Wednesday, September 26, 2007
My Personal Crohn's Update
Since some of you guys have been asking....I am doing fairly well right now. I am off of the Asacol, Pentasa, 6mp, etc. I am currently only on Humira. I am due for a shot in about 5 minutes so I thought I would write. My neck is hurting, so my excercise (soccer, running, weight-lifting) is decreasing while my weight is increasing. I haven't gained too much..but a couple pounds. For those of you that don't know me. I am the rare Crohn's guy that never feels too skinny. I eat a cheeseburger and gain 3 pounds...that's just me. So when I get sick or have a Chron's flare up, (and this is sick) I like the liquid diet and weight loss portion. Anyways, my Crohn's Disease is currently under control. i am watching my diet and trying to behave. The night sweats are on and off. One night they are awful. The next night they are OK. I think I have had two good nights in a row, but the AC has been on cold and now that I have a Humira shot coming I will probably sweat tonight. ****UPDATE**** I got my Humira shot tonight and Amy pushed the plunger down on the syringe much faster than normal. This was a good thing. I got it over in 5 seconds instead of 25 and all things considered this Humira shot was significantly less painful.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Watching David Garrard Play Football - Athlete's with Crohn's
So I am sitting here watching David Garrard play football. I love seeing anyone beat Crohn's but I have a special place in my heart for athletes with Crohn's. David is doing well as the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is a fighter on the field and is making short work of Crohn's disease. He really put the weight back on quickly and is treating his Chron's with Remicade. Watching him fight on the football field makes me proud. Also makes me want to get my neck healed so I can get back to soccer!
His story is here:
Jacksonville Jaguar Quarterback David Garrard first experienced symptoms of Crohn’s disease at the end of the NFL season, in January 2003. The diagnosis was confirmed with a colonoscopy, and Garrard began treatment. His management plan included Canasa, prednisone, and finally, Remicade. These therapies failed, and Garrard lost 35 pounds from his 6’2” frame. In June of 2004, he underwent surgery to remove about 1 foot of intestine.
After surgery, Garrard recovered quickly and regained the weight he had lost. A post-surgery examination showed that his gastrointestinal tract was free of Crohn’s. After a routine colonoscopy revealed traces of Crohn’s last year, Garrard again underwent treatment with Remicade, and as of July 2006 is Crohn’s-free.
Garrard has recently entered into a partnership with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America called Team Crohn’s. Team Crohn’s is an initiative sponsored by Centocor Inc that focuses on education about pediatric Crohn’s disease. As part of Team Crohn’s, Garrard is touring Camp Oasis locations around the country. Camp Oasis is a residential program for children with IBD. Doctors diagnosed David Garard with Crohn's disease in 2004. Despite undergoing surgery in June 2004 to remove a nearly 12-inch portion of his intestines, Garrard played during the 2004 NFL season.
Garrard's wife, Mary, gave birth to the couple's first child, a son, Justin Thomas Garrard, on September 17, 2007. Educating the public about the disease is now a priority for Garrard. "Even though a lot of people suffer from Crohn's, it's still a condition many people don't know anything about. Since telling others I have this disease, I've had people who seemed to come out of the blue, saying 'Oh, yes, I have that, too.' It's a funny disease in a funny place in an area you don't normally want to talk about over dinner." He has been so successful in building up his body that his coach recently asked him to shed ten pounds off his 250-pound physique. Garrard, who now weighs about 240 pounds and has a mere 9-percent body fat, eats a high-protein diet. That's not the way it was when he was in college, where he ate lots of junk food and had 15-percent body fat, which Garrard says is at the high end of normal for professional quarterbacks.He now stays far away from junk food and no longer has cravings for fried chicken. "I haven't had fried chicken in such a long time that I don't even have a desire for it anymore." But David still loves food. "Sticking to the right diet for me can be a bit challenging," he says, adding, "That'll always be my weakness. I'm a food connoisseur with a passion for everything from Italian to seafood." When it comes to his future, Garrard's goals are straightforward. "I'll do whatever it takes to avoid any more recurrences of Crohn's disease. I eat as healthy as possible, take my medication on schedule, and listen to my doctor. I want to be the best husband I can be and, when I have children, the best father, too."
