Help!
Thu, September 23, 2010 5:06 AM
I've had Crohn's for about 4 years now and after taking Asacol (8 pills a day) for three years, I've been in remission. My doc suggested after my last visit to cut down my Asacol to 4 pills a day. This was back in May 2010 and everything has been fine. Until now.
My Wife is German and we are in Germany visiting her family and friends and now I've been hit with a Flare Up. We don't know what to do. I don't have enough medication with me to start taking 8 pills a day instead of 4 a day because the pharmacy wouldn't let me refill until 26 Sept. I'm active duty military, so seeing a doctor here in Germany would be a painful process, it normally takes weeks to get a referral scheduled, I can't imagine how long it would take to get an overseas referral. I'm definitely not looking forward to the 8-9 hour plane trip back home while I'm going to the bathroom 7- 12 times a day. I've tried adjusting my diet to one exactly like I use in the US, no luck. We return home on Sunday, so I'm hoping I can hold until then. I feel terrible because we've had to cancel many of our vacation plans for this trip because I'm basically stuck at the house.
I looked online for tips. Someone suggested to bed-rest and use a liquid only diet, similar to a diet the day before a colonoscopy. Has anyone tried this during a flare-up and had success? Any help would be appreciated.
Joined May 16, 2008
Tue, September 28, 2010 7:09 PM
Reply posted for dmac.
well, i finally got back from germany, unfortunately, my situation hasn't improved. i went to see my flight doc today (af doc) and he gave me some antibiotics for my sinus infection/cold or whatever it is. he also said that it might help with the flare up. after 24 hours, if no improvement, he suggested i try prenidose.
so, then i go to my gi doc later in the day and he says not to take any of those antibiotics and just increase my asacol to 12 pills a day! i asked him, what about my virus infection, my sore throat/cough/aches/pains? he says, "ah, its just a cold, take over the counter meds for that" i was very angry because i'm not stupid, i think i know the difference between a cold and something worse. besides, common colds are not supposed to last over 9 days now and counting. he then recommended i get some blood work done and get him some stool samples. i don't know what the stool samples are for, but when i got the kit from the lab i couldn't believe they wanted me to fill up 4 tubes. i told them, "don't you understand, i'm having a flare up, i might only poop like a dime sized turd and some blood,what the *** am i supposed to do with all these!?" the nurse just shrugged.
so, after seeing two docs, i'm still sick, still having a flare up, even though the gi doc says its not one and i'm going to try fill up 4 tubes tonight. yay. very frustrating. i think its time for a new gi doc.
Joined May 16, 2008
Mon, September 27, 2010 4:50 AM
Reply posted for Beaker.
Apologies, I couldn't see your post while I was replying. It sounds as though you are already avoiding German starches and seeing the doctor through the military route might not be so easy.
Best of luck in improving soon.
Joined Oct 12, 2008
Mon, September 27, 2010 4:34 AM
Reply posted for Beaker.
Try the scd introductory diet on the website Breaking the Vicious Cycle. I also think homemade chicken broth is the best food for a flare.
I had a holiday in Germany recently and found there was a lot of starchy food and processed foods which are not good for IBD. Have you phoned a German doctor's surgery to ask if they would see you and give you a prescription before your flare gets any worse? Perhaps a short course of steroids might make the travelling easier.
Joined Oct 12, 2008
Sat, September 25, 2010 2:41 PM
Reply posted for Beaker.
I have tried that - going to liquid diet (jello / organic broth etc) and it works - it gives the intestines a break.
dmacJoined Sep 16, 2010