I have known I have had Celiac for about 10 years, and 2 years ago I found out that I also have chron's. I dont understand how I have two diseases that are supposed to make you insanley skinny and I am a friggen blimp. I am glad to see I am not the only chron's sufferer that seems to gain uncontrolable weight.
When I have chron's flares I will go DAYS with out having a "movement" to the point that I get a fissure, and if you have had one of those, you understand how painful that can be. On top of not being able to "go" my belly just seems to get bigger and bigger, so I TRY to exercise. Exercise causes me such pain that I cant do it! Thus more weight. I feel so terrible about myself and that effects EVERYTHING that I do, ESPECIALLY my marraige. This is a horrible disease, and I wish you all well
Mar 09, 2010
Chron's and Celiac by: Cindy Lou
I have known I have had Celiac for about 10 years, and 2 years ago I found out that I also have chron's. I dont understand how I have two diseases that are supposed to make you insanley skinny and I am a friggen blimp. I am glad to see I am not the only chron's sufferer that seems to gain uncontrolable weight.
When I have chron's flares I will go DAYS with out having a "movement" to the point that I get a fissure, and if you have had one of those, you understand how painful that can be. On top of not being able to "go" my belly just seems to get bigger and bigger, so I TRY to exercise. Exercise causes me such pain that I cant do it! Thus more weight. I feel so terrible about myself and that effects EVERYTHING that I do, ESPECIALLY my marraige. This is a horrible disease, and I wish you all well
Mar 04, 2010
just feel horrible! by: Jessa
Yes this weight continues to be a problem and no one in my family seems to believe me. Oh well. My crohn's continues to flare up. I spent two weeks in the hospital in December for it was released and still feel horrible. The diahrea isn't the problem its the aching that is. My body just hurts. Everywhere! I continue to have a ton of gas but can't release it. I get mouth sores all the time. My vision changes often. I have severe headaches. I am very weak. Go through fazes of sleeping all the time and then not getting sleep at all. I just hate it! Anyone else fell this way?
Mar 04, 2010
Used to be small... by: Dan
Had Crohn's for six years, in that time I have turned from a 10 Stone average build into a 14 Stone monster. I hate my body now and am always ashamed. Been on and off steroids for years and now on azathropine. Nothing seems to help, the weight or Crohn's!
Mar 02, 2010
What can I do ? by: Tamika
Hi to everyone out there who's in my shoes I am 26 years old and its been about five to six months since I have been diagnosed with chrons disease. I am on several different medications I feel as if I am losing my mind. I have lost so much wait and now my stomach starts to expand and it looks like I am about five months pregnant, it hurts and I hate it I want to gain some weight back but I want to look normal and feel normal. I get tired of the how far along are you and that look like is she pregnant? What can I do?
Feb 27, 2010
fat and have crohns? HELP! by: sara
I am 31 and was just diagnosed with crohns and I am still gaining weight! I am only 5'1 and weigh over 180 lbs and still gaining. I am on Pentasa and if I eat anything.. including ensure I look like i am pregnant and I am sooo uncomfortable. 5 years ago I was a size 4 and now a size 16 and I have tried many diets and none have worked. I have no idea what too do and my doctor is not helping with any suggestions. I am at my wits end! I have noticed a few people with the same issue but didn't see any resolve to the issue.
Jan 31, 2010
Has anyone found a fix? by: Anonymous
Hi all, I was diagnosed with Chrons last year after dealing with flareups for 2 years prior. I was put on pentasa first along with bentyl. Neither worked for me and I am now on Apriso. I do not have any "common" symptoms of chron's. I have constant constipation, uncomfortable gas, and horrible bloating. Right before I was diagnosed I lost 30 pounds through diet and exercise. After I lost the weight I started to get the flareup and now I have put on 15 pounds. I am still exercising but nothing is working. I cannot eat any veggies or fruit. I feel bloated all day long and not being able to pass a bowel makes me very uncomfortable. Has anyone figured out how to lose weight with chrons? I worked so hard to lose my weight, I am miserable that each day I just get heavier and heavier. I do not eat bad food at all. Never eat fast food, small portions and exercise and Im gaining weight instead of losing. Can anyone give me some advice? HELP!