His story is here:
Jacksonville Jaguar Quarterback David Garrard first experienced symptoms of Crohn’s disease at the end of the NFL season, in January 2003. The diagnosis was confirmed with a colonoscopy, and Garrard began treatment. His management plan included Canasa, prednisone, and finally, Remicade. These therapies failed, and Garrard lost 35 pounds from his 6’2” frame. In June of 2004, he underwent surgery to remove about 1 foot of intestine.
After surgery, Garrard recovered quickly and regained the weight he had lost. A post-surgery examination showed that his gastrointestinal tract was free of Crohn’s. After a routine colonoscopy revealed traces of Crohn’s last year, Garrard again underwent treatment with Remicade, and as of July 2006 is Crohn’s-free.
Garrard has recently entered into a partnership with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America called Team Crohn’s. Team Crohn’s is an initiative sponsored by Centocor Inc that focuses on education about pediatric Crohn’s disease. As part of Team Crohn’s, Garrard is touring Camp Oasis locations around the country. Camp Oasis is a residential program for children with IBD. Doctors diagnosed David Garard with Crohn's disease in 2004. Despite undergoing surgery in June 2004 to remove a nearly 12-inch portion of his intestines, Garrard played during the 2004 NFL season.
Garrard's wife, Mary, gave birth to the couple's first child, a son, Justin Thomas Garrard, on September 17, 2007. Educating the public about the disease is now a priority for Garrard. "Even though a lot of people suffer from Crohn's, it's still a condition many people don't know anything about. Since telling others I have this disease, I've had people who seemed to come out of the blue, saying 'Oh, yes, I have that, too.' It's a funny disease in a funny place in an area you don't normally want to talk about over dinner." He has been so successful in building up his body that his coach recently asked him to shed ten pounds off his 250-pound physique. Garrard, who now weighs about 240 pounds and has a mere 9-percent body fat, eats a high-protein diet. That's not the way it was when he was in college, where he ate lots of junk food and had 15-percent body fat, which Garrard says is at the high end of normal for professional quarterbacks.He now stays far away from junk food and no longer has cravings for fried chicken. "I haven't had fried chicken in such a long time that I don't even have a desire for it anymore." But David still loves food. "Sticking to the right diet for me can be a bit challenging," he says, adding, "That'll always be my weakness. I'm a food connoisseur with a passion for everything from Italian to seafood." When it comes to his future, Garrard's goals are straightforward. "I'll do whatever it takes to avoid any more recurrences of Crohn's disease. I eat as healthy as possible, take my medication on schedule, and listen to my doctor. I want to be the best husband I can be and, when I have children, the best father, too."
Pearl Jam, Mike McCready (guitarist) and Fans Continue to Fight Crohn's Disease
Thought this was an interesting story about a Peal Jam Fan doing something to help fight Crohn's Disease. Peal Jam fan Anthony Piscatella of Troy New York won a Peal Jam contest to host a screening of a Pearl Jam concert film is using the opportunit to raise money to fight Crohn's Disease.
Piscatella says he was one of the lucky few chosen on the basis of planning the best screening party, and says he will charge $3 admission to the event and donate the proceeds to a New York City charity, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.Piscatella said the disease has not had a direct impact on his life, but he became involved because of his appreciation for the rock band, whose membership has been directly affected by Crohn's."I've been working for the last few weeks on hosting a huge benefit for Cornice's disease because Peal Jam lead guitar player (Mike McCready) has Crohn's disease," Piscatella said Thursday, a day after he got an e-mail informing him he would be one of the lucky hosts.
