Ok, I know that science is all about proving what we think is true. Still...sometimes studies make me shake my head. Like this one from the September issue of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease journal that says some very important things about folks with Ulcerative Colitis.
1. The quality of life for UC patients is better when they are in remission.
2. UC patients miss less work and are more productive when they are in remission.
Couldn't have guessed that at all.
Showing posts with label Ulcerative Colitis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ulcerative Colitis. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week
Happy Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week. Most of you know way too much about Crohn's and Colitis. You know it sometimes can be a literal pain in the ass.
In case you don't know about Crohn's or you are new to it...the CCFA is the place to learn more. They have information, news, and resources.
Crohn's & Me is a great place to go if you are focussing on the pain in the ass part and need a bit of inspiration.It has all sorts of stories on people living and thriving with Crohn's disease. People with Crohn's and UC have guts for sure. They get up, they work, they raise families, they do amazing things every day.
Cures are in the works. Treatments get better all the time. But of course, all of that takes time, patience, and money. Awareness helps get that money. Because Crohn's and Colitis are digestive diseases...no one wants to talk about them. Your co-worker, friend, idol, or family member might have it and never talk about it. You might never talk about it. So, take a moment to talk about it. Talk to your lawmakers, grant foundations, friends and family.
In case you don't know about Crohn's or you are new to it...the CCFA is the place to learn more. They have information, news, and resources.
Crohn's & Me is a great place to go if you are focussing on the pain in the ass part and need a bit of inspiration.It has all sorts of stories on people living and thriving with Crohn's disease. People with Crohn's and UC have guts for sure. They get up, they work, they raise families, they do amazing things every day.
Cures are in the works. Treatments get better all the time. But of course, all of that takes time, patience, and money. Awareness helps get that money. Because Crohn's and Colitis are digestive diseases...no one wants to talk about them. Your co-worker, friend, idol, or family member might have it and never talk about it. You might never talk about it. So, take a moment to talk about it. Talk to your lawmakers, grant foundations, friends and family.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
More Folks with Crohn's
More Fall Ill to Crohn's and IBDs.
I read a post on a blog the other day (I would link but of course didn't save it because um I have no short-task ability (surely that is what it is called) these days) where someone called Crohn's the disease du jour. It made me laugh and growl. Usually things I consider the disease du jour have no quantifiable lab results or sketchy made up labs. But in any case, it does seem like everyone and their cousin (mostly their cousins actually) has Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis these days. Is that really because it is on the rise or is it because once you say you have this...other people will confess they do too? Is it because in these food safe times, the symptoms are more unusual and alarming, so you go to the doctor? shrug. Don't know. I know I would be really glad to get rid of this "disease du jour."
I read a post on a blog the other day (I would link but of course didn't save it because um I have no short-task ability (surely that is what it is called) these days) where someone called Crohn's the disease du jour. It made me laugh and growl. Usually things I consider the disease du jour have no quantifiable lab results or sketchy made up labs. But in any case, it does seem like everyone and their cousin (mostly their cousins actually) has Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis these days. Is that really because it is on the rise or is it because once you say you have this...other people will confess they do too? Is it because in these food safe times, the symptoms are more unusual and alarming, so you go to the doctor? shrug. Don't know. I know I would be really glad to get rid of this "disease du jour."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
IBD Music Video
And no, not the Pearl Jam Crohn's guy. Instead it is Jordan Sweeney. His project Sometimes Sky is dedicated to "all those who suffer from Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis as he does" The video made me giggle. (and the songs on the MySpace are pretty darn good too.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Travel and IBD
I recently ran across this article on IBD on the Road and thought about travel with my tummy troubles.
It is very easy to want to stay at home when you have Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. You know where the bathroom is, you have laundry facilities, your doctor is close by...but sometimes it is good to get away. Letting tummy troubles keep you at home lets your disease own you and isn't healthy at all. That said...it isn't all sweetness and light traveling.
Here are some tips that I have:
1. Over pack. Even if you have never had an accident in all the years of tummy troubles, you could and nothing is worse than having nothing else appropriate to wear.
2. Take a heating pad with you if you use one at home. I do, and after one too many nights in a hotel without one, I went and got just a small one to keep in the suitcase.