Jan 11, 2010
Gain Weight with Chrohn's by: Anonymous
Hi All,
I'm 30 and have had chrohn's since I was 10. The last few years were extremely frustrating and difficult as I was losing substantial weight. I was not able to stop my flare ups and it was looking like surgery was inevitable. Got down to about 140 lbs, where my normal weight was about 170. I had tried every treament available (asacol, azulfidine, pentasa, etc.... with little to no success. I don't even know how people take 8-10 pills a day, just a scam from the drug cos. I was about to give up and let them perform surgery when I started looking into remicade. I've been on that the past 6 months and my abcess has disappeared! I havent had one flare up since and I've gained approx 15lbs back through working out. I honestly can not remember what it was like to not have pain in my stomach! Its really been a blessing and I just hope it continues. Just want people to know that remicade really has worked for me, you just need to give it time to work through your system. Not one ill side effect either. All the best to everyone and good luck.
- Long Time Chrohn's suffer with new hope
Jan 05, 2010
Almost fed up by: David H.
Hello, I was diagnosed with chrons about 2 years ago. It started a year or so before that with a gradual loss of weight, since I was in college and broke I didn't think much of it. My first real issue came in the form of a rectal abcess. Worst pain I'd felt aside to a broken leg. Took a couple months, about 9 different doctors and a trip to the emerency room before I was referred to a GI specialist. A colonoscopy later I was told I had chrons and an abcess. Two of three surguries later my abcess doesn't come back too often but the flare ups aren't constant but it seems that way at times. I've had endocort, 6mp, pentasa, a few antibiotics, steroids, remicade and there's more I can't remember. I'm currently on 6mp, pentasa and remicade and yes it is horribly expensive somewhere close to 5 grand a pop, my insurance sucks so I have to pay nearly 500 per injection. After the injections I feel drained, when I get out of the chair i nearly fall over from the blood rushing from my head and am very weak for several hours afterwards. I'm not entirely sure the stuff works for
me, I'm tempted to keep a journal of flare ups but ignoring them seems to help them go away quicker, power of the mind... Right now it's 2am and I'm soaking in a hot bath because I'm having a real beast of a flare up since 10pm. It's getting old, for my 21st birthday I drank some of the most foul liquid imaginable in preparation for another colonoscopy. Cheers! It's frustrating, I can handle the pain of the flareups, it's the exhaustion and irritability that get to me. I've lost interest in almost everything and most of my hobbies seem like a fight just to enjoy them. A lot of you have had this way longer than me and it may seem I'm being whiney, I am, this is aweful, I've had a piece of gauze tucked in between my buttocks for over a year because my abcess has to stay open to drain, I probably spend less of gas than I do on guaze. I've read a lot of people stories on dealing with chrons and no one seems to have the exact same issues, it doesn't mean youre alone in this. Whoever reads this may say I'm being a bitch, or that I have it worse than them. It is what it is, a nightmare, I'm still waiting to wake up...
Jan 03, 2010
"external" by: Anonymous
My symptoms are different then the usual I pass a bowel once every 2 weeks if I'm lucky terrible joint pain eye problems and fatigue...I have gaind 30 pounds in the past year (not from medication) I've never been this heavy in my life. Because I don't have the disease traditionally and my symptoms are external the medication is worthless..I've never been over 110 pounds n now I'm fat. Idk what's worse never pooping or always..I never pass a bowel and it sucks
Jan 01, 2010
Rimicade 2 by: Anonymous
Also, I have been on 6MP and Pentassa, and neither have done anything benificial for me. If anyone is having problems controlling their crohns after being treated by a doc like i did, i beleive the main key is to live a stress free lifestlye, dont let work, family issues and other little things get to, ive found that high levels of stress cause flare ups.
Jan 01, 2010
Rimicade by: Anonymous
Im 19, i was diagnosed at 14, and i highly suggest the rimicade infusions, although they take a couple hours to get done they seem to work quite well for me, im supposed to have one every 6 months but its been about 2 years since my last. After your done with the rimicade you feel better somehow, more engergized, more healthy, and if your on the thin side like me, it helped me gain some weight. One major downside to the rimicade though is that alot of insurance companies wont cover it and if you have to pay for it yourself, i was told it was something like 3500 but thats just what ive heard.
