Crohn's Disease

The_Conductor

Sorry to hear that Ms Giggles.
If things are fully passing through you in 3 hours- thats one issue that needs to be looked at- wholly aside from the mild inflamation of the larger intestine. My GI passage would be even less than yours- however, I take 7 imodium first thing in the morning- and another 5 in the afternoon. I was on codeine phosphate as a method of slowing down my gastrointestinal passage and as a mild painkiller in the past- but came off it because of its addictive nature.

I wouldn't necessarily be so fast to dismiss the biologics- there are a few different options there, some of which (such as Humira) you can take at home yourself and only need the odd blood test for monitoring purposes.

6MP and Imuran have their own issues- I've history with them too- however, even if you were on them in the past and they didn't work- it doesn't necessarily mean they won't work now.

If I were in your position- the first issue I'd be asking the GI consultant to deal with- is some manner of slowing your intestinal tract down to a more manageable pace. If it were at a more manageable pace- hell, even the asacol that you aren't absorbing at the moment- might be a runner.

Honestly- if your gastrointestinal tract and the speed at which everything is passing through- is not addressed- on top of the mild inflamation of the large intestine- you'll have severe absorption issues and other deficiencies in no time flat- which while we all have them- need not be as stark for you as they like are or will be- were your intestinal tract slowed to a more natural pace.........

Talk to your GI consultant- it really sounds like you have more than one issue here- and if you manage to address your GI passage speed- it may make managing the active inflamation a lot easier.

Find out what your options are- and what is applicable to you.

In my case- being on such a high dose of imodium has other issues- such as the manner in which my diet is very limited (wholly aside from the low residue bumpf the hospital give you)- and I am constantly in fear of blockages (I probably have a blockage every couple of days- some clear within a few hours- others need cortisone or other treatment).

Talk to your GI consultant- it sounds like he is currently looking at one issue, deciding its relatively minor in nature- and ignoring the elephant in the corner of the room...........

MsGiggles

Thanks Conductor. Your reply has been really helpful. Thanks for taking the time.

OUTDOORLASS

Morning, item on TV3 this morning on crohns. Consultant..I think it could be Mr Conductor.s guy...Colm O M....cant remember spelling.... One thing that stuck out was when he said that it was very important to get on top of the disease before complications stuck in. Ms Giggles, I think you should be pushing for the Bio treatments. Whilst your consultant is only seeing minor disease in the intestine, he is not putting up with the major physical problems that you are experiencing.
I thing we are too quiet sometimes, and are afraid to speak up...

Clockwork Owl

Has anyone any advice for dealing with the fatigue and muscle pain?

Was diagnosed about a year ago, and treated mostly with Pentasa and Asacolon. Unfortunately, I'm still having nasty little relapses and have been on a couple of rounds of steroids to bring things back in line. Actually managed to get a full night's sleep on the max dose but, as it tapers down, back come the symptoms and the doctors aren't thrilled about me being on and off steroids long-term.

So Humira it is, apparently. Got referred to a new department and a new specialist, and they're just making sure I'm all clear of any infections before getting me started. Whole thing is pretty daunting, if I'm honest. I guess we'll see what happens! The fatigue is just the worst - even worse than the constant trips to the bathroom - and it's really starting to wear me down.

The_Conductor

Clockwork Owl wrote: »

The fatigue is just the worst - even worse than the constant trips to the bathroom - and it's really starting to wear me down.

I think most of us can relate to this.
All I can really suggest is take time out- a 15 or a 20 minute break- and lie down, somewhere quiet and peaceful, even if you're not going to sleep- set an alarm for 25-30 minutes hence- and rest. It doesn't matter if its 2pm in the afternoon- it really make a difference- and that 15-20 minutes in the afternoon- can mean a hell of a lot more to you- than trying to make up for it at night.

Unfortunately- and despite the fact that many of us look 'normal'- you're not normal- and you do have limitations that most people don't have. Instead of trying to pretend to yourself- or others, that you're feeling fine, just quietly do whats best for you. With Crohn's- this means- even when you're not flaring- you will get exhausted, very easily- and just *need* to take a time-out.

