Community Forum

I am in desperate need of help.  I have no insurance at this time and can't afford the expensive doctors visit.  So I hope all you can help me.  I just got married and cannot be added to my husband insurance until October which will not become effective until January.  He is worried sick about me, and to be honest so am I.  I am having an extremely bad flare up, the worst I have ever had, things happening that never has happened before, and I need a lot of advice.  I am reading up on how to do things naturally because I have no medication now.  I am losing quite a bit of blood and in a lot of pain and very tired.  I was reading up on the SCD diet.  In the past my doctor told me no fruits at all, no dairy at all, including yogurt, among other things.  However, then I was told just citrus fruits are the problem, strawberries etc are ok.  The in the SCD diet, in some places says can have all fruits and other places do no mention it.  Oranges bother me so thats a no no anyways.  What about strawberries?  I eat activia yogurt, so is that a no no too?  I am so confused.  I have been told a million different things by two doctors.  What about grains, like whole grains?  If not, then how do I get the fiber I need?
I am in the process of working out and becoming a more healthy woman.  I love my protein bars, are they ok?  Sorry about all the questions, I am just misinformed I guess.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance.  :)

 Reply posted for sabrinask.

I recommend seeing if there is a community health clinic in your area.  If your insurance won't be effective until january; you still need to have access to medical care.  talk to some community resources!.  If you have IBD it is critical that you take care of yourself, and don't avoid treatment.  Illness can be significant and severe.  ignoring or waiting can cause irrevocable damage; and risk hospital bills that are astronomical.

As someone that has had CD for 11 years; and others in the family with IBD...   it is very important that you make your health a priority.  Take advantage of COBRA, Short term health insurance ( offered by AAA, and any quality insurance broker or financial advisor that is also an insurance broker.   Many communities have embraced a type of community health clinic model as well.  They have been around for 40 years!
Your well-being is just too important!

 Reply posted for dmac.

P.S.  The probiotic also is a must.  I started that about 5 months back when I still was having some minor issues and wow - what a difference.  Even my doc says my latest blood test shows that my Crohn's was in remission and all my changes were diet and probiotic and I also take Curcuramin (can't spell but is the turmeric type of capsule).   I still have to take Asacol med 2x a day but that is it.

 Reply posted for sabrinask.

HI - Yes there is so much conflicting information out there.  However what Alan says is very much true.  I has issues about a year ago when I was diagnosed and it took some time to figure out how my body reacted to different foods.  One thing I suggest is to keep food diary so that in the beginning you can see what foods consistently bother you and which ones do not.  Many people w/ Crohn's have different reactions.  For example some folks are extremely sensitive to dairy while others like myself can tolerate it in small quantities.  One thing that I think bothers everyone I have talked to is the grain.  OMG if I eat anything whole grain or wheat - forget about it - flair up.  I don't have to go entirely grain free - but pretty much.  There are times I can tolerate 1 piece of white toast or half english muffin or 1 piece homemade bread - but really - I avoid it.  I get fiber from fruits and vegs.  I eat bananas, peaches - both very ripe.  I make mango smoothies or cantelope and watermelon.  I avoid any citrus bcus I have also some heartburn issues.  Smoothies with almond milk are great.  Also  - get a crock pot then you can make lovely healthy meals with plenty of vegis bcus the crock pot really cooks the vegi's soft and so easy to tolerate.  I bought a crockpot book and I usually substitute items for SCD legal stuff.  Good luck!

 Reply posted for breezy.

Thanks so much to everyone for the advice and help.  I realize now I need a SCD diet trainer!  ;)  A drill sergeant sort of thing.  Any takers?  :D

 Reply posted for sabrinask.

Protein Bars- They kill me.  I react to soy and to processed foods in general. 

While you are waiting on insurance try Boswellia and/or Tumeric for inflammation.  They work for me.  Also, the starter diet for SCD is great for healing and relieving symptoms.  I will also go on a liquid diet for a day or two.  I use diluted juice, chicken broth, bone broth, and SCD jello.  The heat has me freezing SCD juice in dixie cups like popsicles or sometimes I make slushies in the food processor. 

Hugs,

Wendy

 Reply posted for sabrinask.

Hi there,
I so feel for you. Do all the things like cod liver oil, L.glutamine and so on. I also highly recommend a juicer. Make yourself fresh carrot juice which is very healing. I also highly recommend a delayed food response test. The one that is very good is done by Immunolabs. I did this back in Feb and responded to 40 foods. I eliminated them and I am much better. It is nice to know for sure which ones are not good for your individual system. Before I did this test my flares were the worst ever. Every week for 4 weeks in a row punch in the gut pain and vomiting. If I am a Nazi about what I eat and avoid these foods I do really well! I have not done meds yet and will try to avoid them.

I take a pro-biotic in the AM called PB8 and then one called Culturelle( great for Crohn's) in the afternoon. It has helped me tremendously.

Fruits are hard for me but my internist recommends if I eat a fruit stick to the more neutral ones and eat it with a veggie to neutralize the fruit acid. fruits are acidic and veggies are alkali so when eaten together the PH is balanced. I hope all this helps.
Keep in touch

 Reply posted for alanschachter.

I think I found you Alan.  Thanks.  Is it preferable to take a fiber supplement?  You can answer me here or on fb.  Thanks  :)

 Reply posted for alanschachter.

What is the profile pic of on your FB?  Want to make sure I have the right person.

 Reply posted for alanschachter.

Thanks so much Alan!  I am not crazy about yogurt anyways so i can cut that out all together and be just fine.   If I do that, are OTC Oral probiotics ok?