Crohn’s Disease Newsletter Issue #3 |
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In this edition:
- Personal Story
- Anemia
- Hypnosis
- Prednisone needs calcium
Dear Crohnee,
I want to first start by apologizing for not having written for so long, I got very tied up with my business and unfortunately have neglected CrohnsHelp.com a bit. But, we’re back at it.
We recently made a full update to website with lots of information on the MAP research, an article on the effects of smoking on Crohnees. We also started our “drug catalog” by profiling Pentasa and Remicade thus far.
Today, I really want to start by updating everyone on my personal situation. I “am” doing better and have made a full round through my doctors. I also went to Johns Hopkins University to meet their leading Gastroenterology professor and world recognized Crohn’s expert – Dr. Bayless.
Until him I was of course seeing my regular G.I. (who is great), I had also seen two different G.I.’s at George Washington University Hospital – needless to say, I am trying my best to cover all grounds.
The results were the same as all other doctors – my disease is severe and even after surgery will require heavy medication. I have been instructed to return to Remicade and to also add a low dosage of Imuran (not to mention many different vitamins).
I was also asked to get a “Bone Density” test because of how long I have been on Prednisone (steroids) now.
Results from Bone Density Test:
They tested my hip bone and spine. The hip bone was fine, but the spine showed loss of bone. I have not yet discussed these results with my doctor to see what he wants to do.
I am, however, on 1.5 grams of calcium supplements right now. If you’re taking Prednisone, please talk to your doctor immediately about whether you need to take Calcium supplements.
My visit to my surgeon:
I also met my surgeon a week ago. Technically, I was supposed to have my illiostomy reversed mid-may (3 months…). However, because I am still on steroids (10mg a day), the surgeon would feel most comfortable if we wait until I have been completely off of steroids for at least a period of 3 weeks.
Combine that with my heavy travel schedule approaching (for business), it seems that my surgery will now be delayed to late July.
I can’t say that I am “excited” about this. But, at the same time, I don’t want to make any mistakes this time – I want to be as cautious as possible.
Crohnees At Higher Risk of Anemia:
As I continue to learn and read up on Crohn’s disease, I like to make you aware of any of my major findings. Not that I did not know this already, but it was proven that Crohn’s patients are at a higher risk to be Anemic. Various reasons for this….
- Bleeding – If one of your symptoms is bleeding, losing blood will cause anemia.
- Mal absorption – Crohnee intestines may not be optimum in absorbing all the iron we need.
Read more about this at my blog post…
Study Reveals Hypnosis Helps IBS Patients:
Ok, so not exactly Crohn’s Disease, but there are many similarities in IBS and IBD. I came across this dated article that talks about research that showed the effects of using hypnosis to relieve symptoms.
This research also clearly links “flare-ups” to stress-levels.
I, for one, know that when I get very stressed, I get sicker…
More on this article…
Patient Alert: Prednisone Needs Calcium
When reading this, please remember that I am not a doctor nor do I try to give medical advice. I simply report on what I find in order to help you bring up the right topics with your doctors.
As we all know, Prednisone can have horrific side-effects, the list is endless. Well, one of them is that your body starts to lose calcium. Losing calcium can lead to bone loss and also osteoporosis (if you are on large dosages of prednisone or have been on it for a while).
So, if you’re taking Prednisone, please make sure to ask your doctor about calcium supplements. If you have been taking Prednisone for a long time (or in large dosages), you may also want to inquire about getting a Bone Density test done.
Read a bit more at my blog posting…
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