Re: [MOL] Re: Dean [00372]

Yes it is, it's like ulcerative colitis, commonly known as IBD or IBS, (inflammatory bowl disease, or inflammatory bowl syndrome) in as much as it effects the intestines. Different, in that is it terminal. However, you may die long before crohns kills you. with many other things. You have it from birth, the doctors are not sure just how you get it, genes or from some child hood disease, that then screws up you immune system. Most every one who has it, has been dig. since they are between 7 to 17, after that they consider you old, if you haven't had an attack an/or been dig. This disease causes you to bleed from your intestines when you are in an attack, because the antibodies your system makes to fight off any infection or virus, go then an attack all bacteria in your system, even the ones you need, like what's in the intestine, causing the bowl to be eaten into. There is where the blood comes from, the irritation in your intestine. Allot of people have had to have surgery to remove that part of the bowl that seems to stay irritated more that the rest of the intestine, and also have had to remove it completely, attaching a bag instead. It is a very painful disease, I've had to go on disability (doctor made me), but then I was so very sick, because of the last attack. It lasted for 5 1/2 years. I have small attacks allot, but not as bad as the last long one. I have to take allot of medicine when this happens. Or should I say you are suppose to. I try an use as much natural thing to keep me in remission as I can. Reason being, the medication makes me crazy, not that I'm not already, lol, but....

When I do have to go on the meds, I take Ascol, prednisone, flagyl, pain meds, folic acid, have also taken imnran (sp)...you have a problem absorbing the things from foods that help you keep from getting anemic. It can be a very dreaded disease, but I try and keep myself well, with eating right, taking injectable vit., and trying to stay stress free. I was doing good at it also until Michael got sick, then of course it reared it's ugly head...Oh yes you can't get more that feet away from a bathroom either, because to say you make at least 10 trips a day to the potty is putting it mild!! If it's not bad enough from the disease, the side effects from the meds. are a joy as well..lol. Oh well I'm still going strong even with every thing, because I really do rely on GOD, because knowing that if I didn't, heaven knows what state of mind I would be in by now. I do have a great web site/support group, similar to this one, that I visit quite often, keeps me up dated on the latest going on with this. If any one else has crohns then they know what I'm talking about...it is not a nice thing to have. Here is the web site, if any one does have it, and/or wants to take a look. http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/cduchome.html, http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/FanMail/IBDSucksArticles/CROHNSILIEOCOLITISCOLOSTOMY.htm
Anyway I hope this helps you understand what I have. xo Dean