3. Take all your meds...not just your daily meds. You may not need them. Hopefully you won't but take them anyway. Nothing is worse than a vacation ruined by nonstop throwing up just because you left the nausea meds you never use at home.
4. Don't get overtired. Just because you only have one chance to see where ever you are doesn't mean the best approach is to go at it nonstop. Your body will stop you cold if you do.
5. Throw a box of crackers or whatever safe snack food you eat in your suitcase. Off mealtimes, touring, and just not being able to hit the kitchen when you need a snack can cause more problems than fitting a box of crackers in your suitcase. Room service menus rarely have anything for the tummy troubled and vending machines are worse. (If they are even available! I have noticed that fewer and fewer hotels have them.)
6. BYOB-You might also want to make sure you have bottled water, sodas, whatever with you. Another city's water may not react well with your gut even if you aren't traveling to a foreign country. Dehydration-bad.
7. Read up on where you are visiting before you go. If you are going to museums or theme parks, see if the map is available online, so you know ahead of time where restrooms are located.
8. If you are going to go see family/friends, let them know ahead of time that any lack of eating, going to bed early, etc isn't a reflection of their company or their cooking.
9. Bring and use hand sanitizer. Lots of it. No, the grime on the atm is not any worse in Peoria than it is in Philly but the bacteria and viruses hanging out in that grime may well be and will grab onto you like there is no tomorrow. Add to that the closed-in spaces of theaters, planes, etc full of people and more public restroom usage than usual.
10. All that said...here is something-prepare for the worst, but expect the best. Some of my best days since getting sick have been while on a trip. That traveler's constipation that troubles so many "normal" folk sometimes hits me and gives me a couple days of quiet guts. Even without that perk, there are good days and sometimes those are out on the road, making for some really magical times.
It is very easy to want to stay at home when you have Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. You know where the bathroom is, you have laundry facilities, your doctor is close by...but sometimes it is good to get away. Letting tummy troubles keep you at home lets your disease own you and isn't healthy at all. That said...it isn't all sweetness and light traveling.
Here are some tips that I have:
1. Over pack. Even if you have never had an accident in all the years of tummy troubles, you could and nothing is worse than having nothing else appropriate to wear.
2. Take a heating pad with you if you use one at home. I do, and after one too many nights in a hotel without one, I went and got just a small one to keep in the suitcase.
3. Take all your meds...not just your daily meds. You may not need them. Hopefully you won't but take them anyway. Nothing is worse than a vacation ruined by nonstop throwing up just because you left the nausea meds you never use at home.
4. Don't get overtired. Just because you only have one chance to see where ever you are doesn't mean the best approach is to go at it nonstop. Your body will stop you cold if you do.
5. Throw a box of crackers or whatever safe snack food you eat in your suitcase. Off mealtimes, touring, and just not being able to hit the kitchen when you need a snack can cause more problems than fitting a box of crackers in your suitcase. Room service menus rarely have anything for the tummy troubled and vending machines are worse. (If they are even available! I have noticed that fewer and fewer hotels have them.)
6. BYOB-You might also want to make sure you have bottled water, sodas, whatever with you. Another city's water may not react well with your gut even if you aren't traveling to a foreign country. Dehydration-bad.
7. Read up on where you are visiting before you go. If you are going to museums or theme parks, see if the map is available online, so you know ahead of time where restrooms are located.
8. If you are going to go see family/friends, let them know ahead of time that any lack of eating, going to bed early, etc isn't a reflection of their company or their cooking.
9. Bring and use hand sanitizer. Lots of it. No, the grime on the atm is not any worse in Peoria than it is in Philly but the bacteria and viruses hanging out in that grime may well be and will grab onto you like there is no tomorrow. Add to that the closed-in spaces of theaters, planes, etc full of people and more public restroom usage than usual.
10. All that said...here is something-prepare for the worst, but expect the best. Some of my best days since getting sick have been while on a trip. That traveler's constipation that troubles so many "normal" folk sometimes hits me and gives me a couple days of quiet guts. Even without that perk, there are good days and sometimes those are out on the road, making for some really magical times.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Diet and Crohns
I don't talk much about Crohn's and diet around here.
