure how that will help with the creativity.  You might ought to try it to see what it does for you.  My fear of course is that illegal MJ could have some rotten stuff in it that would make you sick.  Reason why I have been unwilling to try - not a very trusting person.  

So, clearly I can't drink Alcohol any longerOkay... Blackberry wine preferably from a vineyard of NC, is one wine I can drink.  I can get away with 1//2 a glass at times.  It all depends if I am in a flare or not.  MJuana is a mixed blessing.  It is illegal as all get out in the great state of SC.  Last year when I could not eat, I did toke a little.  It helped.  Usually when prescribed, you do not smoke it but you inhale vapors, drink as a tea, or cook with it (butter made from it is popular).  I watched a documentary on it one evening.  The documentary was very enlightening.  I believe that there is a natural, God given cure on this earth for every illness or disease.  That being said, I do take 6mp and antivan.  I have had Crohns for 20 years and stayed in remission for 15 of those years.  I am finally getting myself back.  Good luck with your musical endeavors.

Breezy

 

 Reply posted for plurgid.

I no exactly where you are coming from.

 Reply posted for wannapug.

Thanks for the reply!

I know what you mean, and I'm not saying it necessarily increases or promotes creativity. Whatever I have in me, is going to come out in the music one way or another, alcohol, or anything else isn't going to put it there for me.

In my experience, it's been a great "lubricant" though, to a certain point. Drink too much, and it's counterproductive. Like coffee, really ... which is another thing that totally horks my insides, thankfully I can scoot diet coke by without a flareup.

 Reply posted for plurgid.

I don't believe that using any mind altering substance increases creativity.  If anything, they tend to have the opposite result.  I always believed that I could dance better, play my horn better, sing better, etc.  The reality is that was all in my head.  I started becoming more creative and my true talent was showing through when I was truly clear-headed, once all of the toxins left my body.

It is a common thing that smoking makes crohn's worse.  I can't see that it would be any different smoking any natural herbs.

I would give being totally clearheaded a chance before I would do anything that would make my disease, which can prevent me from doing the things that I love, worse. Just my opinion.