Weight gain

by Cheryl
(South Florida)

I look and feel like I am pregnant. My back hurts, my eyes bother me. Yet I still keep going every day. The weight gain is really starting to get to me, I'm almost 50 years old and don't want to look like a over weight frump.

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Suffering from Short-bowel now
by: Jamie

I'm 35yrs old and had two bowel resections in '97 and '98. I've never been a text book case and it took an emergency operation for the doctor's to diagnose me. I've been in remission for the past 2 years, but I've never been well. I have the symptoms of Crohns. Blockage and then dumping 18 times in two days, every 6 days etc and the rest that goes with it. This has been on-going since the spring. I've dropped to 100lbs. My doctor says my intestinal lining is destroyed and I have short-bowels now. I'm not absorbing anything. My B-12 seemed fine. She told me to try psyllyum fibre. It killed me immediately. I'm not on any meds and yes I've got some scar tissue, which is in the way, but not bad she says. I'm dying here. Anyone experience this or have any advice, Please. Signed Desperate. Thank you...

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weight gain crohns disease

my friend has crohn's disease. he is much better now but cant gain weight does anone have any suggestions to help? and does anyone no if there are any bodybuilding supplements he could take to help gain weight but that wont affect his intestines?
thanx

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trying to gain weight
by: Anonymous

drinking boost will help some, also snacking a lot. Few bites of things here and there and that all day long. Try not to go without a snack for more than one or two hours.
Like a handfull of preztels, or chips, or candy bar.
Has he had any bowel resections ?

Is he taking extra vitamins ?

I know those things helped me.
Best thing for wieght gain
by: Survivor(orangmound)

The best thing for you to do is drinking supplements , ensure or isocal to be exact. Taking steroids is not good for you.
Megestrol acetate
by: Anonymous

Megestrol definitely works, I gained 10 pounds in a week. But with me, it caused serious heartburn to the point that swallowing hurt. Duh, you're drinking a cup of acid every morning.
increase appitite
by: Dan henry

my dr just subscribed a liquid taken once in the morning and its worked for me .called Megestrol ac,,the increased appitite is a side effect of the drug.

i also use Osmolite made by ROSS ,its unflavored so it very tolorable,as a very good food suppliemnt.

danhenry@embarqmail.com

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Increasing weight for crohn patients.

by Ravin Khanojou
(BKK, Thailand)

How to increase body weight , I cant use steroids as for allergy.

I am a new crohn patient just discover having these disease last 5 months.

I had since lost 17 Kg, now I am 50 Kg and 170 cm height. I dont have much energy, and can harly eat proper meal only liquid food and some toast is acceptable.

I was adviced by a doctor to take a medicine called "BUDESONIDE" (ENTOCORT 3MG), I have never tried it will this work? Have anyone heard of this medicine?

The doctor in my country is not fully trained for curing crohn disease as its a very rare you find a crohn's patient here.... Only 3%....

Please advice.

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chrons NEW
by: Anonymous

der is no cure for chrons disease in allopathty ..go for homeopathy medicines
To whom it is that is afraid to take ENTROCORT NEW
by: Anonymous

I found that regime of PROBOITIC supplment (1 to2 tablets daily), VITB12, Pentasa actually help reduce the constant running to the bathroom. I do recommend you at least give ENTROCORT a shot, just had a recent flare up and starting taking it, nervous yes but my children and family are my life so therefore i will try it and see how it goes and monitor side effects. I've been living with chrons for 25 years, the last 5 have been great once I got things under control and started actually doing what they told me to do~!..such as VITB12 supplements, iron every 3-4 days, PROBOTICs supplement has really helped along with the Pentasa. I am only on ENTROCORT because I had a flare up my fault because I got busy and didn't take care of ME as i should have. So I will do what they tell me to do, monitor side affects, talk with the DR and get back myself back in shape again. You don't have to be on ENTROCORT forever, Chrons does not have to be the end all, its horrible in regards to discomfort and yes embarrassing, and the challenges of weight loss and depresssion...yes, but if you maintain a positive outlook that you can do this...that you can get it together take the meds you will find that you can live a great life a healty life for you..and your family. I love my family, my children my life...while i haven't beenfeeling good they knw and I just keep making myself go because seeing the smile in my childresn eyes when we go do something and the hugs and kisses are worththe side effects so that I can do those things with them...God blessed me with them I will do what I can to enjoyand be around for them . I hope you decide to take it and monitor things . Try talking with your DR on your fears and develop a Regime that works for you and give it some time, sometimes it takesd 3-6 months before the body changes.....
Yea, I don't worry Or give myself stress
by: Yes I am all that

Dear Anonymous who posted Dec. 24,

Holy Crap you have some serious psycological problems! Get help for that before you seek treatment for anything else.