Mostly because it is just so boring. I reliably can't eat: spinach, cole slaw (really more about the cabbage), pizza (see tomato sauce), lettuce, pretty much any leafy green, nuts, sesame seeds, popcorn, cream cheese, deep-fried foods, (yeah, so pretty much all those fatty foods folks are supposed to avoid definitely are out for me) tomato sauce, more than a slice of tomato.
Depending on how brave I am and how I am doing some high fiber/whole grain stuff is ok. Lots of anything at all is bad. Sometimes a combo is bad. Sometimes a combo with a light amount of off listed food can be ok. I don't flip out if they throw a few crushed peanuts on my pad thai but sesame seeds on bread can set me off big time, but limited tahini and sesame oil are fine. Add to all this the fact that I am primarily vegetarian.
But then, there are the times when all raw veggies are painful, whole grains hurt, protein makes me puke, fruit is frightening, beans bite. White bread, pasta and cheese, with maybe a side of banana, cooked pumpkin/squash (skinless), green beans, maybe melon. Yum. Low residue. Low fiber.
Then again I can make lists all day and eat things all on the ok list and still find myself in the bathroom all day. So, I avoid breakfast. I rarely eat lunch at work. Right now, since I am on Prednisone, I have to have a breakfast and lunch, so the fabulous Boost is my "meal" for those two, unless I am home. Otherwise, the flare and food means I can't work.
And, everyone with Crohn's and Colitis has a different list. Depending on your Crohn's high fiber might be the way to go every day...or it can kill you. Depending on where your Crohn's or Colitis is...you can eat different foods.
Then there are the "miracle cure" and just give it a shot diets. Biblical. Raw Foods. SCD. Ayurvedic. Aloe. Green. Lactose-free, yeast-free, sugar-free, gluten-free. They help some people. They hurt other folk. None has been so hot for me...but I will probably give each another shot. When in the middle of a mess you grab whatever rope you can.
In any case, I got to talking about diet because I read Gluten-Free(k)'s post the other day about needing some ideas for summer. She has gotten her Crohn's under control, her celiac's is getting better...and she is looking for food to eat and enjoy this summer. Go take a look at what she can and can't have...and give her some ideas. I am looking forward to some lettuce free summer dishes myself.
Mostly because it is just so boring. I reliably can't eat: spinach, cole slaw (really more about the cabbage), pizza (see tomato sauce), lettuce, pretty much any leafy green, nuts, sesame seeds, popcorn, cream cheese, deep-fried foods, (yeah, so pretty much all those fatty foods folks are supposed to avoid definitely are out for me) tomato sauce, more than a slice of tomato.
Depending on how brave I am and how I am doing some high fiber/whole grain stuff is ok. Lots of anything at all is bad. Sometimes a combo is bad. Sometimes a combo with a light amount of off listed food can be ok. I don't flip out if they throw a few crushed peanuts on my pad thai but sesame seeds on bread can set me off big time, but limited tahini and sesame oil are fine. Add to all this the fact that I am primarily vegetarian.
But then, there are the times when all raw veggies are painful, whole grains hurt, protein makes me puke, fruit is frightening, beans bite. White bread, pasta and cheese, with maybe a side of banana, cooked pumpkin/squash (skinless), green beans, maybe melon. Yum. Low residue. Low fiber.
Then again I can make lists all day and eat things all on the ok list and still find myself in the bathroom all day. So, I avoid breakfast. I rarely eat lunch at work. Right now, since I am on Prednisone, I have to have a breakfast and lunch, so the fabulous Boost is my "meal" for those two, unless I am home. Otherwise, the flare and food means I can't work.
And, everyone with Crohn's and Colitis has a different list. Depending on your Crohn's high fiber might be the way to go every day...or it can kill you. Depending on where your Crohn's or Colitis is...you can eat different foods.
Then there are the "miracle cure" and just give it a shot diets. Biblical. Raw Foods. SCD. Ayurvedic. Aloe. Green. Lactose-free, yeast-free, sugar-free, gluten-free. They help some people. They hurt other folk. None has been so hot for me...but I will probably give each another shot. When in the middle of a mess you grab whatever rope you can.
