Re: should i toss in the towel?

[Guest guest]

I can relate. I just posted something myself about everything being great for

about a week and now having a relapse. (I've been on the diet three weeks.)

Somebody mentioned it was helpful to keep a log of how you're doing so you can

compare. When I think back to how I was a month ago, it was much worse than I am

today, so I am plugging on.

I think you have to look at the diet as restricing ALL food. Then, when you

realize what you CAN eat, it seems great.

It is hard, though. Especially going out and cooking meals for my family. I've

been doing a lot of baking, muffins etc. because I have a sweet tooth. I also

made a fairly good pizza from one of the SCD cook books. The more cooking you

do, the more eating options you'll have and maybe you won't feel the cravings as

badly.

I guess I would say hang in there.

Best,

Inflamed mom

[Guest guest]

I just passed the 3 month mark too, and was freaking out tonight as I have been

feeling horrible like I did before starting the diet all of the sudden. Maybe

it's the three month flare for me too? My skin broke out, my side hurts really

bad, and I am super bloated and full of gas. This last week has been the total

pits for me too. And oh, do I also crave thick crust pizza!

I am also getting a bit depressed, as I now live off squash, blueberries, ground

almonds, chicken, yogurt, eggs, and cheddar cheese. I eat so basic, and now I am

back to getting these pains, bloating, gas, irritable bowels.

Anyhow, I think we just have to push through. Give it some more time, so the

past 3 months weren't a total loss. As you and I both know we were feeling

better for a good chunk of it.

I am sorry you aren't feeling so well right now! I am in a similar boat, but

don't want to give up just yet, as the alternative in reality isn't any better,

I think it would be much worse to go back to the SADiet at this point! If we do

that then I know I will just start feeling crappy ALL the time again. I wish I

could say, " hey, you should try making a cauliflower or zucchini pizza " but in

all honesty, after trying them, I think they are better not made, as simply

melting cheese on zucchini seems to taste much better But anyhow, I hope you

stick with it! Here's to feeling better in Month 4!

Good Luck!!!

SCD 3 Months

>

> after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

>

> 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i did

the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well but

i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

>

> part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but

now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

>

> i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the

remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any more

medicine.

>

> am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

failed in the end?

>

> i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

[Guest guest]

At 11:04 PM 9/9/2010, you wrote:

am i being impatient or should i

come to grips with the fact that the diet, like all of the other medicine

worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but failed in the

end?

i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

You're being impatient. Those are the bacteria craving that pizza, not

you.

As you're aware, the objective of SCD is to starve out the bad bacteria.

Well, it has been observed that right around three months on the diet,

you've done such a good job of starving them that their numbers are

dropping rapidly. You've gotten rid of most of the weak sisters amongst

the bad bacteria and the remaining ones are the stronger ones.

So in effect, right now, you're saying, " Away with you! " and

they're saying " H-ll no, we won't go! " and creating havoc for

your poor gut. So it is absolutely critical that you hold fast at this

point and not eat any illegals, because if you feed the bacteria right

now, you'll let those stronger ones multiply, and then they'll be that

much harder to starve out.

The " three month flare " can occur anywhere from 9 weeks to 16

weeks. It can also occur again at 6-7 months, and 10-12 months. Those

bacteria are stubborn. But YOU are more stubborn.

My suggestion would be to do exactly what you did do: drop back to

easier-to-digest foods for a couple of days. Rest as much as possible,

and don't push. Then gradually (probably not quite so gradually as the

first time) reintroduce your regular foods.