Clockwork Owl

I sincerely appreciate the reply, and the advice. It has been a relief to read the thoughts and experiences of other people with the condition. There's no history of Crohn's in my family and it has been frustrating trying to put words to how it feels, to explain the lethargy and the pain and the stress - to the point where I worried I was over-reacting and maybe it isn't as bad as I've been making it out to be. It's nice to see people who can help give a bit of perspective.

Qreq

Clockwork Owl wrote: »

...to explain the lethargy and the pain and the stress - to the point where I worried I was over-reacting and maybe it isn't as bad as I've been making it out to be.

You may find further validation in this response from Dr. Michael Picco, a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

livedadream

this is my favourite way of explaining it...

https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

MsGiggles

Afternoon All,

Hope we are all doing OK. I wanted to give an update from my visit with the consultant, as you could probably tell by my earlier post I was pretty frustrated.

I am delighted to report that it looks like we have finally found a cocktail of drugs to help. It turns out that my symptoms were a mixture of many things (Removal of Gall Bladder, removal of valves when I got my re-section and the mild disease found in the large intestine)

Consultant put me on Cholostagel, Mezavant and Imodium. I take two cholostagel in the morning (along with Nexium), Mezavant in the afternoon and two more chlostagel and two Imodium before going to bed.

I don't want to over exaggerate but literally this cocktail has changed my life. I now go to the bathroom a mere 3 times a day ! I have even had a night out last week where I flew to Manchester for a game !

I wanted to post a positive story here to show that sometimes, just sometimes, we get a win

I'd be lost without you all - thanks

Giggs xx

joefromireland

Have you tried the elimination diet as proposed by dr mcdougall here is some info from his website

Why is Chronic Colitis Incurable?

The main reason chronic colitis is rarely healed is because almost all practicing doctors believe that the foods we eat have little or nothing to do with the health of our intestine (or for that matter our entire body). They cannot imagine that what remains for hours and sometimes days in contact with the lining of our intestinal tract could have a thing to do with its health. This misunderstanding is as preposterous as a doctor believing that what people breathed had no affect on their lung health or that substances that contact a patients skins rarely caused skin disease.

So the first step in curing any chronic disease, including chronic forms of colitis, is to recognize that the most intimate contact the body, and especially the colon, has with the world around us – is our food. The second step is to understand that the rich western diet is the wrong food for people. Acceptance of these two premises is essential to solving common forms of colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases occur almost exclusively in parts of the world where the diet is high in meat and dairy foods, and are rare in countries where people still consume starch based, almost entirely vegetarian meals. Severe allergic reactions to some of those rich foods have been suspected as being the causes of these conditions.

Some clustering of cases in a family occurs, which is consistent with the fact that we learn our food preferences from our parents.

Current Treatment: Bowel contents must be changed continually in order to get long lasting significant improvement. The simple increase of the fiber content in the foods eaten has been shown to reduce the frequency of attacks and to improve symptoms in many patients. A starch-based diet, which is inherently high in fiber, is highly effective at alleviating the distress from this condition.

One step further in effective therapy is to avoid the foods that most often cause allergies dairy products, eggs, chocolate, wheat, and citrus fruits, as well as fats of all kinds. If this approach is not successful, the final step toward diagnosis is to use an elimination diet. (For elimination diet see Allergic Reactions to Food.)

An important study was performed with Crohn's disease patients who had been suffering from severe diarrhea for many years, with 20 stools or more per day. The subjects were changed from a high fat diet to one low in fats. This gave relief from the frequent watery stools within two to three days. Most patients continued to form solid bowel movements-as long as they kept the animal and vegetable fats out of their diet.

A person with a functioning healthy small intestine re-absorbs the bile secretes from the liver in the last part of the small intestine, called the ileum. In patients with Crohn's disease this portion of the ileum often is damaged and unable to absorb the bile. Bile continues to flow along the ileum into the large intestine, where it causes irritation and discharge of mucus and water. In these patients the immediate benefit from a change in diet is the decrease in bile acids produced by the liver as a response to lowering the fat content of the foods eaten. In addition, the fibers introduced in a plant based diet bind and neutralize many of the bile acids and absorb free water present in the stool.