Quote from Anonymous I refer to;

"suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and I'm so worried that the steroids will increase the anxiety because from what I read it can cause you to suffer from anxiety and you can have problems sleeping at night from feeling anxious and restless. I am so scared."
new to crohns
by: Anonymous

I have had for 32 years. Boost will help with energy.
There is no cure for Crohns disease.
It all depends how bad you have it.

Also Vitamins will help.
Re : Entrocort
by: Anonymous

Hi, Thankyou for the reply, actually i can get the prescription from the doctor but it not available in Thailand.

Thanks for the support but my health is really worst now - going to zero point. So the doctor told me to start Prenisode immediatly - eventhough i knw tht there is alot of side-effects, but to live without it is difficult


Is there anyway to exercise and keep ourself fit with crohn's disease.

Any advise will be appreciated!
Re: Entocort
by: Anonymous

Hi, My doctor gave me a prescription for it and my insurance paid for it (it's very expensive). I am not sure of any other way to purchase it, I thought it had to be prescribed by your doctor. Maybe you gan Google it and find ways where you can purchase it online. Can't your doctor give you a prescription? The pharmacy (drug store) should be able to order it if you have a prescription.
Medication
by: Ravin

Thank You for the response i have tried Prednisone - i started of with 8 tablets per day and then reduce according to the doctor advice.

For me i feel that Prednisone have more side effect cause its also consumed steriods and also causing knee & joints pain(for my case) - that is the reason i am looking for alternates.

Could you give me some advice about how i can get this medicine - Entrocort. I live in Thailand and it is impossible to get them here.

thank you and advice will be appreciated.
weight gain for crohns patients
by: Anonymous

Hello, I am in the same boat as you. I have lost so much weight and can't really eat anything so I can gain weight. I lose weight so fast and it is so hard for me to gain weight. My doctor also prescribed Entocort EC (3mg- 3 pills every moring so actually you would be on 9mg a day). I am so scared to take it though. I have had the pills for over a month and haven't taken them yet. Being that it is a steroid I am very worried for a number of reasons. One, is because I have 5 kids who are always getting colds from the cold weather and being in school and from what I have read about the medication it says to avoid being around people who are sick because your immune system is lower while being on steroids. The second reason, i suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and I'm so worried that the steroids will increase the anxiety because from what I read it can cause you to suffer from anxiety and you can have problems sleeping at night from feeling anxious and restless. I want to take them so I can stop running to he bathroom and feel normal again but I am so scared. I also heard that when you try to get off of entocort your symptoms come right back and sometimes can actually be worse then whe you started the pills.

I have lost so much weight that my doctor also gave me a prescription for Ensure (which is like a milk shake). The only problem with drinking them for me is that it makes my stomach hurt and I don't know why because it's lactose free. I try to eat pasta and mashed potatoes to try and gain weight but I haven't gained 1 pound because as soon as I eat I am in the bathroom but maybe this can help you.

I really want to be able to take the Entocort and not be scared so if there are people out there that has taken it and it has helped them can you please give us some of your stories. Does taken Entocort help you gain weight? What side effects have other people experienced?

I am so sorry I couldn't help you with your question but maybe there are some people out there that can help us. I was so suprised to see someone with the same problem that I am having.

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constipation and weight gain with crohns

Does anyone else have problems with constipation and weight gain with their crohns. Everyone else I have talked to that has crohns and all the articles I have read do not have any information on either constipation or gaining weight.