Dec 31, 2009
What about remicade? by: Anonymous
I have been on a roller coaster ride with the diagnosis of Crohn's. I had trouble for years and then finally found a GI that did the right tests to diagnose me. I am pentassa and endicort but it isn't helping. The doctor wants to give me a remicade infusion and I have to see if the ins. will pay for it.If anyone has had the remicade infusions I would like to know if they really helped and how many do you have to have before you see results. My weight seems to be nothing but gaining because of the steroids. I have joined a gym but half the time I don't feel like going. but i am going to have to learn to go. i would like to know if the remicade has helped any since what the dr. is given me stuff that doesn't work
Dec 22, 2009
Weight gain and prominently constipation by: Cindy
Does anyone else have chronic constipation and not diarhea. My stomach almost always looks like i am 6 mos pregnant and i have to take a ton of miralax and enemas to go to the bathroom, yet they say i have crohns..How many of you have had that? Any answers woold be appreciated!! Happy Holidays to all and thanks in advance. ;-)
Dec 14, 2009
My life part 1 by: Anonymous
I'm 22 years old and have had crohns disease for just over 12 years.
It started in 1997 as severe cramps in my stomach area which had me doubled up on the floor in pain. Soon I started loosing my appetite which had always been good in the past, and loosing weight. All this started happening when I started secondary school which made the whole experience even more difficult what with puberty as well I had a really hard time adjusting. My weight dropped off drastically and for the first 2 or 3 years my mum took me to doctors, herbalists, and church (she’s religious)
after a while the doctors diagnosed my with crohns disease and started me on a milk based liquid diet that lasted months. It turns out that milk and dairy products is what made my illness flare up so that did no good, just made things a hell of a lot worse.
At my lowest point I was 14 years old and weighed under 6 stone. My growth was permanently stunted and remains so to this day. After a few more years and a few pills (asacol and azapheropine) also numerous stays in hospital with months or liquid diets (Elemental o28) thru a tube in my nose. This happened about 1- 3 times a year. I became stable and my illness started to ease up. I put a little weight on but never had a great appetite. Soon my lifeline came along in the form of prednisalone (excuse my spelling) which I started taking in 2002 and apart from the moon face everything was great. I put on mass amounts of weight, so much so that my family had to comment on it being too much an much to my amusement my teachers didn't recognise me since I had been away on summer holiday. No one recognised me, I was transformed and was the healthiest id been up to that point. Happy, and full of confidence I had a new lease on life. 2003 I started taking elemental 028 drinks thru my nose at home full time. this continued until November 2005. Continuously! because of deteriating health again I was put on prednisalone around September 2004. This time the side effects began. Psychosis. prednisalone (1 tablet a day)for just over one year! due to my doctors advice which is crazy because it should be taken for about 6 weeks at most. I thought I was going mad and had no idea it was because of the pills. My life changed for the worse.
Dec 14, 2009
My life part 2 by: Anonymous
I was mad. literally. drinking, taking drugs, failing at college and worst of all. Terrified. All the time. day and night, anxious, paranoid, fear of the outside, fear for no reason at all. the drugs and booze helped, I was suicidal. it didn’t end for a second. in 2006 I realised it was a side effect and stopped the pills immediately. I no longer trusted doctors and didn’t go back again for many years. in this time due to continuous scarring I developed strictures. these got so ad over the next year or so that I spent a year eating only 2 fried eggs for breakfast and 4 elemental o28s a day which I could only have with a gap of three hours in between each one and only one mouth full every five minutes! its crazy I know but thru trial and error I found that was what worked. it was the best I could do because if I ate more, or faster or with less of a gap of drank more then one mouth full before the last one had worked its way down a little then I would get an obstructions and would endure the worst pain I have ever experience or could imagine. a blockage is excruciating and my first one lasted 6 hours continuously with no let up. I took over 4 pain killers in half an hour to no avail. I went back to hospital for the first time in years and was put on morphine. no help. I wanted to kill my self. it was unbearable as anyone whose had one will no. its a miracle I never burst or ruptured. its stopped eventually but I had at least 30 more between 207 and my operation in Jan 2009. its was a constant fear of pain or bloating or if I was lucky just throwing up. I finally decided enough was enough after weighing nearly 8 stone at the age of 21 and returned to hospital and saw a doctor. I the stricture removed in Jan 2009 which was so narrow not even liquid could get thru with our becoming obstructed and I am now in the best health I have been in my entire life. I am finally close to being 'normal' for my age weight wise.. well imp nearly 9 stone and that’s the best vie ever been. the damage has been done. imp small for my age and always will be. I still have a limited appetite and have to space 3 small meals out during the day with 2 elemental o28s in between with 3 hour intervals in between each one. I still let twinges and live in fear of the inevitable. my illness coming back. as it does in everyone with this illness. imp waiting for that blockage again. on top of that I have never been back to 'normal' mentally. imp still agoraphobic and anxious at times, no self confidence and have body image issues. its been an awful 12 years and I wish I’d never been born most of the time. vie had enough pain and suffering and live in fear of more. I even find it hard to hold down a relationship due to my anxiety and fear of public spaces. good luck to everyone with this illness. Sorry this was so long.