The benefits for ulcerative colitis patients are equally dramatic. A dietary approach to this disease has been successful. A large series of patients improved, and many were actually cured of this serious condition by simply removing milk (dairy proteins) from their diet. Other investigators have approached this problem from the broader therapy of eliminating many sources of common food allergens, and have shown great success with their patients-and no side effects.

Another strong reason to change the diet of someone suffering from inflammatory bowel disease is that the high-fat, high-cholesterol, low fiber western diet increases the risk of developing cancer of the colon. People with inflammatory bowel diseases are at greater risk than is the average person, lucky enough to have a healthy intestinal tract.

For a person with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, who must endure pain and diarrhea every day, the option of choosing a simple meal plan is not a difficult one, especially when the penalty for making the occasional mistake of submitting to temptation from a rich repast is so immediately evident.

Recommendations

Patients who are very ill may need to be put on very simple diets, supplemented with some drugs until the bowel quiets down. As soon as the patient can eat regular foods comfortably, he should be started on a starch-centered diet without wheat or citrus fruits initially (later these two kinds of plant foods may be tried). The elimination diet is the next approach for stubborn cases.

Sondra Berk suffered with Crohn's Disease for years and years and years...after many surgeries, psycoanalysis and drugs she found healing by simply eating the diet human beings are designed to eat.

https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/e...tions-to-food/




https://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2002nl/nov/021100chained.htm




https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/e...ritten/andrew/



Search his site for more https://www.drmcdougall.com

Qreq

This is the first I've heard of Dr. McDougall. I've looked up his education, he's an internist who has been making diet programs and writing books since the 1980's and 1990's respectively. His books are exclusively about his diets. He has many, many long YouTube videos. He founded a company to sell his own food, and sells a 10-day program in which you live with a group following his diet.

From what I can find, there isn't widespread support in the medical community for Dr. McDougall's ideas. Rather his program is described as a fad along with the Atkins diet in "Encyclopedia of Diet Fads: Understanding Science and Society". He comes across to me as a sincere vegan selling books, food, and lectures on the topic, but he does not come across as especially trustworthy to me; rather, he comes across as a prolific "guru" with a following.

I thought I'd put my opinion here in case people don't look further into it, however, I encourage you to look into him further and form your own opinion.

livedadream

i always wonder about people who say things like ''oh its your diet'' or what did you eat or have you looked at whole 30, sugar free, fibre free, chemical free blaa blaaa.
dude, ive had diarrhea when ive eaten nothing but water and toast.
trust me, its not what im eating. I have been on a liquid diet and still suffered violent bursts of diarrhea and vomiting, bleeding, fainting and cramping.
elimination diets work in so much that if i give a food group up for a while, like dairy, then i see an improvement for a while, then it moves around.
If a diet would fix me, trust me, id do it.

livedadream

apologies in advance for the long post but nonsense like this does my nut in, and i happen to be sick today so ive got the time...let me address your points (or his) and when reading take into account that the guy who wrote all this is a militant vegan (nothing wrong with that until you use it as medicine) he also believes that no matter what is wrong with you, that alow-fat high-starch diet comprised of potatoes, rice, beans etc. and avoid meat, dairy and even olive oil will fix you. cancer, GONE, IBD's  GONE, weight issues- GONE , back pain- GONE. Everything can be cured by this.

joefromireland wrote: »

The main reason chronic colitis is rarely healed is because almost all practicing doctors believe that the foods we eat have little or nothing to do with the health of our intestine (or for that matter our entire body). They cannot imagine that what remains for hours and sometimes days in contact with the lining of our intestinal tract could have a thing to do with its health.

-- This just isnt true, its been proven (ya know by actual science) that the longer waste stays in contact with the bowel the more damage it can do, particually if it is considered 'toxic' ref: Drossman DA. Functional abdominal pain syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004; 2:353.

Inflammatory bowel diseases occur almost exclusively in parts of the world where the diet is high in meat and dairy foods, and are rare in countries where people still consume starch based, almost entirely vegetarian meals. Severe allergic reactions to some of those rich foods have been suspected as being the causes of these conditions.