Piscatella says he was one of the lucky few chosen on the basis of planning the best screening party, and says he will charge $3 admission to the event and donate the proceeds to a New York City charity, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.Piscatella said the disease has not had a direct impact on his life, but he became involved because of his appreciation for the rock band, whose membership has been directly affected by Crohn's."I've been working for the last few weeks on hosting a huge benefit for Cornice's disease because Peal Jam lead guitar player (Mike McCready) has Crohn's disease," Piscatella said Thursday, a day after he got an e-mail informing him he would be one of the lucky hosts.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Good Article on Diet and Crohn's Disease - Foods to Avoid
Hey guys - Good article on the role of Diet with Crohn's Disease . Foods to eat, foods to avoid, etc.
The role of diet and nutrition is very important in Crohn's disease and should be considered as an important add-on treatment to medical therapies. Although there is no evidence to show that the condition is caused by nutritional factors, the food you eat can affect the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.
Dietary guidelines for Crohn's disease vary depending on the severity of the disease, location of the inflammation, and symptoms. As crohns disease is characterized by inflammation along the digestive tract it is often difficult for the body to absorb enough of the essential nutrients that it needs to function well. In addition, people with Crohn's disease often experience a decrease in appetite.
During an acute phase of crohns disease, bulky foods, milk and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping. Generally, the patient is advised to eat a well-balanced diet, with adequate protein and calories. Diet may have to be restricted based on symptoms or complications.
Because Crohn's Disease affects the area of the intestines where a lot of the absorption of nutrients takes place, taking supplements is usually advised. The greatest amount of digestion takes place just beyond the stomach in the small intestine. An inflamed intestine as in the case with Crohn's Disease is not able to fully absorb and digest the nutrients from food. As a result Crohn's Disease sufferers are often unable to properly digest and absorb carbohydrates, fats, proteins as well as many vitamins and minerals. Over 40 percent of individuals diagnosed with Crohns Disease showed that they can eat enough food but can’t absorb it adequately, especially carbohydrates. A high quality nutritional supplement can provide the nutrients the body needs for proper health.
Here are some general dietary guidelines for Crohn's disease:
Eat a well-balanced diet
Drink plenty of fluids to offset losses from diarrhea
Consult with your doctor if you need to take vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements
Limit high-fiber foods (whole grains, raw vegetables and fruits, beans and nuts)
Avoid foods that seem to worsen the symptoms
Limit dairy products
What is the best Diet for Crohns Disease?
Unfortunately there is no single effective Chron's disease diet which will reduce symptoms for all patients. A Chrons disease diet may vary from individual to individual and may need to be changed, depending on symptoms or complications.
Most dietitians with experience of Crones disease simply recommend a healthy balanced diet free of any foods that aggravate the symptoms. Generally, foods that make Crohn's disease symptoms worse are processed products, gas-forming fruits and vegetables, alcohol, lactose, caffeine and foods high in fat.
Choosing a proper diet for Chron's disease is important. The detection of foods that seem to worsen the symptoms and the introduction of foods that help ease them is a slow but essential part of overcoming Chrones disease.
written by Robert Hill
The role of diet and nutrition is very important in Crohn's disease and should be considered as an important add-on treatment to medical therapies. Although there is no evidence to show that the condition is caused by nutritional factors, the food you eat can affect the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.
Dietary guidelines for Crohn's disease vary depending on the severity of the disease, location of the inflammation, and symptoms. As crohns disease is characterized by inflammation along the digestive tract it is often difficult for the body to absorb enough of the essential nutrients that it needs to function well. In addition, people with Crohn's disease often experience a decrease in appetite.
During an acute phase of crohns disease, bulky foods, milk and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping. Generally, the patient is advised to eat a well-balanced diet, with adequate protein and calories. Diet may have to be restricted based on symptoms or complications.