Nov 20, 2009
Big belly/healthy eating by: Cheryl
No I NEVER want to give up and have a bag. Not for a second. Don't give up the fight. What is with these Doctors and there need to tell us to eat healthy? Salad, kills me as do most veggies. Fruit juice no way. How I would love to just peel an orange or have a grapefruit or an apple. Whole wheat bread? Not in my stomach. What is healthy eating for a person with a "Normal" stomach is not healthy for me. Maybe you should see what upsets your system and steer clear of the "Healthy Eating" that may be blowing up your belly and causing what I call swelly belly. I can go from my avrage size to looking 9 months pregnant after eating something that is not good for me. There is no set diet for Crohns. But I keep at trying to find what works for me. Good luck. I just keep 3 different size clothes around. lol
Nov 20, 2009
UGH by: Lindsey
I was glad to come across this comment section as I was DX in 10/05 with Crohn's. They had no clue until I needed Emergency surgery which led me to a bag for several months. I had the bag removed in 06, and have been on a cocktail of meds since (6MP, Asacol, Pentassa, Prednisone, Remicade...) I have never been tiny, but I was a healthy weight. I have gained 160 pounds since my reversal, and all I get from the doc is "I do not understand why you are putting on so much weight...you need to try to eat healthier..." I get such a sick/full feeling and lots of reflux when I eat, and it just gets worse throughout the day. I have an appointment today with my new GI guy (2nd visit with him). I just get so sick of taking 48 pills a day, and infusions Q6W. I am only 31 years old I have 5y/o twins, and I cannot even really enjoy playing with them. I am sick & tired of being sick & tired. Don't you ever just wanna give up...maybe have them take it all out and be reliant on a bag for the next 50-60 years?
Nov 15, 2009
Weight!!!!!!! by: Liz
I have read all of the comments on here and I am shocked to learn that the majority of women have the prego belly look like i do! Why dont any of these doctors know what is causing it? And if they know it's medicine, then why are they saying that we need to excercise more and eat better? It is very difficult having Crohns in the first place, but to also deal with being a huge person on top of it-IT SUX! I hope in the near future there is a treatment that will serve us all well, but in the meantime just hang in there everybody!!!
I am curious to know what medicines we(the big bellies)have in common! I take remicade infusions every 8 weeks and asacol and entocort everyday.
Oct 21, 2009
Hi Coleen. by: Jessica
Coleen,
We are all here for you. Don't beat yourself up about this weight issue. I know we all do, but together we will get through this difficult time. Keep your head up.
Oct 21, 2009
Hi Coleen. by: Jessica
Coleen,
We are all here for you. Don't beat yourself up about this weight issue. I know we all do, but together we will get through this difficult time. Keep your head up.
Oct 21, 2009
Weight gain by: Colleen
Hello, im 26 years old and ive had Crohns disease for nearly 4 years. In the begining i lost so much weight, i couldnt eat, always felt sick, people thought i was anorexic, even my aunty thought i was! but now ive put on weight, my belly is huge, i look pregnant. I thought i was the only one but after reading other peoples comments i now know that many people with crohns disease are going through the same. It really gets me down, and getting comments from my boyfriend about how fat i look doesnt help. Im really depressed, ive even been suicidal :( but im just so glad i came across this forum, its nice to know that there are people out there who DO understand.
Oct 17, 2009
BLOATED BELLY----HELP!!!! by: Tammy
I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 5 years ago. I have constat chronic diarrhea. Every where I go I know where every bathroom is I cant drive 10 miles without stopping to use restroom. my Stools sometimes have alot of blood and some stools are full of mucus. just over the past month every time i eat my belly swells up and i look 8 months pregnant. after a few hours it will go down a little. when I eat sometimes after 3 bites I start cramping so bad i cant eat. My weight is crazy last year I weighed 98 lbs now i weight 140 my weight goes up and down and its very frustrating!!! Anyone have any help???