In any case, I got to talking about diet because I read Gluten-Free(k)'s post the other day about needing some ideas for summer. She has gotten her Crohn's under control, her celiac's is getting better...and she is looking for food to eat and enjoy this summer. Go take a look at what she can and can't have...and give her some ideas. I am looking forward to some lettuce free summer dishes myself.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Happy World Crohn's and Colitis Day!
Today is World Crohn's and Colitis Day...the very first one ever~ You may remember Josh Golder who has stopped by here a few times...he is the True Guts guy. By the way, go there and see the new movie clips. Nice. Really Nice.
World Crohn's and Colitis day was his idea and he wants everyone to take a moment and talk about it. (because people really don't talk about IBD. Crohn's and Colitis involve gorey bathroom issues that most folks have a hard time talking about.
Here he is talking about Crohn's and Colitis Day on YouTube, giving ideas on how to celebrate:
Anyhow, there is nothing happy about having Crohn's or Colitis. You might go into remission. You might stock up on some great bathroom humor. You might develop a great relationship with a gastroenterologist. But, really those are the minimal high points.
Crohn's is incurable. It is chronic. It isn't something that ever goes away completely with any medicine. It is painful, embarrassing, and a downright pain in the ass, for the patient, and for their family.
World Crohn's and Colitis day was his idea and he wants everyone to take a moment and talk about it. (because people really don't talk about IBD. Crohn's and Colitis involve gorey bathroom issues that most folks have a hard time talking about.
Here he is talking about Crohn's and Colitis Day on YouTube, giving ideas on how to celebrate:
Anyhow, there is nothing happy about having Crohn's or Colitis. You might go into remission. You might stock up on some great bathroom humor. You might develop a great relationship with a gastroenterologist. But, really those are the minimal high points.
Crohn's is incurable. It is chronic. It isn't something that ever goes away completely with any medicine. It is painful, embarrassing, and a downright pain in the ass, for the patient, and for their family.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
DDW Round up for Tuesday
New Data On the Probiotic Strain Bifantis Woo hoo mice, salmonella and probiotics. Yet another reason why probiotics may be worth a shot for you.
Lialda and Ulcerative Colitis Remission Mesalamine didn't work out so hot for me because of a reaction to it, but even if it had, the schedule was a killer for it. The remission rates are probably related to making it far easier to not miss doses/forget doses/have to hassle with finding food/bev/time to take it at all hours of day and night, which I am all for, so this is good news.
Phase III reports from Humira and Crohn's "CHARM" studies are in and good so far...showing fewer hospitalizations. At least on my skim of it and of course, I am a patient not a study expert, this is press release from Humira as well, so who knows what isn't in the article.
Cimzia for Crohn's Press Release Cimzia appears to be another anti-tnf investigational drug that is supposed to avoid cellular cytotoxicity.
Lialda and Ulcerative Colitis Remission Mesalamine didn't work out so hot for me because of a reaction to it, but even if it had, the schedule was a killer for it. The remission rates are probably related to making it far easier to not miss doses/forget doses/have to hassle with finding food/bev/time to take it at all hours of day and night, which I am all for, so this is good news.
Phase III reports from Humira and Crohn's "CHARM" studies are in and good so far...showing fewer hospitalizations. At least on my skim of it and of course, I am a patient not a study expert, this is press release from Humira as well, so who knows what isn't in the article.
Cimzia for Crohn's Press Release Cimzia appears to be another anti-tnf investigational drug that is supposed to avoid cellular cytotoxicity.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Happy Digestive Disease Week
It is Digestive Disease Week in Washington. You know what that means...besides lines for the bathroom...lots of news and wanna be news on Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, and other fun digestive diseases. One of my news feeds pulled the story that popcorn is ok now for folks with Diverticulosis!
There is also the ChemoCentryx spiel on Traficet-EN. which is a treatment in clinical trial for ibd.
Then there is something about Ligand Rosiglitazone for Active Ulcerative Colitis (Hey that page also talks about the nuts/popcorn thing)
Anyhow, with that many GI docs in one place you will be seeing all sorts of media stories to talk to your doc about next time you see her/him. Just remember, a lot of this stuff is smoke/mirrors/flash and clinical trials. A small study can seem like a dream, a new drug can seem like a cure, in reality...more research needs to be done and you may not have these options in your area...and they might not be the ones for you.