Because Crohn's Disease affects the area of the intestines where a lot of the absorption of nutrients takes place, taking supplements is usually advised. The greatest amount of digestion takes place just beyond the stomach in the small intestine. An inflamed intestine as in the case with Crohn's Disease is not able to fully absorb and digest the nutrients from food. As a result Crohn's Disease sufferers are often unable to properly digest and absorb carbohydrates, fats, proteins as well as many vitamins and minerals. Over 40 percent of individuals diagnosed with Crohns Disease showed that they can eat enough food but can’t absorb it adequately, especially carbohydrates. A high quality nutritional supplement can provide the nutrients the body needs for proper health.
Here are some general dietary guidelines for Crohn's disease:
Eat a well-balanced diet
Drink plenty of fluids to offset losses from diarrhea
Consult with your doctor if you need to take vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements
Limit high-fiber foods (whole grains, raw vegetables and fruits, beans and nuts)
Avoid foods that seem to worsen the symptoms
Limit dairy products
What is the best Diet for Crohns Disease?
Unfortunately there is no single effective Chron's disease diet which will reduce symptoms for all patients. A Chrons disease diet may vary from individual to individual and may need to be changed, depending on symptoms or complications.
Most dietitians with experience of Crones disease simply recommend a healthy balanced diet free of any foods that aggravate the symptoms. Generally, foods that make Crohn's disease symptoms worse are processed products, gas-forming fruits and vegetables, alcohol, lactose, caffeine and foods high in fat.
Choosing a proper diet for Chron's disease is important. The detection of foods that seem to worsen the symptoms and the introduction of foods that help ease them is a slow but essential part of overcoming Chrones disease.
written by Robert Hill
Friday, September 21, 2007
Decisions, Decisions - Not really part of my Crohn's Disease Blog
Off Topic I know. What does your haircut have to do with crohn's disease? Nothing. But vote for whether I shave my head short or keep it the same. Vote now
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Terrible night sweats
I feel like I slept in a swimming pool last night. I sweat so much it was unreal. I was too tired to change the sheets so I layed down 2 towels twice during the night. I can already feel the heat coming on now and I am not in bed. Crohn's Disease sweats suck!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Severe Neck Pain
Ok, in a nutshell...my neck has been messed up for a little over a month. It feels to me more of a nerve than a muscle. Last night in my soccer game I tweaked it a bit...then a bit more. It hurt prior to going to bed. Sometime into the middle of the night I realized I can't even move. UNBELIEVABLE PAIN. I barely made it to work, and left at 4 for a doctors appt.. I can't pick my head up all the way without blinding pain. I can't turn it. I can't breathe heavy...cough...nothing...I am googling it now...seems to be unrelated to Humira (which can actually be used to help arthritis and joint/muscle pain). Really nervous...will keep you updated.
UPDATE
OK, so I went to the doctor and got a cortisone injection, solumedrol and a muscle relaxer. I am having serious muscle spasms and have some tears/striations and bleeding. Hopefully no nerve damage. I feel quite a bit better. Hopefully I am not out of soccer and running too long.
UPDATE
OK, so I went to the doctor and got a cortisone injection, solumedrol and a muscle relaxer. I am having serious muscle spasms and have some tears/striations and bleeding. Hopefully no nerve damage. I feel quite a bit better. Hopefully I am not out of soccer and running too long.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Humira, Humira
It's time for a Humira (Adalimumab) shot folks. For me a Humira shot means some brief pain, followed by a night of good Crohn's disease sweats, and then hopefully a few good days. My Crohn's has been pretty good...mostly overshadowed by soccer injuries. Pinched nerve in the neck and bad left knee. We won last night 14-10 indoor...and lost tonight 3-2 at Red Bug (but we played awesome). Time to finish my beer and then have Amy give me my shot.
By the way...it seems I have picked up some readers (shout out to Seattle) of this blog and I am thankful. I might not have the most exciting posts, but I do like to follow the stories and blogs of people with Crohn's. So if you are reading this sometimes or a return visitor...leave me a message. It makes me feel good.