- do you have a reference for the study on this?

Some clustering of cases in a family occurs, which is consistent with the fact that we learn our food preferences from our parents.

- again do you have a study on this?  heres mine: its peer reviewed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24974207  if you read it you'll see that The prevalence of a family history of inflammatory bowel disease in ulcerative colitis patients was 12%. thats nothing.

Current Treatment: Bowel contents must be changed continually in order to get long lasting significant improvement. The simple increase of the fiber content in the foods eaten has been shown to reduce the frequency of attacks and to improve symptoms in many patients. A starch-based diet, which is inherently high in fiber, is highly effective at alleviating the distress from this condition.

-- im not sure where he got this info but everyone is different, but from my experience high fibre foods are the devil. heres my study to refernce: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4607699/  while the study found that for patients in remission it helped, any patient with lessions or blockages due to this it made them worse, they also summised that its wasnt the fibre that was helping that it was SCFA.

One step further in effective therapy is to avoid the foods that most often cause allergies dairy products, eggs, chocolate, wheat, and citrus fruits, as well as fats of all kinds. If this approach is not successful, the final step toward diagnosis is to use an elimination diet. (For elimination diet see Allergic Reactions to Food.)

-  elimination diets work only to show whats foods worsen your symptoms, they dont cure you. and chocolate falls into the dairy category so whoever proof read his website needs a kick.

An important study was performed with Crohn's disease patients who had been suffering from severe diarrhea for many years, with 20 stools or more per day. The subjects were changed from a high fat diet to one low in fats. This gave relief from the frequent watery stools within two to three days. Most patients continued to form solid bowel movements-as long as they kept the animal and vegetable fats out of their diet.

- i cant find any details on this study on the interwebs, or on his website... interesting...however his most recent research sited is from 1993

A person with a functioning healthy small intestine re-absorbs the bile secretes from the liver in the last part of the small intestine, called the ileum. In patients with Crohn's disease this portion of the ileum often is damaged and unable to absorb the bile. Bile continues to flow along the ileum into the large intestine, where it causes irritation and discharge of mucus and water. In these patients the immediate benefit from a change in diet is the decrease in bile acids produced by the liver as a response to lowering the fat content of the foods eaten. In addition, the fibers introduced in a plant based diet bind and neutralize many of the bile acids and absorb free water present in the stool.

- this is actually just scientifically wrong. what you are describing is a complication of colitis. not a cause. Bile acid malabsorption is a separate illness.

The benefits for ulcerative colitis patients are equally dramatic. A dietary approach to this disease has been successful. A large series of patients improved, and many were actually cured of this serious condition by simply removing milk (dairy proteins) from their diet. Other investigators have approached this problem from the broader therapy of eliminating many sources of common food allergens, and have shown great success with their patients-and no side effects.

- PEOPLE WERE CURED OF AN INCURABLE DISEASE! why wasnt this more widely reported! i mean if all it takes is not eating dairy then im on board (oh no wait i did that.. does work)

Another strong reason to change the diet of someone suffering from inflammatory bowel disease is that the high-fat, high-cholesterol, low fiber western diet increases the risk of developing cancer of the colon. People with inflammatory bowel diseases are at greater risk than is the average person, lucky enough to have a healthy intestinal tract.

- this to be fair is actually correct.

For a person with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, who must endure pain and diarrhea every day, the option of choosing a simple meal plan is not a difficult one, especially when the penalty for making the occasional mistake of submitting to temptation from a rich repast is so immediately evident.

Recommendations

Patients who are very ill may need to be put on very simple diets, supplemented with some drugs until the bowel quiets down. As soon as the patient can eat regular foods comfortably, he should be started on a starch-centered diet without wheat or citrus fruits initially (later these two kinds of plant foods may be tried). The elimination diet is the next approach for stubborn cases.

Sondra Berk suffered with Crohn's Disease for years and years and years...after many surgeries, psycoanalysis and drugs she found healing by simply eating the diet human beings are designed to eat.