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Team Crap Happens Louisville
by: Karen

I have been on Remicade for almost 3 years..I have gained about 30-40 lbs since then. Nothing I do seems to help. I continue to gain weight. I am so frustrated. I started having right hip pain a couple months ago...I thought it was my new shoes but stopped wearing them for awhile and that didn't help. I had an x-ray and it was negative. Who is having IBD associated arthritis and what do they normally start with?
response to constipated and weight gain
by: Anonymous

I suffer from constipation and weight gain. I am always sick, either recovering, going through or starting a flare-up. I have gained 50 pounds in 3 years and I only eat once a day. That is all I can process. I think the metabilism slows down due to the lack of food. I always go from constipated to diahrea. A never ending circle. To be honest, you should be glad to be overweight because as the disease progresses you will eventually lose lots of weight and then too much. My mother had crohn's and I saw first hand how a little weight gain is ugly and uncomfortable but personally how important a store of fat can be when you literally CANNOT eat. (She could not swallow food and died from lack of nutrition)
Be strong, you are not alone.
Constipation and Crohns
by: Anonymous

I'm another Crohn's patient who suffers from severe constipation. I feel for all of you out there. It is so nice to hear that I'm not the only one with the constipation. I can't find any research that addresses the constipation. Every thing seems to mention diarrea.
Crohn's weight gain
by: Anonymous

I was diagnosed 2 years ago. MD put me on Phentermine for the weight gain and I have lost 68 pounds and my crohn's has stayed in remission.
Thank Heavens
by: Anonymous

I thought I might be the only person out there who had Crohns with weight gain... Everyone I talk to sees that I'm overweight and tell me there is no way I could have Crohns (including my doc). I'd love to know how to control my weight and my symptoms both ~ seems every drug they put me on just gives me more weight gain...
same experience!
by: Sasha

To be honest I gave up on numerous treatments for crohns disease, beause I became depressed having to spend my senior year taking almost 40 pills a day! I had tried pentasa, steroids, remicade, and humera and told my doctor I was tired of being his guinea pig, because I ended up either not responding or allergic and in the ER....I have gained about 15- 20 pounds since my diagnosis and everyone else that has crohns seems to be very tiny and i am a 19 year old female at 140.....any ideas, i tried salads and veggies and of course not a good idea, i tried liquid diets, but im always starving and i tried an all natural alternative called RELIV and it has not done anything, and i really refuse to do steroids...so all in all you are not the only one with weight gain...any ideas?
Chron's and Vegetarianism
by: Anonymous

I have recently been diagnosed with Chron's and am currently working to get into remission. My doctor put me on Prednasone until my 6MP kicks in. In the meanwhile, I've been reading up on how I might alter my diet in order to avoid aggravating my intestinal tract. As I read, I've been finding many websites and books with good advice, but the problem for me is that the majority of these resources assume that you eat meat. I've been a vegetarian for over 10 years now and I don't want to give that up. Does anyone know of good resources that advise vegetarians on how to eat with Crohn's or IBD? Thanks!
Constipation
by: Anonymous

I was diagnosed with Crohns in May of this year. I was very constipated before I ended up in the hospital. I am still that way. I do take a stool softner to help. It is hard because the fiber will really flare me up so everything I used to eat I eat in moderation or very little.
weight gain
by: Anonymous

hi i am sandy from cantonment fl. i have had crohns since 2003, i am taking over 220 pills aday and the last year i have started gaining weight. i have always been a small person only weighing around110 pounds, now i am up to like 150lbs and i can't stand it. i have tried to talk to the dr about it and he says he wants me to gain because i am looking at having to have surgery pretty soon. where my crohns is its to low down so when they cut the bad out. i will end up with a bag on my i just found out last week that i also have a really big ulcer and a small hole. so i go back to the dr next week to see where i go to next. i know this desease isn't fun at all. i have been on remicade and it didn't help. i really have a bad case of it. but if you figure out how you can get rid of the weight PLEASE LET ME KNOW, midgett_1965@yahoo.com. thanks and i hope things gets better for you.
weight gain and constipation
by: Anonymous

I have Crohns and I have always had constipation. Contrary to reports. The severe constipation was how I got diagnosed. Weight gain was also a problem for me. My doctor has put me on phentermine. A very low dosage will keep the weight down and does not interfere with your Crohns treatment.
reply
by: Anonymous

i have weight on me with chrohns, and i also get costipation at time to time. i have also ibs..its possible you can have it to irittable bowel syndrom.there are good website with lots of info on this.

