New here

[Wintie]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Crohns in 2004. It was very rough in the 1st couple of years. I have recently discovered stress it a major factor, even more than you can imagine.

I am on medication (Pantasa) and have learnt, to a degree, how to control for the majority of the time with diet. I never eat lettuce and restrict all raw vegetables stickily.

[Hidden]

Totally agree that most digestive issues are affected by stress (if not controversially brought on by it!) I had Colitis for years but it started when I was at Uni (stressful) and got worse through a variety of ups and downs in my life until I eventually got so ill they removed my whole large intestine! Controlling and managing stress is positive for the mind body and soul, it's just finding a method that works!!!

[Wintie in reply to Hidden]

I'm not very good at relaxing at the moment, just constantly exhausted. Another joy we have to cope with.

[Hidden in reply to Wintie]

Have you tried seeing a hypnotherapist? I've just started and it's definitely making an impact! Do you who've time out for yourself? A bath night, or a you night? Another few things that may help are massage, reflexology and speaking to GP about support with relaxation and stress management. Best of luck Wintie!

[Wintie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Roxy

Have been thinking about Hypnotherapy but for getting my head round not being able to eat certain things, to get me through the down days and weeks. Will look into it for relaxation too.

I do make time for myself, only work a 4 day week at the moment and try not to book anything on that day, I mostly try and sleep and try and catch up with myself. Find it helps.

[Terry57]

I also have crohns and am on Humira. I also watch the diet and find that milk products and beef bother me. I also suffer from depression and anxiety so stress is a big problem for me. I hope you are feeling well today. As a crohns patients I know it is a day to day thing so be thankful for the days you feel well.

[Wintie in reply to Terry57]

Beef maybe because it takes a lot to digest it. My no go are rare but I stay clear from high fibre (beans) mushrooms can sometimes make me double over in pain, but in remission they are ok majority of the time.

[Terry57 in reply to Wintie]

I couldn't eat mushrooms right after surgery because they don't break down and caused minor blockages but I've learned to really chew them. Seems like what I can eat today gives me problems tomorrow and what bothered me once doesn't bother me the next time. It's hard to say sometimes. I used to have problems with banana but now I eat them everyday with no problem. Fish and seafood seem to always give me issues and awful odor so even though I love going fishing I don't eat a lot of it. Chicken and turkey used to go right through but now it's my main protein. Seems like after each surgery everything changes.

[Wintie in reply to Terry57]

We do have fun don't we. It's like we find what works and then the rules change. Just keeping us on our toes

I can't remember the last time I ate an apple, not worth the pain and other side effects.

[Terry57 in reply to Wintie]

The only way I can eat an apple is to peel it and quarter it to remove the middle. It's just not worth the time. I just grab the jar of applesauce.