- Sondra Berk- is the only person he's cured?

of the ten references on his website, 4 have been disproven- and three contradict each other. non are peer reviewed and the most recent 'research' is from 1993! if you dont mind i might stick to more recent studies, im not sure how relevant a study on  by Truelove, S. on how ''Ulcerative colitis provoked by milk.'' from, 1961 is.

joefromireland

Qreq wrote: »

From what I can find, there isn't widespread support in the medical community for Dr. McDougall's ideas. Rather his program is described as a fad along with the Atkins diet in "Encyclopedia of Diet Fads: Understanding Science and Society". He comes across to me as a sincere vegan selling books, food, and lectures on the topic, but he does not come across as especially trustworthy to me; rather, he comes across as a prolific "guru" with a following.

I thought I'd put my opinion here in case people don't look further into it, however, I encourage you to look into him further and form your own opinion.

Thanks for your post you are correct there isn't widespread support in the medical community for Dr. McDougall's ideas, this should not be a surprise as he believes that most of the money people spend seeing the medical specialists could be avoided if they changed their diet and he in not shy about saying it.
In fact he has said about some doctors "People who take your money and cause you harm are called criminals, and they should be punished"
However he does have many supporters in the medical profession here is some examples of doctors who support him.
Dr Dean Ornish and Dr Esselstyn are supporters of Dr McDougall ,you might ask who are Dr. Esselstyn and Dr Dean Ornish see this interview with both of these doctors on CNN.

Dr Kim Williams President of the American College of Cardiology 2015

Cardiologist Dr Steven Lederman

You can look up his free program on his site
Here is some material from it
Mary and I have held nothing back in our Free McDougall Program. The pages that follow contain all of the information you need to successfully change your diet and lifestyle in order to quickly regain control of your health and appearance. The Free McDougall Program puts recovery from chronic disease and attainment of excellent health within everyone'
s reach.

The instructional material that follows offers you an opportunity to rediscover your health and appearance. Diet, however, is powerful medicine if youre seriously ill or on medication, don't make a dramatic dietary change (or start an intense exercise program) without the care of a physician who knows about nutrition and its effects on health. Never change medications without professional advice and, if appropriate, share this message with your doctor.

You can regain your health and take control of your life. All the beneficial things that you associate with health looking good, optimal weight, positive energy, vitality and a deep sense of well-being can be yours. What's more, you can accomplish these goals by the simplest method imaginable: eating the wholesome, fresh foods your body was designed to enjoy.

https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/free-mcdougall-program/

The_Conductor

For the record- the APC down in Cork, publish research on Crohn's Disease in humans, and its bovine equivalent, Johnnes Disease, in cattle- on an ongoing basis. There is plenty of modern, uptodate research available- we are by no means reliant on studies that were conducted 40-50-60 years ago. While the research from decades ago is of some interest- its more a useful yardstick to use to measure our far greater understanding of the chronic conditions- and how management techniques have evolved down the years.

Also- and to clarify a point (above)- there is no evidence that Crohn's Disease is more prevalent now, than it was 40 years ago. Diagnostics have improved in leaps and bounds- and it is diagnosed far more frequently- however this is a function of poor diagnostics in bygone days- rather than an increase in prevalence today. Samples stored for decades- and misdiagnosed at the outset- have tested positive (dna markers etc) for Crohns- where the initial diagnosis and treatment never explored the possibility of this disease.

With respect of the above post- advocating a strict dietary approach to managing Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis- as 'Livedadream' has correctly pointed out- several of the studies used by the author are disproven, others are entirely contradictory, none are peer reviewed- and the author only holds up a single person he claims to have 'cured'.......... Come-on. If this was a scientific study- it would be laughed out of the house. Its not though- because it fails all the criteria to be taken seriously as a scientific study.

It is unhelpful- and jarring- to those of us who have battled Crohn's or Colitis for decades- to have to put up with this crap- it may satisfy the criteria for TV3's Doctor in the House- and indeed- it may help the odd person here or there- but to prescribe it as a treatment or a cure to either Crohn's or Colitis- is disingenuous and dangerous- and possibly even fatal for some sufferers.