All that said, I still watch the press releases from DDW like a fiend and am interested in the ideas. It never hurts to find out what theories are out there or ask your doc about the newest research.
There is also the ChemoCentryx spiel on Traficet-EN. which is a treatment in clinical trial for ibd.
Then there is something about Ligand Rosiglitazone for Active Ulcerative Colitis (Hey that page also talks about the nuts/popcorn thing)
Anyhow, with that many GI docs in one place you will be seeing all sorts of media stories to talk to your doc about next time you see her/him. Just remember, a lot of this stuff is smoke/mirrors/flash and clinical trials. A small study can seem like a dream, a new drug can seem like a cure, in reality...more research needs to be done and you may not have these options in your area...and they might not be the ones for you.
All that said, I still watch the press releases from DDW like a fiend and am interested in the ideas. It never hurts to find out what theories are out there or ask your doc about the newest research.
Funding for Research
You should go read this and do what she says...see if we can't get some more funding for these unglamorous, non-pink diseases-Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's and IBD research. Besides it is good way to practice your citizenship skills. Go for it!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Two Really Excellent Posts
From Tummy Troubled bloggers I just discovered through the magic of a new search feed thing.
Tired of My Body I definitely can relate to the tired of my body and Crohn's and the parts where you think I have to live with this for the rest of my life.
And... a nice long ramble on the ulcerative colitis survey I mentioned yesterday on A Bag Full of Health and Politics
Tired of My Body I definitely can relate to the tired of my body and Crohn's and the parts where you think I have to live with this for the rest of my life.
And... a nice long ramble on the ulcerative colitis survey I mentioned yesterday on A Bag Full of Health and Politics
Thursday, May 17, 2007
I had no idea
Seriously sponsored survey with lots of lovely Lialda propaganda but you gotta say duh when you read a headline like "Ulcerative colitis sufferers find UC quite disruptive to many aspects of daily life"
Monday, May 14, 2007
100 Questions and Answers About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Today a present came for me in the mail. It came from the folks at Abbott who make Humira, which is a drug I am considering for the treatment of my Crohn's Disease. The drug has all sorts of positives and negatives and of course, that is something best left to a doctor, the patient and the family. If I get angsty about our next step, I will probably blog all about those.
In the meantime, I have been researching that next step the modern patient way. I have read about the options on MedicineNet, WebMd, CCFA, etc. I have read blogs and boards. I have also visited the sites related to the medications. Now, big pharma gets a bad rap. I can certainly gripe myself. However, in some cases, they do provide some really valuable patient information. I tend to take what I can get and ignore the marketing materials and push for this drug or that drug.
I signed up for the newsletter at CrohnsOnline.com. It came with the offer of a free book that I had seen on Amazon but not in real life...100 Questions and Answers about Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Wow! A free book. Yep, I know, mailing lists and such. I can't say that I am ever really annoyed by Crohn's mail. (not like I am when my insurance company sends me a "We noticed your blood pressure was high at the last visit, did you know we had these resources to help you and why don't you do this and this as well?" umm yeah it was high, I was seriously dehydrated and really quite sick, thanks) In any case, nearly all of the mail I have ever gotten, whether it be from a pharmaceutical company or CCFA has been helpful in some way.
By the way, if you haven't ever signed up for the CCFA mail, do so. Asacol will put you on the CCFA for a trial run if you go to their website (or at least they did) and you will still get the CCFA mailings for quite some time. Their magazine is really good in a glossy sort of way. I find the CCFA membership fees a bit to expensive for me but I do love the magazine. CCFA also has the best resources online (all free) for folks with IBD. They do great work.