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crohns disease and weight gain

by barbie adams
(england)

I look like i am pregnant most of the time is it just fat or does anyone else suffer with this problem?

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weight gain pulling me down...thanks to crohns NEW
by: Anonymous

was confirmed ten years ago with crohns...since that time i've gained 5 stone in weight and no matter what I try, diet or exercise or both, nothing seems to shift it. Was even hospitalized for nine days with neither food nor water, drip only, and still left the hospital the same weight as when I went in....begining to lose hope....and sanity
Dealing with Weight Gain NEW
by: Marilyn

About a year ago, I decided to do something about the weight gain caused by the meds I was on as well as having been on steroids. I began taking daily doses of omega 3-6-9,vitamin D, B12, a multivitamin, probiotics, non-odour garlic capsules, co-q 10 enzymes. As I did this I gradually cut down my meds like asacol etc. I also follow the gluten free diet as I have celiac disease and crohn's - often go hand-in-hand. I started working out with a personal trainer - mostly weight lifting and planks. All of this has really helped and my disease symptoms have improved and certainly no worse. Don't feel hungry all the time like on meds. Trying this was against doctors orders but I thought if I start to get worse I will go back on them. On May 9th I will have colonoscopy and endoscopy to check the actual condition of my intestines - so hope I am on the right track.
how to loos the wight NEW
by: maegan spaw

Hi I am 19 years old and have had crohns disease for 5 year now and I have been on remicade since feb 2-12 and I gave birth 6-9-11 and before I was prego I was 114lbs and I'm currently at my heaviest 159lbs and I'm soo depressed and just upset. I'm always so hungry but I am never full and I am drinking pop like crazy. I'm so tempted to see a dietician but they prob won't do anything. I was. On predison after I had my daughter and in feb 2-12 I was admited in the hospitol for the first time and they put me on more predison then I got put on remicade and I CAN'T STOP EATING!!! HELP ME PLEASE
remicade NEW
by: Anonymous

Ive gained 5 stone thanks to remicade.It has ruined me life. Had crohns for over 20 years, was always around 8 stone.
remicade NEW
by: Anonymous

Ive gained 5 stone thanks to remicade.It has ruined me life. Had crohns for over 20 years, was always around 8 stone.
remicade NEW
by: Anonymous

Ive gained 5 stone thanks to remicade.It has ruined me life. Had crohns for over 20 years, was always around 8 stone.
re to the girl where they cant find inflamation
by: Anonymous

they now haVE A PILL CAMERA YOU SWALLOW AND IT GOES THRU THE TWENTY OR SO FEET OF INTESTINES....AND THEN WELL YA KNOW IT COMES OUT i AM GETTING READY TO GET THIS DONE THIS IS HOW THEY SEE ALL THE INTESTINES...THERE IS NO OTHER WAY
symptom free
by: nancy

I have had great results from the white sugar, white flour diet. MY DOC SAID WATCH THE FIBER...i FOUND THAT IF i ATE JUST THE THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID ON A REGULAR DIET THAT i FELT FINE...SYMPTOM FREE! iT HAS WORKED FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND THE EXTRA WT. GAIN IS SLOWLY GOING AWAY. I ALSO HAD THYROID SURGERY WHICH CAUSED ORIGINAL WEIGHT GAIN.
Medical advice
by: Anonymous

i have a piece of advice all those who have either gained or lost weight and are unhappy with it--try seeing an eating disorder/disordered eating dietitian. How i go to this conclusion: i've been diagnosed with disordered eating, which makes up 70% of eating disorders (as of 2007, as my dietitian told me). I go from hardly eating at all (anorexic symptoms) then eating more when I feel good (but not binging). How does this relate to Crohn's? Well, medical conditions like Crohn's can cause eating disorder symptoms and vice versa--my family dr now speculates that i may have Crohn's, possibly caused by poor nutrition. I think but this isn't wholly agreed upon by medical professionals as various sites and sources say, i'll have to ask my dr when i see her again. I'm scared to death that i may have Crohn's, and looking back, I could have prevented ANY disease from forming by keeping up healthy eating habits and taking care of my body. (Don't blame yourself for anything that you may have done if you the past to abuse or neglect your body, if this was tthe case for you.) However, if you see an eating disorder dietitian, at least you know your diagnosis and s/he can expedite your weight gain or weight loss progress and help you keep what's left of your positive body image and in a truly supportive professional relationship, mend your self confidence and lend you strength that you'll eventually internalize as your own.
weight gain after reconnect surg not sick
by: Betsy