Are you keeping a food and reactions diary? If not, you should be --

sometimes we go sensitive to something for a time.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

Babette the Foundling Beagle

[Guest guest]

The fact that you are craving pizza crust/bread is very telling. What it tells me is that your gut still has active bad bacteria and possibly yeast overgrowth. As weird as it sounds, that yeast and bacteria can actually cause you to crave the very foods that will help them grow because of the huge gut brain connection. The prednisone will actually help yeast overgrow because it keeps your blood sugar levels higher than normal. I am not surprised at all that you are having symptoms after a prednisone taper. If it were me I would try taking bromelain (a pineapple core extract that acts as an enzyme when taken with food and as an anti-inflammatory when take away from food - 1 hour before or 2 hours after food) and doing something to address the yeast -- like taking coconut oil, oil

of oregano, etc., there is something in the files section about yeast. Take the yogurt or a probiotic to keep the yeast in check as well if you aren't already. Also, have you tried epsom salt baths? They help the body detoxify and when the bad bacteria die they actually give off more toxins than when they are living. Hang in there. Going off the diet now will just help the bad bacteria/yeast that are remaining be even stronger and more enduring.AmeliaTo:

BTVC-SCD Sent: Fri, September 10, 2010 9:34:57 AMSubject: should i toss in the towel?

after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

2 weeks ago i had the "3 month flare" and things have never been worse. i did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is this supposed to last?

i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any more medicine.

am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet, like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but failed in the end?

i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

[Guest guest]

Amelia,

This is very interesting having just completed a course of

prednisone (in fact 2 courses)

The

prednisone will actually help yeast overgrow because it keeps your blood sugar

levels higher than normal. I am not surprised at all that you are having

symptoms after a prednisone taper. If it were me I would try taking

bromelain (a pineapple core extract that acts as an enzyme when taken with food

and as an anti-inflammatory when take away from food - 1 hour before or 2 hours

after food) and doing something to address the yeast -- like taking coconut

oil, oil of oregano, etc., there is something in the files section about

yeast.

Thanks for sharing and the advice re bromelain, I’ll look in

this.

Jayne Crocker

www.LDNNow.com

Important! Please sign our LDN petition to the

European Parliament by clicking here

tel: +44 (0) 7877 492 669

Dr Steele MBE, talking about LDN

LDNNow are a political/pressure group of individuals dedicated

to getting Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) accepted into modern medicine and trialled

for the myriad of uses it shows benefit for.

..

From: BTVC-SCD

[mailto:BTVC-SCD ] On Behalf Of Amelia Bhide

Sent: 10 September 2010 07:34

To: BTVC-SCD

Subject: Re: should i toss in the towel?

The

fact that you are craving pizza crust/bread is very telling. What it

tells me is that your gut still has active bad bacteria and possibly yeast

overgrowth. As weird as it sounds, that yeast and bacteria can actually

cause you to crave the very foods that will help them grow because of the huge

gut brain connection. The prednisone will actually help yeast overgrow

because it keeps your blood sugar levels higher than normal. I am not surprised

at all that you are having symptoms after a prednisone taper. If it were

me I would try taking bromelain (a pineapple core extract that acts as an

enzyme when taken with food and as an anti-inflammatory when take away from

food - 1 hour before or 2 hours after food) and doing something to address the

yeast -- like taking coconut oil, oil of oregano, etc., there is something in

the files section about yeast. Take the yogurt or a probiotic to keep the

yeast in check as well if you aren't already. Also, have you tried epsom

salt baths? They help the body detoxify and when the bad bacteria die

they actually give off more toxins than when they are living.

Hang in there. Going off the diet now will just help the bad

bacteria/yeast that are remaining be even stronger and more enduring.

Amelia

From: admonsali

To: BTVC-SCD

Sent: Fri, September 10, 2010 9:34:57 AM

Subject: should i toss in the towel?

after my first intro, all of my crohn's

symptoms went away (literally 5 days on diet). i failed every drug except

remicaid and the dr was leaning towards surgery as 80% of my colon was

inflamed.

2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been

worse. i did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were

tolerated well but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at

all.

part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but

now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the

remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more medicine.

am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone),

but failed in the end?

i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

[Guest guest]

I won't answer to the meds... But don't let the crave for a food be your down fall... I have a daughter that got a snow cone the other day.. I had to hurry and drive home and I froze orange juice so I could have one too!!!

I feel if the diet worked in the beginning it will work again.. Give it more time and if you need some meds to get past that hurdel... That is ok too...