By the way...it seems I have picked up some readers (shout out to Seattle) of this blog and I am thankful. I might not have the most exciting posts, but I do like to follow the stories and blogs of people with Crohn's. So if you are reading this sometimes or a return visitor...leave me a message. It makes me feel good.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Crohn's Disease Half Marathon Team Challenge Update
Although the CCFA website invited me to sign up and implied there would be a Central Florida group there doesn't seem to be. I was excited to sign up for this half-marathon, and asked for more info over a week ago. Today I got an email informing me of meetings in Boca and Miami...nothing in Central Florida. In fact, no one ever got back to me. Anyways, unless someone local wants to train and contacts me in the next couple of days....I think I am out.
UPDATE (9/11/07) - I got a phone call at work today while I was finishing up a meeting, regarding online training and interest in the Orlando area. The woman from CCFA was VERY cordial and informed me of some virtual training opportunities. That is how I trained for my marathon, so I am intrigued I did not get a chance to read it or attend the online session tonight, but I understand there is another on Thursday. Time is short though...
UPDATE (9/11/07) - I got a phone call at work today while I was finishing up a meeting, regarding online training and interest in the Orlando area. The woman from CCFA was VERY cordial and informed me of some virtual training opportunities. That is how I trained for my marathon, so I am intrigued I did not get a chance to read it or attend the online session tonight, but I understand there is another on Thursday. Time is short though...
Thursday, September 6, 2007
More Athletes and Crohn's - Hockey Player out Indefinitely with Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)
Forward Fernando Pisani will be out of the Edmonton Oilers' lineup indefinitely after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder and very closely related to Crohn's disease. Pisani had 14 goals and 14 assists in 77 games with Edmonton last season. After scoring 14 goals in the 2006 playoffs, Pisani was rewarded with a four-year, $10 million contract in the offseason.
Hard to believe that at 30 he is younger than me. I am 32 and struggle with sports and Crohn's on a daily basis. Other athletes with Crohn's Disease:
Theo Fleury – NHL, Shane Corson– NHL, David Garrard - NFL
Hard to believe that at 30 he is younger than me. I am 32 and struggle with sports and Crohn's on a daily basis. Other athletes with Crohn's Disease:
Theo Fleury – NHL, Shane Corson– NHL, David Garrard - NFL
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Beers, Night Sweats, and Hives
Here I sit, after taking a break from reading The Great Gatsby and I feel hives breaking out on my body. Stomach, arm, back, ears. I have NO idea why. I haen't gotten them since I have been on Humira, but got them during my remicade infusions. I am baffled as to why I have them now. I had a few beers tonight and just took an ambien, so I don' want to take a benadryl. Ahh, the fun of being me! Earlier today I was able to hit the gym for weights and the treadmill before taking a 15 mile bike ride in the midday heat.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Uncle Booger's Bumper Dumper!!
I ran across this last night and was almost in tears. Check out Uncle Booger's Bumper Dumper! Such a great tool for those with Crohn's. Many of you know that I could have used this while commuting 1 hour each way (Orlando to Melbourne)! By the way this is an actual product!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Ugh Time for a Humira Shot
Yum, 40 mg Humira adalimumab shot (subcutaneous) on the way. I am sure it will make my Crohn's Disease feel beter, but damn, this is going to hurt. I'm actually going to continue this post as I get my shot of humira. Hmm, I think I would rather have a shot of Patron....maybe a Jaeger Bomb. At least I am drinking a beer.
Ok, so here goes..gonna time it...30 seconds from entry to needle withdrawl. This particular one wasn't so bad....I don't feel the needle enter...as I type this two minutes later it hurt worse than the actual shot. Maybe I am just a wuss...pain has subsided....it's not as bad as it sounds. Oh, and my biggest concern with Humira is the cancer. I guess it lowers the effectivess of the immune system. I often wonder if I should stick with the Asacol and/or 6mp and deal with the Crohn's so as not to deal with the possibility of cancer.