Oct 16, 2009
Living with Chrons' by: Survivor(orangemound,tn)
hi all, Well were do i begin. It's so encouraging to see people who are out there going through the same things that i am or have been. I am 25 years old and have been living with chrons for most of my life. it begin with me when i was only in the 2ND grade,for years doctors didn't know what the problem was and was just diagnosing me with any and everything but Chrons disease. It wasn't until i turned 9 that i was officially diagnosed. I've been through it all: The weight loss,the bloody stools,the sores on my hands and feet, severe arthritis in both knees,hips,and hands,Swollen ankles,Gas,bloating, stomach pains Several blood transfusions and several tube feedings. I was home schooled off and on because of it and as an adult, I'm finding it much harder to deal and try to succeed in college/the real world.For awhile i wasn't able to swallow foods, i always had to strain to get the food down. in 2006 i found out that the reason behind the throat issue was due to the chrons disease and I've had two surgeries since to dilate my throat.Recently,i had gotten to a point where my body just couldn't make it anymore and it begin to kinda shut down on me. With the help of my family and those friends who do understand the disease, Ive been able to kinda make it :) I'm starting to experience and different symptoms.in the past 7 months I've gained 35 pounds,but it's really all in my stomach, no I'm not pregnant, but if you look at me you might think so lol it hurts sooooo bad and I'm very bloated so to speak. I'm only taking asacol 9 times daily and taking my ferrous sulfate. however I'm still bleeding. this is very new and scary for me....
Sep 16, 2009
Tired of weight comments! by: Jessica
I was diagnosed with Crohn's last Oct and have exceeded the weight I was at for so many years. I have gained a horrid 30 lbs. And feel like a blimp. I have tried dieting, counting calories, cutting out fatty and fried foods, exercising daily and yet all I have done is continue to gain weight. I am now to the point that with every comment family or friends make about how huge I am I just want to crawl into a hole somewhere. I am just so unhappy. I continue to have flare ups, tons of bleeding, nausea daily. My body just aches, constant headaches, my eyeballs hurt too ugh. I just don't understand how Crohn's can affect so many other parts of your body. Soooo today I came upon this site found that other are experiencing the same issues and was actually happy. So sad to be happy that others feel as horrible as I do. And I am so sorry for all blown to shreds by this disease.
Sep 10, 2009
swollen belly & weight gain by: Anonymous
I continue to look pregnant even though I always had such a tiny waist before. I was always pear shaped with larger hips/thighs & great abs. Not anymore :( I keep asking doctor's what is going on with my body & one said "I wish I was that swollen". They say I look perfectly normal & don't see what the problem is. Throughout the day my stomach just gets more distended. It is very uncomfortable. I also feel like I am filling up with fluid in my whole body especially lower body. I feel tingling in my tissues, my skin gets tight, and my shoes get tight. I also have trouble breathing when I wake up like fluid on my chest. They have done numerous tests and say their is no fluid. After eating I have trouble breathing. My stomach has so much pressure and I guess it is pushing on my diaphram. I keep gaining weight. oddly enough prednisone actually seems to help with the fluid a little if I take it a few days. I am a personal trainer but I just keep gaining weight and working out is uncomfortable. It is very depressing & I feel that clients will not want to work with a trainer that can't control her own weight. No help from any doctor's they just make me feel crazy. I also just read that Remicade can cause weight gain. Does anyone have any suggetions????
Aug 29, 2009
hopeless! by: Anonymous
nine years with crohns hate my belly don t mind scare from op,just cant wear nice tops tired sit-ups just sore cant do it but then as much as it annoys me at times iam lucky to be alive and i just tell my-self some poor auld divel is out there ten time worst so i guess i just go with the flow xx
Aug 29, 2009
hopeless! by: Anonymous
nine years with crohns hate my belly don t mind scare from op,just cant wear nice tops tired sit-ups just sore cant do it but then as much as it annoys me at times iam lucky to be alive and i just tell my-self some poor auld divel is out there ten time worst so i guess i just go with the flow xx
Aug 24, 2009
Crohn's by: baffled
Im 24 and have crohn's, i tend to have a stool but i can't do anything to prevent my bleeding. Everyday is the same nightmare and i lost tons of weight. I want to gain it back and i just don't know how. i take 8 asacol pills a day total. should i increase? any supplements to help me gain weight please help. thank you.
Aug 14, 2009
Weight gain by: Anonymous
Totally agree on this. I've been trying to lose weight recently and it's just not happening. Nice to know its not just me, but Crohns and meds may also be the cause - although it is a bit depressing but at least I've had no flares for a few months!