I am a 30 yr old female and I was diagnosed w/crohn's 10yrs ago--had only occassional flare ups until 2 yrs ago--ended up having part of intestine removed--it perferated--had a 2nd surgery--ileostomy (6months of literal hell on earth) and then had the reversal reconnect surg May10--I was just diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disorder---I am not currently having a flare up so to speak (just the normal fatigue and joint pain)--but what is bothering me is the WEIGHT GAIN!!!--I was always around 125 (5'3'') and now for a year after surg have been staying steady at 140+lbs--its driving me nuts--my face is super puffy and my stomach bulges out all the time like i'm pregnant--its almost worse than having a flare up! anyone else having this problem? is it meds?? i'm on Humira injections and Imuran--are those weight gainers? or did my metabolism slow?
30 yrs old w/ Crohns Not Currently Sick
by: Nikita

I been having Crohns since I was 25 years old. Most of my colon has been taken out. I haven't had any flare up since I was 26 yrs old. My traces of Crohns are very little according to my last MRI. My problem I'm on Depo (3 month birh control shot) I was about 150lbs January 2010 now (April 1, 2011) I'm 195 lbs. I need to loose weight and don't know what to do. The foods I can eat include green beans, potatoes, carrots, spinach, rice, pasta,turkey, chicken, beef, eggs, cheese, yogurt, sourcream. Foods I stay away from are nuts, pork, milk, white bread, a lot of fruits they are hard to tolerate. I need weight loss fast things you can do at home. Please email me shanayshanae@gmail.com with tips or medical advice.
Weight gain
by: Rachelle

My problems started a year ago and I have been told that it was severe ibs because my GI said that my symtoms are not that of crohns because I have had weight gain and constipation instead of weight loss and going to the washroom every 5 mintues. A year ago I had an upper GI done and it was noted that I had extensive crohns in my small intestine. I had a colonoscopy done and at that time they couldn't get into my small intestine but no one really told me that at the time. I was sent to the GI and he insisted that I had severe IBS and not crohn's and I have been in pain for a year now, going on and off all kinds of meds and being on sick leave from work for four months. Finally about a month and a half ago I got really sick for the first time with a high white blood count, vomiting, low temp and sweats bad. NOW that I am vomiting the GI is taking note and says that the clinic never did get into my small intestine and he should use a peds prob and get in there. I had the colonoscopy done a week ago and guess what he found......extensive crohns. I was so mad that he didn't do this a year ago and I have been in pain because I gained weight and not lost. I am on prednisone for the second time (gained 48 lbs in two months the first time) terrifed to gain again and also on Azathoprine. The past two days for the first time that I can remember, I have bleeding but the vomiting has stopped.

before all of this started a year ago, I had lost 102 lbs about 6 years before that. Since having all of this, i have put back on about 80 of those lbs and even if I dont' eat much, I CAN NOT lose weight.....This is crazy!

I must say that even if it is not nice to hear others being sick, I am finally glad to hear that I am not the only one that has the opposite of this crazy deases effects.
Can't eat fruit/vegetables,
by: Anonymous

ANSWER TO "Waiting for diagosis..."
I went 2 years undiagnosed with Crohn's, had my gall bladder removed for no reason--had a flare while recouperating. My current Gastro ordered the Capsule Endoscopy...that was the ONLY definitive test showing the ulcerations within my intestines (mine are along the entire length).