To: BTVC-SCD Sent: Thu, September 9, 2010 11:04:57 PMSubject: should i toss in the towel?

after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.2 weeks ago i had the "3 month flare" and things have never been worse. i did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is this supposed to last?i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any more medicine.am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet, like all of the

other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but failed in the end?i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

[Guest guest]

The fact that you are craving pizza crust/bread is very telling. What it tells me is that your gut still has active bad bacteria and possibly yeast overgrowth. As weird as it sounds, that yeast and bacteria can actually cause you to crave the very foods that will help them grow because of the huge gut brain connection. The prednisone will actually help yeast overgrow because it keeps your blood sugar levels higher than normal. I am not surprised at all that you are having symptoms after a prednisone taper. If it were me I would try taking bromelain (a pineapple core extract that acts as an enzyme when taken with food and as an anti-inflammatory when take away from food - 1 hour before or 2 hours after food) and doing something to address the yeast -- like taking coconut oil, oil of oregano, etc., there is something in the files section about yeast. Take the yogurt or a probiotic to keep the yeast in check as well if you aren't already. Also, have you tried epsom salt baths? They help the body detoxify and when the bad bacteria die they actually give off more toxins than when they are living.Take S boulardii for the yeast. THey'll eat the critters. Mara Hang in there. Going off the diet now will just help the bad bacteria/yeast that are remaining be even stronger and more enduring.AmeliaTo: BTVC-SCD Sent: Fri, September 10, 2010 9:34:57 AMSubject: should i toss in the towel?after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.2 weeks ago i had the "3 month flare" and things have never been worse. i did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is this supposed to last?i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any more medicine.am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet, like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but failed in the end?i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

[Guest guest]

Hang in there. I had/have the three month flare which got worse when I started

birth control and it got really bad. I was getting really depressed and felt

like nothing would work, because I just started Humira after Remicade failed. I

felt like a lost cause, but thankfully things are starting to look up again,

though I am on 5 medications now and feel like a walking pharmacy. But now that

my symptoms are decreasing, my attitude has become much more positive.

I know how hard it is to try and be positive when you feel horrible, so

hopefully your venting to us helps. I wonder how effective the diet is for me,

but I have flared twice since being diagnosed last year, and so far this current

flare is not as bad as the previous one, so I'm looking to that as a positive

from the diet. Plus for me with the medications eventually wearing off, I feel

like I'd be doomed without the diet.

From what people tell me, the diet's healing process is not linear, you take two

steps forward and one back, but at least you're making progress. I crave

illegals too, but now 6 months into the diet, they aren't nearly as strong as

when I first started. It's more like when they're shoved in my face that I

reminisce about that food.

Hope you feel better soon,

Amber

>

> after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

>

> 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i did

the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well but

i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

>

> part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but

now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

>

> i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the

remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any more

medicine.

>

> am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

failed in the end?

>

> i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

[Guest guest]

Like everyone has said... stick to it! The 3 month is the scariest, in my

opinion. This is coming from someone who has, like clockwork, experienced every

flare along the way. I am waiting patiently for the 12 month flare to hit now...

ugh!

In fact, if you look at my journal you would see that I've had just as many bad

days as good days. But here's the thing: having half of your days better than

any drug could make them is worth it. And I do believe that with diligence,

things will improve even more.

If the doctors are worried about 80% of your colon, you have nothing to lose by

sticking with this diet!

Just keep in mind that the healing that takes place with SCD is much slower than

taking a drug. We have to have a lot of patience!

-Joanna

(I still crave a good pizza crust too- the brain doesn't forget how good they

can be

SCD 9/2009, Crohn's 1992, 20mg Prednisone

> > am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

failed in the end?

> >

> > i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I agree, hang in there. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what is

bothering us. I recently learned I have a problem with oxalates, and have to do

a low-oxalate diet. It takes some experimenting but you will get there.

> >am i being impatient or should i come to grips

> >with the fact that the diet, like all of the

> >other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on

> >prednisone), but failed in the end?

