Crohns for 40 years

[Terry57]

I'm Terry and I was diagnosed with Crohns almost 40 years ago. I had a total Colectomy when I was 21. I've had 4 surgeries since then. I'm currently on Humira and feeling well. I also suffer from severe depression.

[Marz]

If you have suffered several surgeries it is possible you are depleted of B12 - as the Nitrous Oxide used in surgery depletes B12. Low B12 can be the cause of depression. Also B12 is metabolised in the Terminal Ileum - so without one - again your levels will be very LOW. I was not told I would need B12 injections/treatment for life - and so have suffered with spinal cord issues which required surgery.

Crohns sufferers are often low in VitD - a steroidal pre-hormone - needed in every cell of the body - trillions of them. So it is important to have good levels to ensure there is enough to go around. VitD is also anti-inflammatory.

Also low thyroid hormones can be the cause of depression - and Hashimotos - is yet another auto-immune condition suffered by millions. It is the most common thyroid condition throughout the world.

I would suggest the following tests :- TSH - FT4 - FT3 - Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg - the last two being thyroid anti-bodies. That is the correct thyroid testing.

Also FERRITIN - FOLATE - B12 - IRON - VITD should be requested for testing as they are not routinely tested. They are the building blocks of our health and need to be optimal in their ranges. Docs often happy to say normal - when the results are just in range. Normal is an opinion and not a result

You are entitled to have copies of all your test results so you can monitor your own progress and take control.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

The above link will take you to Private Testing should your GP not be willing to look at the bigger picture. One of the packages contains all the above suggested tests.

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

The above link will take you to all the information you will be needing about B12. Any result under 500 can present with neurological symptoms - so it is not just a vitamin deficiency.

Finally I would suggest going gluten free is a great way of healing the gut

I am not a medic - just a Crohns sufferer with Hashimotos and a B12 issue.

Happy to help - click onto my name and you can read my edited profile and journey to wellness ! Searching out the ROOT cause ....

[Terry57 in reply to Marz]

I inject b12 every month to keep my levels up and I also take 50,000 iu of vitamin d 3 times per week because I'm so depleted.

[Marz in reply to Terry57]

Maybe a good idea to complete your Profile with more information - saves you repeating yourself and saves posters asking about stuff you are already doing .....

Glad you are having the right care.

[LDupree in reply to Marz]

Thank you for sharing such good, detailed info.

[Lcatwell]

Thanks for your feedback. It has been almost one year since my first right hemicolectomy in which they removed a out 1/3 of my colon due to a narrowing blockage. I had been bloated for three weeks and was going in to see my gasterologist when I started throwing up the green bile. They had me on Cimzia but it did not work and I had reactions to it and then the colonoscopy showed acute colitis. So, I am now starting the maintenance phase of Humira this Thursday July 8, 2016 so I am hoping it begins working.

Lisa