http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/ http://www.eblah.com en http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337349877/ http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337349877/#num1 Fri, 18 May 2012 15:04:37 AJ http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337092982/ http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337092982/#num1 I am almost Two stone over weight and can,t seem to shift a single pound
Any help most welcome]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 15:43:02 peggles http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337092475/ http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337092475/#num1 Discover ten important questions you should ask your doctor about Crohn's disease so
you can better manage your disease and focus on treatment.
Published 04 March 2012
Written by Lynda Lampert | Reviewed by George Krucik, MD
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You’re in your doctor’s office and you hear the news: you have Crohn's disease. It all
seems like a blur to you. You can barely remember your name, let alone form a decent
question to ask the doctor. That's understandable for a first time diagnosis. At first, you
probably just want to know what the disease is and what it means for your lifestyle. For
your follow-up appointment, you will need to ask more focused questions to know how to
manage your disease.
Here are Ten questions that will help you focus in on your treatment.
1. Could any other disease be causing my symptoms?
Crohn's disease is related to other diseases of the bowel, such as ulcerative colitis and
irritable bowel syndrome. You need to ask your doctor why he thinks that you specifically
have Crohn's disease and if there is any chance that it could be something else. Different
diseases require different treatment modalities, so it is important that your doctor is
thorough and runs all tests to rule everything out.
2. What parts of my intestine are affected?
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth,
stomach, small intestine, and colon. You can expect different symptoms and side effects
from lesions in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, so it is helpful to know where
exactly your disease lies. This can also determine what course of treatment you will
respond best to. For instance, if your Crohn's is in your colon and it is not responding to
medication, you may need colon surgery to remove it.
3. What are the side effects of the medications I am on?
You will be put on strong medications to fight your Crohn's disease, and it is important to
know what side effects to watch out for when taking them. For instance, you will likely take
a steroid, such as prednisone, and one of the side effects of that is weight gain. Other
medications have different side effects of which you need to be aware. Some medications
will even require you to get blood tests regularly to ensure that you are not becoming
anemic. Before you begin any new medication, make sure to talk to your doctor about
possible side effects so that you know what to watch out for.
4. What happens if I stop taking my medications?
Since medications can cause side effects, some people choose to stop taking them. It is
important to ask your doctor what are consequences of discontinuing your medication. Of
course, you will likely have to deal with a flare-up of your Crohn's disease, but even worse,
you might end up destroying part of your intestine and require surgery. Missing medication
happens from time to time, so be sure to ask your doctor how to handle missed doses, as
well.
5. What symptoms signal an emergency?
Crohn's disease can cause symptoms that are embarrassing and difficult to deal with, such
as uncontrollable diarrhea and abdominal cramping, but it can also morph quickly into a
life-threatening disease. Strictures, or narrowing of the intestine, can occur and cause a
bowel obstruction. You will have sharp abdominal pain and no bowel movements at all.
This is only one type of medical emergency possible from Crohn's. Have your doctor
explain to you all the possible emergencies and what you need to do in case of them.
6. What over the counter drugs can I take?
For constant diarrhea, the temptation to take loperamide (Imodium) is often quite strong.
Most of the time, it is allowable, but it is important to check with your doctor to ensure it is
okay. Similarly, if you are feeling constipated, sometimes taking laxatives can be more
harmful than helpful. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can also
cause side effects to Crohn's suffers and are generally not recommended for use.
7. What type of diet should I eat?
Although there is no specific diet for people with Crohn's disease, it is important to eat a
healthy, balanced diet. Many people with Crohn's suffer tremendous weight loss due to
the constant diarrhea, and need to eat a diet that allows them to keep their weight up. Ask
your doctor if you can be referred to a nutritionist if you are concerned about your diet or
are having trouble with your weight. This way, you will be sure to get all the nutrients you
need.
8. What other lifestyle changes should I make?
Your lifestyle may change dramatically with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, but certain
habits you have can actually make it worse. For instance, smoking makes Crohn's flareup,
and drinking alcohol with certain medications is not recommended. You will also want
to ask your doctor if you can still participate in sporting events, work related activities, and
any other strenuous activities. Usually, no restrictions are made on sexual intercourse, but
you may want to speak to your doctor about how your Crohn's affects this area of your life.
9. What future treatments will I need?
Most of the time, Crohn's is treatable with medication and lifestyle adjustments, but in
some cases, surgery is necessary to make the disease go into remission. Ask your doctor
what your likelihood of surgery is and the type of surgery that you would need. Some
surgery just removes the diseased portion of the intestine, and you are left with a scar.
However, some surgery requires the removal of the entire colon, and you would need a
colostomy bag for the rest of your life. It is best to know ahead of time what your surgery
options are.
10. When do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
Once you are done questioning your doctor, you need to know when to return for a followup
appointment. Even if you are feeling fine and not having any flare-ups, you’ll still need
to know how often you need to see your doctor. You also need to know what to do in case
of a flare-up, and when to make a doctor’s visit if you start having problems with your
treatment. If your medications stop working or you just are not feeling right, ask your
doctor when you should return to the office. You and your doctor are a team, and you
need to be on the same page when it comes to scheduling follow-up appointments.]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 15:34:35 buckers http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337092371/ http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337092371/#num1
Responsible department: Department of Health

The Government should recognise Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease as disabilities and become more aware of the daily problems that these conditions present to sufferers.
More and more facilities are available in Shopping Centres where parking can be debilitating when access is swiftly required to conveniences.
With the classification of disability, sufferers of these conditions can, without stigma or ridicule, park in disabled bays where there always seems to be availability when out in public places.
Even a different type of coloured badge would be of benefit to inform Council Operatives (Traffic Wardens, Parking Attendants) and others like Shopping Centre Security, etc.

Thanks

Hope I am not breaking any rules, if I am please delete this post, but it is important, it's a common goal I think we should all share.

The link I can provide later, if the admins think it's ok

Petition created by - David Graham Richard Brough
Closing - 2/2/2013 @ 08:07 am


WE NEED TO SUPPORT THIS PETITION, 100,000 SIGNATURES, NEEDED.
]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 15:32:51 buckers http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337066696/ http://crohns-disease.org.uk/forum/m-1337066696/#num1
My 15 yr old daughter has been taking Humira for 16/17 months (previously took Infliximab for the same time). She's had Crohns since she was 5/6 yrs old and has taken many different combos of drugs, modulen etc. She also takes Aza with Humira. The psoriasis is now taking over and together with the fatigue and her clicking neck which just sounds so awful I'm wondering if she should stop taking this drug. The psoriasis is in her ear canals and the outer part of the ears and also her nose, scalp, bikini area etc and theres now another hospital appointment to deal with this (ENT Dept every 2 weeks to have ears sucked!!), its also in her eye and it looks like another type of psoriasis (white heads ontop of painful red spots which then go scaly) is appearing on tummy, chest and arms. Jazz is seeing both her consultant and dermatologist on Friday before having Humira and I just dont know whether she should carry on with this drug. Jazz takes Fluoxetine but she is so low at the moment, crying alot and wondering what lies ahead. She was told in 2010 when she started Humira that this was possibly the last drug to try!! What do you do? Is there anybody out there who has had similar journey to my golden girl? Should she stop Humira?

Sorry for ranting again! Look forward to hearing from you, take care all of you XX]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 08:24:56 Melissa