Jul 10, 2009
Give me a solution to gain weight by: Anonymous
Hi guys,
In my previous post, dated 11th June'07, I did ask for a solution. But no one is forthcoming.
I also mentioned about Megestrol Acetate as one
of the stimulants for weight gains.
I actually read about it in some other forum, where a couple of guys who is suffering from Crohn's were prescribed that and successfully put on good weight within 2-4 weeks. I thought I will get some positive response to that FDA approved, prescription drug in this form, which seems to be dedicated to Crohn's. But to no avail.
Can any one or atleast, the owners of the site / moderators of this form step in to help.
Thanks,
RSM.
Jul 07, 2009
trying to gain weight by: Anonymous
i have had crohn's disease for 3 yrs(diagnosed) now. i weighed 128lbs before i started steroids, i had reactions to the steroids and had to stop taking them. Now without any steroids i am constantly losing weight. i weigh 104lb now and i am very sick of looking at myself in this way. My doctor says i cant take the weight gainers in the GNC stores so i need to know what to do so that i can gain weight again. PLEASE if you know anything that will help Please let me know.
Jun 11, 2009
I need to gain weight guys by: Anonymous
Hi All,
Most of these posts talk about having more weight and considering it to be bad thing. But I was 70+ kgs 6 to 9 months back and now I am only 60 Kgs.
Every one who looks at me asks about what is the reason for losing so much weight and I can't tell them it is because of Crohn's. I have taken all types of treatment as per my Gaestro, but nothing
is helping me. I even tried herbal medicines as well
but to no avail.
Can anyone share my experience and does any one has any suggestion to gain weight, upto the point of my previous weight(!). I saw from websites that
Megestrol Acetate is prescribed for putting on weight in those with unexplained weight loss. But my doctor has not prescribed this to me...
Any solution for me, please respond.
Thanks,
RSM.
May 27, 2009
I'm not ALONE!!!! by: Jen
So, for about two months now, I've had a really bad flare up with my "Crohn's Colitis." I kept telling everyone my belly is swelling to the point where sitting is so uncomfortable. It's as if my belly is in it's own way. I'm a fairly petite person, who recently lost a ton of weight, and within a month, it's like I put it all back on. So frustrating. But mostly uncomfortable, and terribly painful at times.
I'm starting to exercise, as oddly enough, moving around makes it feel a little better. I'm hoping it'll help.
Hmm, this baby belly business better get fixed soon!!!! Or else, I may need new clothes too!!!
May 01, 2009
No Answers by: Cheryl
I wish someone had the answers. I for one have not a clue. This is my 10 th year with this and I'm still confused at times. What to eat, what not to eat.???
Last night a had some fruit juice. Today I am a mess. Tummy pokeing out with the ole swelly belly and I just plain feel sick. Running to the bathroom every 20 min while at work is no picnic either. I should have known it was coming because I have felt pretty good for a while now.
Please pass on any tips anyone gets.
Apr 26, 2009
So no one has any answers? by: Belle
im reading this because i was looking on the internet for diets for those with crohns. i have had it for two years now and have been stick skinny up until now. i just got put on humira on top of taking 12 asacol a day, and my tummy is huge. im fine with weight gain everywhere else but my tummy, its disgusting. and im bummed to find there are no answers or responses to these posts. i exercise, but i cant have lots of veggies, and dont know what to eat to help me lose weight. and i started modeling, so i have to get this weight off asap!!
Mar 15, 2009
Crohn's Disease/Type 1 Diabetes-Weight gain by: Anonymous
My gastroenterologist has commented on my weight gain in that he thinks my Crohn's is not flared up because you are supposed to "lose" weight with Crohn's. I hurt so bad that I only eat after 5-6pm. I thought it could be eating so late. I also have Type 1 Diabetes and am petrified when I go into a "flare" as I have to somehow keep something in me to keep the blood sugars up. It is VERY hard. Does anyone else have both diseases?
Also, when you hurt every day, you realize that you have to eat something. I feel my doctor thinks you starve yourself with Crohn's or you are not sick. Sometimes I get so hungry I could cry and when I do eat I hurt even worse but I have to eat.
Feb 02, 2009
So glad I'm not the only one by: Anonymous
Although we don't know of a solution, there is some comfort in not being the only one who swells up during the day. It is REALLY frustrating. Take care, everyone.