> >

> >i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

> You're being impatient. Those are the bacteria craving that pizza, not you.

>

> As you're aware, the objective of SCD is to

> starve out the bad bacteria. Well, it has been

> observed that right around three months on the

> diet, you've done such a good job of starving

> them that their numbers are dropping rapidly.

> You've gotten rid of most of the weak sisters

> amongst the bad bacteria and the remaining ones are the stronger ones.

>

> So in effect, right now, you're saying, " Away

> with you! " and they're saying " H-ll no, we won't

> go! " and creating havoc for your poor gut. So it

> is absolutely critical that you hold fast at this

> point and not eat any illegals, because if you

> feed the bacteria right now, you'll let those

> stronger ones multiply, and then they'll be that much harder to starve out.

>

> The " three month flare " can occur anywhere from 9

> weeks to 16 weeks. It can also occur again at 6-7

> months, and 10-12 months. Those bacteria are

> stubborn. But YOU are more stubborn.

>

> My suggestion would be to do exactly what you did

> do: drop back to easier-to-digest foods for a

> couple of days. Rest as much as possible, and

> don't push. Then gradually (probably not quite so

> gradually as the first time) reintroduce your regular foods.

>

> Are you keeping a food and reactions diary? If

> not, you should be -- sometimes we go sensitive to something for a time.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> Babette the Foundling Beagle

>

[Guest guest]

The recipe in Raman Prasad's new cookbook for pizza crust is not bad at all.

I did my own thing on the toppings and sauce, but his crust was good. Well

worth trying - it satisfied my cravings - wish I could do it now but I'm

currently

non dairy.

Mara

>

> (I still crave a good pizza crust too- the brain doesn't forget how good they

can be

> SCD 9/2009, Crohn's 1992, 20mg Prednisone

>

[Guest guest]

no the diet didn't fail - ups and downs are part of it - lil story -i was in

tears last week (i'm on 2 years and 8 months!!) BUT I reacted to some enzyme and

had diarhhea for 2 weeks - never even had that pre-scd - and was at a reststop

getting hubby something after my bathroom break and was behind this woman buying

potato wedges and a hershey pie as her meal - did I want it?? heck ya!!! BECAUSE

I had diarrhea - i was like who cares ?? this is horrible anyway - BUT I know

better and would NEVER do that -as I could suffer for months....SO long story

short I freaked out,asked doc what I could take med wise - and in the long run

you know what worked ???

My (at times anti-scd hubby) telling me go back on my extreme intro - and I HATE

it but I'm on day 4 of just broth and meat - pulled out every pill -had a few

bites of zuc noodles for strength (as I can't do carrots) and the e-lyte drink

during that 1st day the gurgling was gone - 24 hours in down to 1 D bowel

movement - only gone once a day since - it almost always helps me - and let me

tell you if i don't sleep soon so i can get up check the bM and add stuff back -

I may snap -lol - BUT to NOT be running to the bathroom and feeling sick - gives

you the motivation to go on - so do it - stick with it - re-do intro - this too

shall pass - and you usually have great healing after a flare

good luck

eileen

> >

> > after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

> >

> > 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i

did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well

but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

> >

> > part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working

but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

> >

> > i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested

the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more medicine.

> >

> > am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

failed in the end?

> >

> > i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I just want to send a hug, too, and say stick with it. It's really

hard on bad days and during flares, I think we can all say that. BUT,

sticking to it, doing your homework and paying close attention when

you add new things to see if they work now or not right now, going

back toward or to Intro when you flare, it all helps. And, what if

you did give up? Then what? Not such a good alternative and so many

say that the meds just seem to quit working eventually, so you need

the foundation of the diet to heal slowly over time although the fits

and starts can be disconcerting and no fun. I've had quite a

12-month flare, I think. I'd have to call it a " split flare " at 11

months and again at 13. The one at 13 was by far the worst I've had,

but.... after five bad days very suddenly I felt noticeably

better. So I know I got rid of some real bad guys.

Hang in there, it really will help over time.