Ok, so here goes..gonna time it...30 seconds from entry to needle withdrawl. This particular one wasn't so bad....I don't feel the needle enter...as I type this two minutes later it hurt worse than the actual shot. Maybe I am just a wuss...pain has subsided....it's not as bad as it sounds. Oh, and my biggest concern with Humira is the cancer. I guess it lowers the effectivess of the immune system. I often wonder if I should stick with the Asacol and/or 6mp and deal with the Crohn's so as not to deal with the possibility of cancer.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
More Night Sweats
Last night was like sleeping in Scott's Crohn's Disease River! Seriously people, they say night sweats are caused by low grade fevers..which I don't really get during the day. Last night I had serious crohn's sweats! I was sweating all night. I changed the sheets once, layed down towels another time, and just layed there in a puddle of my own sweat freezing the last time. Sorry, had to gripe real quick.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Crohn's Flare Up Tips
I am not a doctor (I just play one on TV), but here are some of my tips for dealing with the onset of a Crohn's Disease Flare Up.
DEAL WITH STRESS (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!) - A major risk factor for Crohn’s flare-ups is stress. While it’s impractical to think that you can remove stress from your life completely, making an effort to at least try and limit the amount of stress can seriously reduce the number of and severity of Crohn’s flare-ups. Things like yoga or medication or even just making time in your schedule to read a good book can be great ways to relaxbeat stress. For me it is sports....soccer, running, just getting a mental break by myself somewhere. I am firmly convinced that your ATTITUDE can help prevent Crohns Flare Ups.
PREDNISONE - If I feel one coming on..I self-medicate a bit. I may up the Asacol, take a Humira shot early...or the best thing is two a mini (2 dose or so) blast of left over Prednisone.
LIQUID DIET - Take at least 24-36 hours are rest your gut...Drink shakes, soups, etc...put yourself on a full liquid diet.
FOODS TO AVOID - During a Crohn's Flare up most doctors, will tell you (probably wisely) to avoid spicy foods, whole grains, ruffage (lettuce, etc) and dairy products. Again, the idea is to keep it bland.
DEAL WITH STRESS (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!) - A major risk factor for Crohn’s flare-ups is stress. While it’s impractical to think that you can remove stress from your life completely, making an effort to at least try and limit the amount of stress can seriously reduce the number of and severity of Crohn’s flare-ups. Things like yoga or medication or even just making time in your schedule to read a good book can be great ways to relaxbeat stress. For me it is sports....soccer, running, just getting a mental break by myself somewhere. I am firmly convinced that your ATTITUDE can help prevent Crohns Flare Ups.
PREDNISONE - If I feel one coming on..I self-medicate a bit. I may up the Asacol, take a Humira shot early...or the best thing is two a mini (2 dose or so) blast of left over Prednisone.
LIQUID DIET - Take at least 24-36 hours are rest your gut...Drink shakes, soups, etc...put yourself on a full liquid diet.
FOODS TO AVOID - During a Crohn's Flare up most doctors, will tell you (probably wisely) to avoid spicy foods, whole grains, ruffage (lettuce, etc) and dairy products. Again, the idea is to keep it bland.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Crohn's Disease Half Marthon - Team Challenge
So, I am thinking of joining Team Challenge. Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation's new endurance training program. This exciting new fundraising program trains you to run or walk a half marathon while helping the Foundation raise funds to find a cure for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Their second event is the ING Miami Half Marathon taking place on January 27, 2008. I will begin training Tuesday. I am really excited about this and if anyone with Crohn's in The Orlando area is interested in joining me in training, let me know here.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Another Humira Shot and more night sweats!
Those of you that know me laugh when I talk about getting shots for something related to my Crohn's Disease. You laugh because I have somewhere around 15 tattoos, but wimper at the thought of a quick prick with a needle. Well these Humira shots HURT! The needle itself is no big deal, but the pain as the medicine enters is pretty tough. I usually get through it thinking about tattoos or using the adreline part of it. Either way, I am off of the Asacol, 6MP, etc so I guess I should not complain too much. My next Humira injection is on the horizon. For those of you looking for more information on Humira and Crohn's Treatment, click here for the humira website.