Anyhow back to my free book. Crohn's Online is an Abbott site. However, you have to really dig to see even mention of Humira and there is a bit of basic info about Crohn's. The book is the big prize though. In exchange for your info, and presumably the occasional mailing about Humira (They have a very detailed yet fairly clear privacy policy-do read it)...they send what really is a nice informative book. The book does talk about TNF medications in a very thorough answer to one question. However, it is NOT a book that you need to fear is pushing this or that. It gives a lot of basic information on diagnosis, medications, complications plus answers a lot of those questions that you might not want to ask your doctor. (like how come I feel so "crappy"?, the answers to sex and pregnancy questions, why your skin is falling apart, how to lose weight while being unable to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, how to keep weight on while being unable to eat at all, etc. ) The book is simple, nicely set out. I like the question and short answer format. I think it probably is a good reference for everyone with this sort of Tummy Trouble, whether newly diagnosed or whether you are a crohn's blogger who had to toss the computer on the bed to run to the bathroom during the writing of a post, like this one. In fact this one. Who did. Right in the middle of the sentence. You wanted to know that. I know you did. In any case, get this book...get it free by visiting the CrohnsOnline.com website linked above, or buying it from Amazon or grabbing it from the library, though I think it is one of those books someone with tummy trouble might should just have on hand. (because as you know, in the middle of a flare, when you need to know is it time to call the doc, go to the ER or take some Tylenol, you are in no shape to visit your library)
In the meantime, I have been researching that next step the modern patient way. I have read about the options on MedicineNet, WebMd, CCFA, etc. I have read blogs and boards. I have also visited the sites related to the medications. Now, big pharma gets a bad rap. I can certainly gripe myself. However, in some cases, they do provide some really valuable patient information. I tend to take what I can get and ignore the marketing materials and push for this drug or that drug.
I signed up for the newsletter at CrohnsOnline.com. It came with the offer of a free book that I had seen on Amazon but not in real life...100 Questions and Answers about Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Wow! A free book. Yep, I know, mailing lists and such. I can't say that I am ever really annoyed by Crohn's mail. (not like I am when my insurance company sends me a "We noticed your blood pressure was high at the last visit, did you know we had these resources to help you and why don't you do this and this as well?" umm yeah it was high, I was seriously dehydrated and really quite sick, thanks) In any case, nearly all of the mail I have ever gotten, whether it be from a pharmaceutical company or CCFA has been helpful in some way.
By the way, if you haven't ever signed up for the CCFA mail, do so. Asacol will put you on the CCFA for a trial run if you go to their website (or at least they did) and you will still get the CCFA mailings for quite some time. Their magazine is really good in a glossy sort of way. I find the CCFA membership fees a bit to expensive for me but I do love the magazine. CCFA also has the best resources online (all free) for folks with IBD. They do great work.
Anyhow back to my free book. Crohn's Online is an Abbott site. However, you have to really dig to see even mention of Humira and there is a bit of basic info about Crohn's. The book is the big prize though. In exchange for your info, and presumably the occasional mailing about Humira (They have a very detailed yet fairly clear privacy policy-do read it)...they send what really is a nice informative book. The book does talk about TNF medications in a very thorough answer to one question. However, it is NOT a book that you need to fear is pushing this or that. It gives a lot of basic information on diagnosis, medications, complications plus answers a lot of those questions that you might not want to ask your doctor. (like how come I feel so "crappy"?, the answers to sex and pregnancy questions, why your skin is falling apart, how to lose weight while being unable to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, how to keep weight on while being unable to eat at all, etc. ) The book is simple, nicely set out. I like the question and short answer format. I think it probably is a good reference for everyone with this sort of Tummy Trouble, whether newly diagnosed or whether you are a crohn's blogger who had to toss the computer on the bed to run to the bathroom during the writing of a post, like this one. In fact this one. Who did. Right in the middle of the sentence. You wanted to know that. I know you did. In any case, get this book...get it free by visiting the CrohnsOnline.com website linked above, or buying it from Amazon or grabbing it from the library, though I think it is one of those books someone with tummy trouble might should just have on hand. (because as you know, in the middle of a flare, when you need to know is it time to call the doc, go to the ER or take some Tylenol, you are in no shape to visit your library)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Bad Tummy Trouble Blogger
I haven't had much to say lately. The tummy troubles seem to have hit a nothing new point. Most days they are not too bad. More and more weeks go by where I don't go for a couple of days then make up for it all in one night. I really won't complain about that, since as we all know, it is easier to deal with tummy troubles at home than at work.
I am scheduled to have another colonoscopy on May 17. This time at the hospital so I imagine they are going to lasso the mystery bump at that time. I am not thrilled about it but maybe once that is done, doc will chill a bit.