[Guest guest]

hey gang,i'm just new at this myself (8 weeks..) but i was feeling GREAT! last weekend.. 4 days.. completely normal BM, no mucus, no blood.. then for 2 days i went backwards.mucus., a little blood.... yesterday.. back to a nice n clean (no pun intended) BM.. i havmn't had any gurgling today either.. nut i feel the diet is totally working (also taking the mesalamine..) so i am forging on.. just psyched to learning and able to deal.. thank you all so much!!!  i dont like my GI M.D. so.. i'm seeing my PCP on mon who ordered some blood work for me.. and is referring me to a new GI Doc.. this monday! i'm psyched.. hang in there!! ..as my friends say.. " don't quit before the miracle!! "

pAULUC 4/10SCD (8 weeks

[Guest guest]

thanks so much for the kind words. the support really helps. it has been 2

weeks of misery and i am hoping i get better soon.

>

> Hi,

> I just want to send a hug, too, and say stick with it. It's really

> hard on bad days and during flares, I think we can all say that. BUT,

> sticking to it, doing your homework and paying close attention when

> you add new things to see if they work now or not right now, going

> back toward or to Intro when you flare, it all helps. And, what if

> you did give up? Then what? Not such a good alternative and so many

> say that the meds just seem to quit working eventually, so you need

> the foundation of the diet to heal slowly over time although the fits

> and starts can be disconcerting and no fun. I've had quite a

> 12-month flare, I think. I'd have to call it a " split flare " at 11

> months and again at 13. The one at 13 was by far the worst I've had,

> but.... after five bad days very suddenly I felt noticeably

> better. So I know I got rid of some real bad guys.

>

> Hang in there, it really will help over time.

>

>

[Guest guest]

thanks for the feedback, it is good to know i am not the only one.

> > >

> > > after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5

days on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning

towards surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

> > >

> > > 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i

did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well

but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

> > >

> > > part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working

but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

> > >

> > > i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested

the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more medicine.

> > >

> > > am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the

diet, like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on

prednisone), but failed in the end?

> > >

> > > i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

thank you so much for the kind words and the recipe. your support really helps.

do you think i should wait to try the crust? i haven't had almond flour yet but

progressed well through the pecanbread stages for the first 3 months.

> > > am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the

diet, like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on

prednisone), but failed in the end?

> > >

> > > i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

ok i will. venting certainly helps. thanks for making me feel like i am not

the only one. i was really happy to be off meds, but i have decided to try

remicade to see if it can help me through this flare. it has been 2 weeks of

pure bathroom torture and severe stomach pain.

> >

> > after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

> >

> > 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i

did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well

but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

> >

> > part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working

but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

> >

> > i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested

the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more medicine.

> >

> > am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

failed in the end?

> >

> > i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

> >

>

[Guest guest]

thank you for your feedback, it really helps.

>

> I won't answer to the meds... But don't let the crave for a food be your down

> fall... I have a daughter that got a snow cone the other day.. I had to hurry

> and drive home and I froze orange juice so I could have one too!!!

> I feel if the diet worked in the beginning it will work again.. Give it more

> time and if you need some meds to get past that hurdel... That is ok too...

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: BTVC-SCD

> Sent: Thu, September 9, 2010 11:04:57 PM

> Subject: should i toss in the towel?

>

>  

> after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on

> diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

> surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

>

> 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i did

> the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well

but

> i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

>

> part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but

> now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know

> if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is this

> supposed to last?

>

> i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the

> remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more

> medicine.

>

> am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like

> all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

> failed in the end?

>

> i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

[Guest guest]

wow, thanks so much for all of the great advice. any trick to the epsom salt

bath? just hot water and salts? very interesting re: yeast, it makes complete

sense. where do you suggest finding bromelain? just knowing there MAY be

something out there besides meds that could possibly help is motivating.

