if you know anyone with chron's disease...

[zig3695]

just give them the benefit of the doubt... there is nothing that could prepare one for the effects of this disease, no way one could know how bad it gets... for how long... just give em that one benefit, youll be glad you did in the long run, and they will appreciate it too.

 

[Scarpozzi]

This are actually three similar conditions...I've ordered them from the less severe to the most severe.

IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBD - Inflamatory Bowel Disease. This is also known as ulcerative colitis.

Chron's - Can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the colon.

It's important to get treatment if you ever suspect something's not right. Get diagnosed. At least if you get diagnosed, you can get treatment that will make things a little better. Stay away from alcohol, milk, and greasy foods... You may also have a reaction to some fresh fruits/vegetables.

There are 2 major treatments for Chron's and IBD. For IBS, there are some milder treatments, but depending on what your doctor suggests you may need something stronger.

ASACOL, a delayed release aspirin helps calm the muscles of the colon. Major side effects of this are ringing of the ears and just the realization that you have to take a handful of pills every day.
The other major treatment are steroidal meds. They help the area heal and shouldn't be taken long term. However, some cases are so severe that this is the only thing that gives the patients relief. They have to take a small dose every day. Side effects of this include upset stomach, increased appetite, acne, mood swings, etc...

 

[zig3695]

yeah asacol- the anti-inflammatory that admits right on the bottle that it takes 3 to 6 MONTHS to start working. 6 pills a day too... thats not possible.

and the only problem with diagnosis is they cant. there is no test, all they do is use mri/xrays to find your intestines are swollen, then they proceed to test you for EVERYTHIG they can, and when all tests result negative, by process of elimination they just figure its chrons. that was the worst 3 weeks of my life because the pain was at its worst and i was unable to get a hold of thc. i wouldnt be able to live with this disease if not for marijuana, its the only thing that keeps my appetite up when my body doesnt think it wants it. its the only way i can keep weight on, and its a hell of a lot better alternative to asacol, imo. the pain would be unbearable especially since attacks usually last months at a time...