Nov 23, 2008
too fat to move by: Anonymous
Hi everyone
I have had crohns for 10 years. I was finally diagnosed first part of this year. By this time my symptoms were so severe that I had to undergo
surgery. I weighed in at 16stone 9 pounds when I was diagnosed. I was on steroids for about two months and during this time I gained weight and shot up to 18 stone. I had surgery end of july this year and since this time I have continued to gain weight even though I have been trying to loose some. I am not on any steroids at present I only take questran to stop me going.Friday I weighed in at 19stone 4pounds sat I weighed in at 19stone 7pounds and sunday I weighed in at 19 stone 12pounds. I feel terrible I am so miserable I cannot exercise because I am soo knackered all the the time my knees hurt all my joints ache I feel like I am too fat to move.I feel like dying.
Nov 01, 2008
wieight gain by: richard l.
I have been lifting weight for years but when I had a flare up I put on 40 pounds and the only thing I'm losing is bleed and my mind. I still have not figured what to do about it.
Aug 30, 2008
I've gained weight too. by: Julia
I had been on steroids but it's been over a year. I'm on remicade now. I still have flare-ups but am heavy through the belly too. I've had many people ask me if I'm pregnant. I get so upset. I had started to think I was the only fat crohn's patient until I read some of these postings.
Aug 28, 2008
Weight Gain by: Cheryl
You are not alone! I go from a fairly normal size stomach in the early part of the day to looking from 6 to 9 months preagnant by the early evening. I hate it but have no answers. I do know that trying to hold it in hurts.
If anyone has any answers please fill us in.
Aug 27, 2008
Weight gain by: Anonymous
I am newly diagnosed (4 months) with Crohns/colitis and also have gained 35 lbs with some of the weight before steroids. I am a vegan and feel pretty lousy as the only fat vegan!
Jan 23, 2008
swollen belly by: Anonymous
I have had Crohn's for about 8 years and yes, my stomach goes from flat to swollen in a second! my coworkers actually laugh because they don't understand how I can do that. I'm a very thin person as it is, so it certainly makes me look prego when my stomach swells. I try not to eat heavy meals, as I've noticed that makes it worse. But even sometimes when I barely eat it causes my stomach to swell. Very uncomfortable. Glad I see others w/this problem, as I thought maybe it was just me and that maybe I'm gaining weight, etc...
Oct 30, 2007
weight gain too by: Anonymous
i have started to gain weight too since i was put on steriods. i have gained about 10 or more pounds in the last month. my doctor says it is the steriods making me gain the weight but i cant be off of them yet. i have tried to exercise but nothing is working.
Oct 24, 2007
Water weight, not fat weight by: Rachel
Between general inflamation and God-awful steroids, I have had my share of being "puffy." It really sucks, especially when I am having a not-puffy day and everyone oohs and ahhs about my "weight loss", but I try to think more about being kind to my body and making it healthy than what I look like on the outside. My biggest problem was that my face would swell.
Oct 24, 2007
Bloating by: Marilyn
Hi! I know exactly how you feel...in the morning my tummy is flat...each time I eat I bloat and before long I can pass for 6-7 months pregnant. It is very uncomfortable and painful and has necessitated a change in clothing style...i.e. stretchy pants, flowing tops, etc. I do not believe it is just fat...try seeing a Naturopath, and if that is out of reach financially go to your health food store and buy the best probiotics...this will help a little...
Oct 23, 2007
WEIGHT GAIN by: Anonymous
I was in hosp. the girl in the next bed had crohns and was very sick BUT she was about 80lbs and was not doing very will. I was thankful at that moment to be over weigth. I was haveing a bad crohns attact but even my GI said i was in better shape than the girl in the next bed. Haveing some extra weight to fall back on is a good thing.
Oct 19, 2007
Weight Gain by: Cheryl
Swelly Belly! I think that's what we should call it. Swelly Belly That's me. I went to my Gastro yesterday and he told me to try Yoga or Palloties? Hello what is palloties? How do you spell it? I'm willing to try anything at this point. But that was his answer. Besides he wants to add another pill 2x a day to my already 8 pentasa, 2 Levbid, and 3 Bentyl. I'm a walking drug store.