Guys- if you are interested in keeping abreast of what is happening with current research on Crohn's and Colitis- you could a lot worse than subscribing to the APC's research newsletter (they also seek volunteers for studies and/or clinical trials on occasion). Its recognised globally for the gold standard research they conduct- its publicly funded through Teagasc and UCC- and its research is peer-reviewed and publicly available.

We really don't need to give quacks and pseudoscience even more airtime.

livedadream

The_Conductor wrote: »

For the record- the APC down in Cork, publish research on Crohn's

(to give the thread a lighter feel after all the science) they like my poop! the APC that is, i was part of the study they did on crohns and liquid diets.
needless to say, it didnt cure me, but i was able to FINALLY go to the cinema and sit through an entire movie!

OUTDOORLASS

I gave up diary abt 20 years ago, when there was a suggested link to Johanes and Crohns.....not a damn bit of difference has it made. I also did the liquid diet for about 6 weeks, to try and avoid yet another resection...again not a damn bit
of difference did it make. God bless whoever invented the new Bio drugs.....

Qreq

To respect the change in topic, I responded via private message to Joe's last post about the cited doctors. If anyone would like to read my response, feel free to private me.

ChartAccount

Another person posted their positve experience with CBD oil.

I would like people here to be aware that quality CBD oil really can help crohns patients...

Everyone here should try it especially if all else has failed!!

I was looking at losing part of my bowel last year but started taking this CBD oil from Colorado called Haleighs Hope, now its nearly 7 months and i may as well be cured!!

User banned for unsolicited PM spamming

MsGiggles

Anyone else just get spammed by "chartaccount" ?

livedadream

MsGiggles wrote: »

Anyone else just get spammed by "chartaccount" ?

i think chartaccount is the same user who posted before about CBD oil... just a different username

Kurtosis

Mod note

If you receive a PM which you think is inappropriate for whatever reason, please hit the report PM button when viewing the PM on the main site to report it for Admin review.

Livedadream, please don't speculate about another poster having changed their username or reregistered.

antoinette 1

Hi diagnosed with crohns oct 2012(45 yrs young) had always been told I had ibs. March 2013 had resection (2 feet of bowel removed and appendix) DID have medical card but now gone. Trying to get s discretionary one at the min( since January) I also have high blood pressure and asthma meds I'm on, 100mg simponi monthly, amlodipine, nebibmel and centyl k( hypertension) salbutamol and becklazone ( asthma) as mentioned in other threads I'm avoiding docs and consultant visits re money wise and only taking meds sparodicly. My question is ,has ANYONE been awarded a medical card in similar circumstances?

The_Conductor

antoinette 1 wrote: »

Hi diagnosed with crohns oct 2012(45 yrs young) had always been told I had ibs. March 2013 had resection (2 feet of bowel removed and appendix) DID have medical card but now gone. Trying to get s discretionary one at the min( since January) I also have high blood pressure and asthma meds I'm on, 100mg simponi monthly, amlodipine, nebibmel and centyl k( hypertension) salbutamol and becklazone ( asthma) as mentioned in other threads I'm avoiding docs and consultant visits re money wise and only taking meds sparodicly. My question is ,has ANYONE been awarded a medical card in similar circumstances?

No- is the short and simple.
Unfortunately- Crohn's is one of those conditions that doesn't feature on the LTI scheme- and while I'm sure someone somewhere probably has a discretionary medical card- I've not heard of them.
I know the Minister has Crohn's- however, honestly- I think that is going against us all- as he is terrified of showing any sort of goodwill towards Crohn's sufferers (then again- I'm not sure who he is showing good will towards........)

Do let us know how things go- I've never had a medical card- but the 144 a month, is about as far as I can stretch, without other medical bills- and my 'GP' (who I've only ever met twice) doesn't want to give me any more prescriptions for anything- without further consultations and tests- which naturally enough, he imagines I've no issue paying for........

Its a bit of a catch 22- at least I have recurring appointments from Infliximab- other than that- I'd be screwed totally. I really need some sort of a script for pain meds- and Imuran, honestly- from a medical perspective, I'd be significantly better off (financially and otherwise) if I didn't work- its almost as though the lack of any assistance whatsoever is a punishment for working.