And while I am complaining....Anyone else get the night sweats? I have them more often than not, but I sweated through my sheets twice last night. I do not entirely understand the connection between Crohn's disease and night sweats but I often (well my wife Amy does) change the sheets by 1am, then have to cover my side with towels again at 3 am. A pain in the ass...no pun intended.
Soccer during a Crohn's Flare Up
One of my biggest source of frustration has been struggling with playing sports and having Crohn's Disease. My stomach was awful yesterday (see previous post), yet I still managed to play a soccer match at 8:30. I basically was dealing cramps, swamp-ass (hey I promise nothing other than to be direct and honest) and general irritation on my hiney (well said if I was an 80 year old gentleman). Anyhow, soccer for me is an outlet and makes me feel NORMAL. My family acts as if my stomach can't really hurt that bad and almost as if I am playing it up. In reality for a few minutes I can get around or get over the pain.
So...two takeaways -
1. You can play sports even with active Crohn's or a flare up. I do it. Several professional athletes do it (David Garrard and Theo Fleury being two of them.)
2. Find your distraction....whether it's water-skiing, bungee jumping, joining the professional Rock, Paper, Scissors circuit (there is one), or meditation....Find something that at least for a few moments makes you forget about Crohn's.
So...two takeaways -
1. You can play sports even with active Crohn's or a flare up. I do it. Several professional athletes do it (David Garrard and Theo Fleury being two of them.)
2. Find your distraction....whether it's water-skiing, bungee jumping, joining the professional Rock, Paper, Scissors circuit (there is one), or meditation....Find something that at least for a few moments makes you forget about Crohn's.
Monday, August 20, 2007
I Hate Mondays
I don't know what it is about Mondays and my Crohn's disease..but I have come to dread them. Maybe I get off my schedule and eat too much. Maybe I drink (ok, not maybe) I drink too much beer. Either way, Mondays consist of severe stomach cramps and as a result I would get more work done by setting up a mobile office in stall number 3.
Anyways, maybe I should lay off the beer. I think I also have Choronas Disease!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Crohn's Disease and Diet
There are many schools of thought regarding Crohn's Disease and diet. High fiber, low fiber. Eat normal, eat restricted. No fruit and veggies. Eat fruit and veggies. It is confusing picking out a diet when you have Crohns. For example back in Connecticut, Dr. Sammarco told me that unless I am in a flare-up I can eat Mexican Food with hot sauce, guzzle 6 Coronas, and wash it down with nice ruffage filled salad. That never made much sense to me. Dr. Shafran (my IBD doctor in Winter Park) is a bit more sensible, wanting me to watch my diet a bit more carefully. Now I stick to just a Taco Salad and 5 Coronas. Seriously, there is a lot of information on Crohn's disease and diet. Some need gluten free diets, some are lactose intolerant and some can't drink beer. Here are some good links related to Crohn's Disease and your diet:
- Maintain Weight During a Flare Up (Sickening as it is I love losing a few pounds during a flare up...the ONLY good part). For me It helps to go on a liquid diet when I feel a flare coming.
- Mayo Clinic - Article on the Subject Debating whether of not Diet Affects Crohns
- The Specific Carbohdrate Diet
- Finally, I can't stress how good the diet and advice is in the book Will of Iron by Peter Nielsen
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PHENOMENAL Crohn's Disease Book
If you are looking for a Crohn's Disease book for you or a loved one, do not miss Will of Iron by Peter Nielsen (Will of Iron: Principles for Healthy Living
). This book talks about living your life to the fullest and basically how you can beat Crohn's Disease. As an athlete with Crohn's Disease this is by far the best Crohn's Book i have read to 
date!
). This book talks about living your life to the fullest and basically how you can beat Crohn's Disease. As an athlete with Crohn's Disease this is by far the best Crohn's Book i have read to date!
