Newbie with questions

[Guest guest]

Hi everybody,

I've been a lurker for some time now and think this group offers truly fantastic

resources, support, and information. I'm a relatively new SCDer with some

questions, but first let me give you some of my background.

I was diagnosed with CD in February 2008. My only symptom prior to diagnosis,

and which is still the only symptom that reminds me that I have this affliction,

is abdominal cramping due to stricturing of the jejunum and terminal ileum. I'm

thankful that I've never had D, C, fatigue, or any of the other awful symptoms

associated with this disease. However, the cramping I experience can be

excruciating to the point of total debilitation. I'm sure many of you can

relate!

After two failed trials, I began the SCD in earnest in July 2009 (I still

receive Remicade treatments every 8 weeks - I am on no other medication). I've

been 99% faithful to the diet since then, with a handful of times that I've

fallen off the wagon. My health has really been at its best since last July,

with only a few occasions of cramping. The SCD is the only thing that has

allowed me to put any real weight back on after my initial loss. That is thanks

to yogurt made with half and half and the nut butter brownies. Even the

high-carb, low residue diet normally recommended for CD patients failed to put

much weight back on for me.

I've been symptom free for sometime now, until a few days ago when I had one of

the worst cramping episodes of my life. Stupidly, and much against my better

judgement, I had been daily drinking an herbal tea for some time that contains

licorice, an illegal ingredient. I probably also had some bananas that weren't

fully ripened.

Now for my questions (and I'm sure I already know what the answers will be from

the long termers):

1. What are the odds that the tiny amounts of licorice in the tea as well as a

few under-ripened bananas could have triggered a full blown recurrence of the

stricture and cramping?

2. Assuming one is 100% faithful to the diet, is it unusual to have symptomatic

episodes from time to time, even after a long period of perfect health? I'm

aware of the 3 month flare, but what about flares that come at 6 months, 1 year,

2 years, etc.?

I was on the verge of telling my GI doc that I was ready to stop the Remicade

treatments, but I think I'll maintain them indefinitely. Sometimes I don't know

if it's the diet or the medication that is keeping me well. Anyhow, I'm trying

not be discouraged by this latest setback. I tossed out all of that blasted tea

and I won't go near a banana now unless it's brown.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Sorry for the book length post! I'm

just feeling knocked down and am looking for some support and encouragement.

-BP