People with Crohns should not be abandoned by the system- in the manner in which we are.

hermajesty

Hi Antoinette,

Not sure if this is any help to you but an in-law of mine got a discretionary medical card for her family due to "financial hardship" even though she works full time. She had a lot of problems with mortgage repayments etc sick child etc. Probably helped that she works for HSE �� Anyway worth checking out your health is your wealth as my granny used to say and u cannot afford to not take your meds. Best of luck.

degrassinoel

antoinette 1 wrote: »

Hi diagnosed with crohns oct 2012(45 yrs young) had always been told I had ibs. March 2013 had resection (2 feet of bowel removed and appendix) DID have medical card but now gone. Trying to get s discretionary one at the min( since January) I also have high blood pressure and asthma meds I'm on, 100mg simponi monthly, amlodipine, nebibmel and centyl k( hypertension) salbutamol and becklazone ( asthma) as mentioned in other threads I'm avoiding docs and consultant visits re money wise and only taking meds sparodicly. My question is ,has ANYONE been awarded a medical card in similar circumstances?

If you're working you may not get one.

It's means tested, but i have one and in a similar position to yourself, just on disability allowance too so i'm not working. If in doubt call the citizens information offices and tell them about your situation and they'll be able to tell you without too much fuss what your odds are, but i'd apply anyway if i was you, the worst they can do is decline you. Your health is the most important thing here, and if you're rationing medicine because of your finances - you're gambling with your health.

antoinette 1

degrassinoel wrote: »

If you're working you may not get one.

It's means tested, but i have one and in a similar position to yourself, just on disability allowance too so i'm not working. If in doubt call the citizens information offices and tell them about your situation and they'll be able to tell you without too much fuss what your odds are, but i'd apply anyway if i was you, the worst they can do is decline you. Your health is the most important thing here, and if you're rationing medicine because of your finances - you're gambling with your health.

Hi just to let you know I've been approved for full medical card... Maybe cos , although crohns would probably be the main disease, having asthma and hypertension probably worked in my favour....

The_Conductor

antoinette 1 wrote: »

Hi just to let you know I've been approved for full medical card... Maybe cos , although crohns would probably be the main disease, having asthma and hypertension probably worked in my favour....

I've hypertension, sarcoidosis, vitiligo and a meandering list of other conditions- in addition to Crohn's- and don't have a medical card.

How did you get one?

antoinette 1

The_Conductor wrote: »

I've hypertension, sarcoidosis, vitiligo and a meandering list of other conditions- in addition to Crohn's- and don't have a medical card.

How did you get one?

Took 5 months of constantly ringing,, all the usual stuff docs records, lists of meds financial situation,consultants etc.... Was happily surprised to get it believe me

inca2

Hi all, just felt that I needed a bit of a rant and hoped that this might be the right place for it

I'm 25 and I've been experiencing symptoms suspicious for IBD for just under 19 months now. I went for full colonoscopy last October, only for the consultant to decide last minute that he was just going to do sigmoidoscopy because I have no family history of IBD and I was generally "well". I was left with a diagnosis of IBS, which I knew it wasn't as I had alarm symptoms that I feel were completely dismissed (e.g. blood in stools). I feel that I have deteriorated substantially in the past few months (fatigue, breathlessness, pallor, abdominal discomfort, low grade temperatures, mouth ulcers, increased blood in stools etc) so after much pushing, my GP agreed to repeat bloods in May and discovered that I am anaemic, low in folate and Vitamin B12 - so I was finally taken slightly more seriously. Earlier this week, I met another consultant, who was the first doctor not to dismiss me. He repeated bloods and found that my platelet levels are high, as are inflammatory markers. Unfortunately, he was in agreement that this is all painting a picture of terminal ileitis. I'm booked in for full colonoscopy next Wednesday and also a CT scan. Just today, I've started experiencing really sharp pain in my right iliac fossa region and severe weakness. Almost looking forward to next Wednesday and a potential diagnosis of Crohn's as I am just worn out, physically and emotionally. I'm quite scared too, as I know that this would be life-changing. Not quite sure how to deal with it, except to just try to get on with things as best I can.

Thanks for reading