Oct 19, 2007
Your Not Alone by: Anonymous
Im pleased I am not the only one who looks like she is preganant because of swollen tummy. I even had a little old man help me with my groceries at the supermarket, because he said in my state I shouldnt be lifting heavy things, then he wished me luck with the impending BIRTH!!
i DIDNT HAVE THE HEART TO TELL HIM THAT the cause of my swelly belly is due to CROHNS.
Oct 06, 2007
33 and huge by: Tina
Hi
I am so glad that I have found this site. I have been gaining weight ever since I had my son 4 years ago and now I am over 100kgs. I hate my body and my husband just says I need to diet and exercise more. Because every one on the planet believes if you have crohn's then you must be stick thin with rotting teeth my husband and friends find it hard to believe my delema. Before pregnancy I was at a good weight. My crohn's though was really severe and would last up to 7 days at a time. I found the only releaf was to lay in a red hot bath and would do this for hours on end as the pain was unbarable. Most times I would pray to god to take my life as I couldn't bare the pain any more.
When my son was born it changed. Now when I have an episode it lasts a maximum of 4 hours and is so intense that I vomit at the same time. But I know in my head that after going twice that I will at least be able to fall into bed. I am so exhausted from it. The down side is the massive weight gain. I am not saint but I don't eat McDonalds and KFC. I eat 2 piece of toast with vegimite for breakie, salad ( I can tolorate it ) and veggie soup and dinner is chicken and veggies most nights. But I look like I live at the fast food joints. Is any one else like this or am I the only one?
Oct 03, 2007
Weight Gain by: Cheryl
I am so frustrated with myself because of my weight. As it is I am almost 50 (couple of months away) and I won't let this stupid Crohns get the best of me as far a getting out and doing things. We stay pretty busy. But I always fell like the big fatty every where we go. I dress like a frump. Just to try to hide my bif belly. Some day's I don't ever eat. No appitite. I 've had to give up coffee in the mornings, don't eat breakfast either cos that would make it hard to leave my house. Thank goodness my husband and I are self employed so if I am having a bad day I can just go home. Fruits, veggies and salads just tear me up. I'm a little sick of chicken breast, but no matter what I do even with excersise I'm fat! With bird legs!
I wish someone could come up with an answer.
Cheryl
Oct 02, 2007
Too fat by: Anonymous
I wold like to know people's opinion on this also because ever since my resectioning a year ago, my weight has gone up tremendously!!!! I was diagnosed with Crohn's in October of 2005, put on Steriods and various courses of med, continuing on steriods on and off (more on) for the next year and in August 2006, I had my surgery. My appetite comes and goes, and I have not quite found what my "trigger" is for what does not agree with me. I am also having liver issues, that have been ongoing since March. I am sick and tired of feeling like this, but even more so being 40+ pounds heavier....I feel like I'm the only"fat" Crohn's patient>>>>
Oct 01, 2007
Weight gain by: Cheryl
I don't eat that much. Can't deal with salad's. Although I love to eat salad's they don't like me. I end up awake and in the restroom all night. How do we loose this big pregnant looking gut and diet?
Sep 30, 2007
weight Gain by: Anonymous
My e-mail address is Biteme987 -at- aol.com. Would like to discuss this but the cut and paste thing is just a pain in my whatever. Cheryl
Sep 29, 2007
Finally someone like me by: Haley Miller
Yes, I have also had this problem of gaining weight and looking pregnant...I have no idea why this is and I asked my doc and he doesn't have any answers either...Its nice to know I am not the only one though
Sep 27, 2007
Is that a baby in your belly?? by: Pooper
With the thought that everyone is different and react differently to things, ive learned that for me, it works when im in the swelling phase to stay away from meals and rather eat small doses all day long. The swelling stays to a minimum and im not as miserable. Ive read that getting into that habit actually kicks up your metabolism ~ i need all the help i can get!
Meats seem hard for me and i usually avoid beef unless i just cant take it anymore ( i have a weakness for juicey cheeseburgers ). Im swollen right now and what i could wear on monday, i cant today. I have so many different sizes in my closet for all my many "phases".. my husband accuses me of finding excuses to just biy more clothes :-)
Ive actually had a little kid ask me if i was pregnant once. How depressing that was!
Sep 27, 2007
Any answers? by: Anonymous
Just how do you control weight gain?
Sep 26, 2007
prego? by: Gin
Yes, I do agree... with the swollen tummy from the steriods and the crohns - I look prego all the time. Additionally, I tend to hold my tummy as it hurts so much, for me sometimes holding it or rubbing it helps... and well that makes me look even more pregnant.