>

> The fact that you are craving pizza crust/bread is very telling. What it

tells

> me is that your gut still has active bad bacteria and possibly yeast

> overgrowth. As weird as it sounds, that yeast and bacteria can actually cause

> you to crave the very foods that will help them grow because of the huge gut

> brain connection. The prednisone will actually help yeast overgrow because it

> keeps your blood sugar levels higher than normal. I am not surprised at all

> that you are having symptoms after a prednisone taper. If it were me I would

> try taking bromelain (a pineapple core extract that acts as an enzyme when

taken

> with food and as an anti-inflammatory when take away from food - 1 hour before

> or 2 hours after food) and doing something to address the yeast -- like taking

> coconut oil, oil of oregano, etc., there is something in the files section

about

> yeast. Take the yogurt or a probiotic to keep the yeast in check as well if

you

> aren't already. Also, have you tried epsom salt baths? They help the body

> detoxify and when the bad bacteria die they actually give off more toxins than

> when they are living.

>

>

> Hang in there. Going off the diet now will just help the bad bacteria/yeast

> that are remaining be even stronger and more enduring.

>

> Amelia

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: BTVC-SCD

> Sent: Fri, September 10, 2010 9:34:57 AM

> Subject: should i toss in the towel?

>

>

> after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on

> diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

> surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

>

> 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i did

> the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well

but

> i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

>

> part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but

> now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

> know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

> this supposed to last?

>

> i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the

> remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more

> medicine.

>

> am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like

> all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

> failed in the end?

>

> i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

[Guest guest]

thank you for the feedback. i am sticking to the diet despite the cravings. do

you suggest i wait before incorporating almond flour, or is it ok to give it a

try. i havent had a normal bm in two weeks due to this flare but have started

incorporating all the pre flare food that worked. how long could this flare

last? i kept a diary for a long time, but when the symptoms went away, i

stopped.

> >am i being impatient or should i come to grips

> >with the fact that the diet, like all of the

> >other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on

> >prednisone), but failed in the end?

> >

> >i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

> You're being impatient. Those are the bacteria craving that pizza, not you.

>

> As you're aware, the objective of SCD is to

> starve out the bad bacteria. Well, it has been

> observed that right around three months on the

> diet, you've done such a good job of starving

> them that their numbers are dropping rapidly.

> You've gotten rid of most of the weak sisters

> amongst the bad bacteria and the remaining ones are the stronger ones.

>

> So in effect, right now, you're saying, " Away

> with you! " and they're saying " H-ll no, we won't

> go! " and creating havoc for your poor gut. So it

> is absolutely critical that you hold fast at this

> point and not eat any illegals, because if you

> feed the bacteria right now, you'll let those

> stronger ones multiply, and then they'll be that much harder to starve out.

>

> The " three month flare " can occur anywhere from 9

> weeks to 16 weeks. It can also occur again at 6-7

> months, and 10-12 months. Those bacteria are

> stubborn. But YOU are more stubborn.

>

> My suggestion would be to do exactly what you did

> do: drop back to easier-to-digest foods for a

> couple of days. Rest as much as possible, and

> don't push. Then gradually (probably not quite so

> gradually as the first time) reintroduce your regular foods.

>

> Are you keeping a food and reactions diary? If

> not, you should be -- sometimes we go sensitive to something for a time.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

> Babette the Foundling Beagle

>

[Guest guest]

your words of support truly mean a lot. thank you for taking the time to share

with me. it helps keep me motivated and i know that is half of the battle.

> >

> > after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days

on diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

> >

> > 2 weeks ago i had the " 3 month flare " and things have never been worse. i

did the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well

but i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

> >

> > part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working

but now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

this supposed to last?

> >

> > i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested

the remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any

more medicine.

> >

> > am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet,

like all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

failed in the end?

> >

> > i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

> >

>

[Guest guest]

thank you for your response. all of the support is helpful. i am glad i am not

the only one who is experiencing the same problems (not that i wish this

brutality on anyone else

>

>

>

>

>

> I can relate. I just posted something myself about everything being great for

about a week and now having a relapse. (I've been on the diet three weeks.)