Newly Diagnosed Teen?
It can be scary when you first get diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. I vividly remember my first diagnosis and the first couple of weeks. I had some great resources and great people. If you want to talk, or check out some good books on dealing with Crohn's Disease...let me know. I would be glad to help out.
Colonoscopy Jokes and Humor
I used to have a website bookmarked with different jokes to play on doctors when going to a colonoscopy...you know the standard fare, red sharpie market like a target, exit only signs, things to say, etc. My doctor (Dr. Shafran in Winter Park, Florida) is awesome and loves butterflies. So last month for my colonoscopy I got about 20 butterfly temporary tattoos and put them all over my butt. I was already out when they saw them, but apparently he paraded the whole office in to see! They thought they might me real because I actually have about 15 tattoos. Anyhow, if you have a link to that site..let me know. Crohn's disease jokes are always welcome here!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pain at work!
Ah, so my stomach is actually killing me. This is one of those days where Crohn's Disease sucks. One of the reps for a company I advertise with came in to take me out to Sam Sneads and after eating a normal lunch I am back at work in pain. I actually locked my office door for a while while I laid down on the floor. Ugh. Anyhow, I had to gripe. Going home to take a percocet then will try to play soccer tonight!
Anyone else deal with pain in the workplace?
Anyone else deal with pain in the workplace?
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Tips for Crohn's Disease Flare Ups
Living with any chronic disease can be a challenge, and Crohn’s is no exception. The extremely painful flare-ups make day-to-day living seem impossible and when the disease is in remission, the stress of worrying about the next one can be almost as bad. So, how do deal with these flare-ups when they happen?A Crohn’s flare-up is usually associated with the onset of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, weight loss, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, a loss of appetite and diarrhea.The first step is being able to recognize the risk factors involved in dealing with flare-ups. Maybe the easiest risk factor to avoid is exposure to tobacco products, weather you’re smoking them yourself or if your family members or friends are. Another major risk factor for Crohn’s flare-ups is stress. While it’s impractical to think that you can remove stress from your life completely, making a concerted effort to try to limit the amount of stress can seriously reduce the amount of and severity of Crohn’s flare-ups. Things like yoga or medication or even just making time in your schedule to read a good book can be great ways to relax and stave off the stress monster.Another possible trigger for Crohn’s disease is a woman’s menstrual cycle. Many women who suffer from Crohn’s experience an increase in flare-ups during their period. It’s recommended that women who experience this keep a diary over a period of months to look for trends and help develop a treatment regiment with your doctor to put an end to the cycle.The use of some over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) have also been linked to Crohn’s flare-ups. If you need a non-prescription pain killer, consult your doctor to see what kind is right for you.Treatment for these flare-ups fall into three basic categories: drug treatment, nutritional adjustments and surgery.The most common drug to treat Crohn’s are anti-inflammatories, such as Sulfasalazine. This drug has shown to work for a majority of Crohn’s sufferers, but it’s not a cure-all. And like with all drugs, there are side effects such as nausea, vomiting and headache.If you have moderate to severe Crohn’s, the FDA has approved a drug called Remicade (but again, I like Humira). The drug actually blocks the bodies inflammatory response. This drug is only used for patients who don’t respond to more traditional treatments.Nutritional supplements are another common way to deal with Crohn’s flare-ups. This course of action is geared to those that don’t want to put medications in their bodies and are looking for a more natural alternative. Foods to avoid, such as spicy foods, whole grains and dairy products are a good first step. Drinking high protein shakes to make up for the fact that a patients intestines are so ravaged so that they don’t absorb nutrients anymore is another common way to help treat the disease. These are especially common in kids who need nutrients to grow.A large number of Crohn’s patients will need surgery at some point to deal with the long-term effects of the disease. Sufferers are warned, however, that removing a section of intestine doesn’t cure the disease, but may be necessary if that area becomes to deteriorated by ulcers. It should be used as a last resort.
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