NOW FOR MY QUESTION: I was on steroids for 4 years, mostly at 40 mg daily. I put on about 60 pounds. I have since been weaned off and dropped about 40 pounds. I cannot eat fruit or vegetables without setting off a flare-up. My diet pretty much consists of chicken, (red meat-rarely), potatos and pasta. Any junk food which has been processed is passable with no affect on setting off flare-ups. My problem is that i need to lose the last 20 pounds (i am only 5' tall @ 145 lbs). I use the excercise bike daily to no avail. Any suggestions??
depressed, help
by: Anonymous

hey guys, im currently 17 and found out i had crohn's 7 months ago. I have lost about 20 pounds and it is clear to everyone that i am tiny, my face is very boney, and people think im anorexic. My boyfriend who ive been with for a year broke up with me 3 times because of my physical appearance but our feelings for eachother is what is keeping us together so far. i have surgery 2 weeks from now and was wondering if ill every gain my weight back? i feel like this is destroying my life and relationships with others.
depressed, help
by: Anonymous

hey guys, im currently 17 and found out i had crohn's 7 months ago. I have lost about 20 pounds and it is clear to everyone that i am tiny, my face is very boney, and people think im anorexic. My boyfriend who ive been with for a year broke up with me 3 times because of my physical appearance but our feelings for eachother is what is keeping us together so far. i have surgery 2 weeks from now and was wondering if ill every gain my weight back? i feel like this is destroying my life and relationships with others.
Stomache during midnight.
by: CrohnsWish

So i'm starting to get stomaches during midnight when i'm about to be off to sleep. I don't what and why for what reason i keep having this. I eat, drink fine and everything,Even exercise by doing breakdance. If anyone out there who has the same problem as i do or have experience this pls let me know. Any tips or ways to keep this from happening would be great.
Help for me, Maybe will help you too.
by: Anonymous

I have been living with Crohn's for about 13 years now. Had surgery to remove 9inches of my colon about 10 years ago. Started having symptoms again and didn't want to go through another surgery. So I tried a few things that have REALLY solved most of my issues.

I also had weight gain, and terrible bloating (pregger belly).

Digestively- what has helped most was giving up meat (most of the time) and dairy. I didnt give up gluten, but everyones different. Helps everything move more normaly.

As for the bloating, I take Probiotic supplements, (typically we have too much bad bacteria, or none at all which causes the bloating, there is no good bacteria to help break down food) Do not get the ones from your simple grocery store, it has to be refriderated to really work. I get mine from a local natural health food store. (im not a hippe, this really works) And I take twice the recommended dose. I get one with 14 strains of good bacteria and notice a difference in about 30 min with the bloating. Its about $30 a month, but has proved to be worth the investment. PLEASE try it, it has saved my life.

Also, excersise is very important. Makes a huge difference in energy levels. You may need to do more than you average person. (I do about 5 or more hours a week)

Let me know if this helps anyone else!!!!!

FROM TENNESSEE
Help for me, Maybe will help you too.
by: Anonymous

I have been living with Crohn's for about 13 years now. Had surgery to remove 9inches of my colon about 10 years ago. Started having symptoms again and didn't want to go through another surgery. So I tried a few things that have REALLY solved most of my issues.

I also had weight gain, and terrible bloating (pregger belly).

Digestively- what has helped most was giving up meat (most of the time) and dairy. I didnt give up gluten, but everyones different. Helps everything move more normaly.

As for the bloating, I take Probiotic supplements, (typically we have too much bad bacteria, or none at all which causes the bloating, there is no good bacteria to help break down food) Do not get the ones from your simple grocery store, it has to be refriderated to really work. I get mine from a local natural health food store. (im not a hippe, this really works) And I take twice the recommended dose. I get one with 14 strains of good bacteria and notice a difference in about 30 min with the bloating. Its about $30 a month, but has proved to be worth the investment. PLEASE try it, it has saved my life.

Also, excersise is very important. Makes a huge difference in energy levels. You may need to do more than you average person. (I do about 5 or more hours a week)

Let me know if this helps anyone else!!!!!

FROM TENNESSEE
Waiting for diagosis...
by: Anonymous

Hi I am a 27 year old female with suspected chrons... reason for the 'suspected' you might ask.... well for one I am about 35kg overweight.... and secondly... They are having trouble finding where the inflammation is in my body.... I have all the symptoms of Chrons.. the gastroenterologist is convinced its chrons.... yet they cannot seem to pinpoint WHERE in the digestive tract the inflammation is... I have had..
Colonoscopy
Gastroscopy
MRI
& CT scans of my digestive tract and they cant seem to see anything... yet my platlet count is way up... Im anemic... I have diarhea most of the time... explosive diarhea the rest of the time... I am tired most if not all of the time regardless of the amount of sleep I get... My joints ache and I have inflammation in my left eye....

