Update: 5 weeks w/LDN & 30 yrs w/Crohn's (GI is thinking about LDN for others!)

[Guest guest]

I have been on LDN for Crohn's for 5 weeks now. I went for my

first " 30 day follow-up " (on LDN) GI appointment today and I am very

excited!

Vitals in the first 36 days on LDN (comparison):

Blood Pressure: from 104/89 to 105/90 (I have never had BP problems –

always been on the low side).

I have lost one pound.

I continue to have relief from symptoms: from 10 – 20 /day diarrhea

to 2 – 3 /day. I am more conscience of my diet but still have not

started a " diet " plan.

I have incredible (gut) relief and feel great!

Pain and discomfort have lessened a great deal! I have had a

few " crohns-ish " days but nothing like the misery I experienced

before LDN!

SIDE-EFFECTS on LDN (or lack thereof): Some " vivid " dreams, two

could be considered " bad " dreams but none of my dreams are much

different than before. Some sleep disturbance, but again, nothing

more than (my) usual. So I would say that I have very minimal side-

effects from LDN, if any.

I discussed all of this data with my GI today. I am the first

patient that he has put on LDN (at my persuasion). He said that he

was " happy that it is working for me " and asked me if I thought he

should put more patients on LDN. I said, " Yes, yes, I do. LDN is

very good. I have gotten so much (gut) relief! My body is

responding very well to LDN! " ***This is the first time in 30 years

that I felt like the GI was working " with " me instead of " against " me!

I am to report to him in 3 months and I will continue to " encourage "

him to prescribe LDN to other patients!

He mentioned his concern about my recent test results (before LDN)

about 10 inches of (intestinal) narrowing and he is " monitoring " me

for stricture. (He wants to " avoid " a stricture and (my history)

severe narrowing caused my surgery in Dec. 2002). He said he wants

to know in 3 months how I am feeling and we might get another Upper

GI done to check on things (and compare to the results from testing

done in Feb. of this year - before LDN).

MY QUESTION:

Does anyone know if I am likely to " show " signs of tissue

repair/improvement within 4 – 6 months of using LDN, or would you

think it would be best to wait one year (on LDN) before comparing

test results? Judging from how I am feeling, it seems to me that

there must be " evidence " that good things are goin' on " in there " (my

gut)! LOL!

Thanks to everyone and your support! We are all in this together and

I believe that we will succeed in our goal to BE WELL and spread the

word so that others can benefit from our experience!

Thanks again!

Patti (a/k/a livinwithcrohns)

*dx Crohn's - June 1978

*surgery - Dec. 2002 - Ileocolectomy/resection

*dx Crohn's/Colitis/Acid Reflux - Feb. 2005

*LDN user since March 11, 2008