Somebody mentioned it was helpful to keep a log of how you're doing so you can

compare. When I think back to how I was a month ago, it was much worse than I am

today, so I am plugging on.

>

> I think you have to look at the diet as restricing ALL food. Then, when you

realize what you CAN eat, it seems great.

>

> It is hard, though. Especially going out and cooking meals for my family. I've

been doing a lot of baking, muffins etc. because I have a sweet tooth. I also

made a fairly good pizza from one of the SCD cook books. The more cooking you

do, the more eating options you'll have and maybe you won't feel the cravings as

badly.

>

> I guess I would say hang in there.

>

> Best,

> Inflamed mom

>

[Guest guest]

I get my bromelain online from www.freedavitamins.com They also have a good SCD multivitamin as well. The epsom salt baths are 2 cups to a bath up to your navel of very warm water. Soak for at least 10-15 minutes. This is really nice at night if you are having trouble sleeping.AmeliaTo: BTVC-SCD Sent: Sat, September 11, 2010 9:37:05 AMSubject: Re: should i toss in the towel?

wow, thanks so much for all of the great advice. any trick to the epsom salt bath? just hot water and salts? very interesting re: yeast, it makes complete sense. where do you suggest finding bromelain? just knowing there MAY be something out there besides meds that could possibly help is motivating.

>

> The fact that you are craving pizza crust/bread is very telling. What it tells

> me is that your gut still has active bad bacteria and possibly yeast

> overgrowth. As weird as it sounds, that yeast and bacteria can actually cause

> you to crave the very foods that will help them grow because of the huge gut

> brain connection. The prednisone will actually help yeast overgrow because it

> keeps your blood sugar levels higher than normal. I am not surprised at all

> that you are having symptoms after a prednisone taper. If it were me I would

> try taking bromelain (a pineapple core extract that acts as an enzyme when taken

> with food and as an anti-inflammatory when take away from food - 1 hour before

> or 2 hours after food) and doing something to address the yeast -- like taking

> coconut oil, oil of oregano, etc., there is something in the files section about

> yeast. Take the yogurt or a probiotic to keep the yeast in check as well if you

> aren't already. Also, have you tried epsom salt baths? They help the body

> detoxify and when the bad bacteria die they actually give off more toxins than

> when they are living.

>

>

> Hang in there. Going off the diet now will just help the bad bacteria/yeast

> that are remaining be even stronger and more enduring.

>

> Amelia

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: BTVC-SCD

> Sent: Fri, September 10, 2010 9:34:57 AM

> Subject: should i toss in the towel?

>

>

> after my first intro, all of my crohn's symptoms went away (literally 5 days on

> diet). i failed every drug except remicaid and the dr was leaning towards

> surgery as 80% of my colon was inflamed.

>

> 2 weeks ago i had the "3 month flare" and things have never been worse. i did

> the intro again and am slowly reincorporating foods that were tolerated well but

> i am loosing a lot of weight and things have not improved at all.

>

> part of the motivation for sticking with the diet was that it was working but

> now i feel like what is the point if my symptoms arent going away. how do i

> know if this is really a 3 month flare or the diet just failing. how long is

> this supposed to last?

>

> i stopped taking prednisone and my dr who is very supportive has suggested the

> remicaid treatment before going back on steriods but i dont really want any more

> medicine.

>

> am i being impatient or should i come to grips with the fact that the diet, like

> all of the other medicine worked for a bit (while i was on prednisone), but

> failed in the end?

>

> i am seriously craving some thick crust pizza

>

[Guest guest]

Agreed, I think this is a really good pizza crust. I also did my own thing for

the sauce/cheese.

The cauliflower pizza crust isn't half-bad either. With a little more

experimentation, I think it will come out really good!

Holly

Crohn's

SCD 12/01/08

>

> The recipe in Raman Prasad's new cookbook for pizza crust is not bad at all.

> I did my own thing on the toppings and sauce, but his crust was good. Well

> worth trying - it satisfied my cravings - wish I could do it now but I'm

currently

> non dairy.

>

> Mara