I am scheduled to have another colonoscopy on May 17. This time at the hospital so I imagine they are going to lasso the mystery bump at that time. I am not thrilled about it but maybe once that is done, doc will chill a bit.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Tummy Turn Offs
The people at Pennington Biomedical Research (Part of LSU) are doing studies on why the GI system shuts down and reject nutrition...for instance creating nausea and the like. This is all very interesting since of course, I as the tummy troubled one have my issues with nausea. I think also if they can solve all these mysteries, the research could lead to treatments for IBD as well as other GI problems. (YAY!)
It seems that the immune system uses a protein called TNR to fight disease, in part by causing normal GI function to stop, all well and good until it goes a bit overboard.
Thalidomide blocks TNR, however, that isn't really a great drug for a number of reasons, primarily really bad birth defects related to its use in the 1950s.
It seems that the immune system uses a protein called TNR to fight disease, in part by causing normal GI function to stop, all well and good until it goes a bit overboard.
Thalidomide blocks TNR, however, that isn't really a great drug for a number of reasons, primarily really bad birth defects related to its use in the 1950s.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Hand Washing
Washing hands is not fun, not usually. Getting sick is less fun. Getting sick because someone else didn't wash their hands happens ALL. OF. THE. TIME. It happens to you. It happens to me. It happens to folks with even less immune protection than me. I won't even tell you the horrid things I have learned from working in food safety land. Let us just say...the mayo in potato salad isn't the biggest food safety thing you should worry about at the party.
So, of course, at least I, would like for better handwashing habits to catch on like wildfire. So would the folks at Iowa State University Extension. They currently have a survey about which handwashing billboard you most would like to see, so go wash your hands and VOTE for your favorite.
So, of course, at least I, would like for better handwashing habits to catch on like wildfire. So would the folks at Iowa State University Extension. They currently have a survey about which handwashing billboard you most would like to see, so go wash your hands and VOTE for your favorite.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Spa Of Embarrassing Illnesses
UKTV Style : TV Guide : Programmes : Spa of Embarassing Illnesses : Spa Of Embarrassing Illnesses: Episode Guide: "It's estimated that 75% of people in the UK suffer from an embarrassing illness such as IBS, excessive sweating, bloating, obesity, psoriasis and piles."
Interesting idea for a reality tv show, though one has to growl about the fact that presumably these folks are going to be fixed with these alternative treatments...thus leading the "caring", "concerned" folks to have just one more thing to point to when they say "I saw on tv where all that someone with _______ had to do was stop _________ (or take up yoga, go to a ___________) and they were cured!" It might be true in some cases, but in more cases I think it tends to make the person feel like they are sick because it is their own fault.
Interesting idea for a reality tv show, though one has to growl about the fact that presumably these folks are going to be fixed with these alternative treatments...thus leading the "caring", "concerned" folks to have just one more thing to point to when they say "I saw on tv where all that someone with _______ had to do was stop _________ (or take up yoga, go to a ___________) and they were cured!" It might be true in some cases, but in more cases I think it tends to make the person feel like they are sick because it is their own fault.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
The Stool is black
The toilet paper is white. The flu has been such a fright. (and has led to aforementioned tummy troubles.) Cross your fingers that I keep them mostly at bay for my kid weekend.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Fatigue
I haven't been around much lately. Busy for a while, nothing much to say but more than that lately...mind-numbing fatigue. Now, this would make sense if I was getting no sleep, but I am sleeping just fine.
I am not sure if it is a cold, busy days or something tummy related. The only notable tummy stuff of late has been horrid cramping at 3:30-4 every afternoon for the past few days. I tough it out and it goes away.
I am not sure if it is a cold, busy days or something tummy related. The only notable tummy stuff of late has been horrid cramping at 3:30-4 every afternoon for the past few days. I tough it out and it goes away.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Fried Mushrooms
Fried mushrooms are BAD...especially a number of them dipped in yummy horseradish sauce. So are falafal with sesame seeds ALSO fried...even on my baby's birthday. Sigh.
Technorati Tags: friedmushrooms, falafal, sesameseeds, crohns, crohn's, colitis, badfoods
Technorati Tags: friedmushrooms, falafal, sesameseeds, crohns, crohn's, colitis, badfoods
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