Everyone here seems to have been diagnose fairly easily... (the doctors having found enough damage in some of you to warrant surgery) Yet I have all the same symptoms... and nothing showing... all thats left now is the pill cam...

Did anyone elses doctors have trouble 'finding' the inflammation??? Or am I alone??

Oh and... relative to this thread... I get a preggy belly most times that I eat... worse before and after a bout of explosive diarhea....
Humira
by: Anonymous

I was told that I have chrones in Feb2010 I have been in the hospital 4 times. Had to take Prednison, and Humira the weight gain is unreal and the big belly . Why does Humira make you put on so much wieght, this is crazy, and also with the Humira I fine you have a hard time to make your bowels move, this is a never ending story.
Food
by: Anonymous

I gave up dairy and gluten and take 4 acidophilus pills a day. My old g.i. told me, "You can't cure it by diet. You have a disease!" Well, it's been 13 years and I've never had surgery and do not take medicine for Crohns. When I fall "off the wagon" I suffer for it.
I do have occasional eye inflammation and eye docs have treated me with topical drops. There's lots to eat and contrary to many docs, I eat lots of fruits, pineapple and papaya are great, and vegetables, especially coleslaw. Stay away from chick peas. Chinese food always made me sick. Gluten and grease! Soy sauce is so bad.
My other issue is joints so I'll take Tylenol or lately, aspirins.

Check out a book called Breaking The Vicious Cycle of Crohns, Colitis and Celiac Disease, available on line. I do believe that I was saved by this book.
belly
by: Anonymous

well I have several bowel resections due to Crohns and yes you will get a belly, that is mostly due to gas and with me even more so since I had a total hystorectomy.
There is really nothing much you can do about it.
I get a really big tummy after I eat, then it usually goes down a bit.
I really had no big weight gain, more of a problem with keeping weight. Medication has a lot to do with it. They tried different medications, and they had a bad affect on me.
I take Azulfidine......Asacol Pentasa and all the other ones made me blow up like a balloon.
Your not alone
by: Jim

I've had crohns since 06 at the age of 36.I live a pretty active lifestyle with work being a carpenter your always doing something physical and i hear of people who have crohns losing weight all the time.But i go through the same thing i look like i have a beer belly and i don't even drink.Last year i was able to start running i did this every other day about 2 to 3 miles watched what i ate only lost about 20 pounds in 9 months and still looked like i had a beer belly.Don't know what is going on.
weight gain
by: Karen

I am 45 and was diagnosed when I was 40..I have been on Remicade for a little over 3 years. As soon as I started on Remicade, I started gaining weight. I, like everyone else, eat healthy. I am able to eat fruits and vegetables and alot of other foods most "crohnnie's" can't. Yet I continue to gain weight. I am 5'5" and weigh 180 lbs. now. I watched every little thing I ate for 2 weeks straight and didn't lose anything...not even an ounce!!! I have a stressful job and work a little more than full time and am exhausted by the time I get home. I do not sit still for one minute. I am constantly on the move by either cleaning the house, yard-work, etc. and yet no weight loss? My gastro Dr. doesn't think the Remicade is the cause but my chart shows that I started gaining weight immediately after starting it. It is a good medication, don't get me wrong but.....
Facebook has a great new forum for Crohnies.
by: Cheryl

There is a new site on Facebook. Let's talk Crohns and other GI Issues. It's awesome. People from all over the world are adding thoughts,ideas, and sugestions. They share there experiences and is just an awesome site. 698 members last time I checked. Try it!!
LIVIG WITH CHRON'S
by: ANGELIA

HEY I WAS TOLD I HAVE CHRON'S IN 2007,I CAN'T FIND A DR. THAT CAN HELP I GO TO ONE IN LENOIR,N.C.HE TRIES ALL KINDS OF MEDS THAT MAKE ME WORSE NOT BETTER.I'M TIRED,NAUSEA,WEAK,GOING TO THE BATHROOM LIKE 10 TIMES A DAY OR MORE SOME DAYS I'M SO FRUSTRATED I ALSO HAVE CLON POYLOPS MY DAD DIED OF COLON CANCER ANY WAY GOD BLESS
life...
by: Anonymous

the pain can be unbearable. I've lost 2 jobs because I've missed so much work. I've gained weight, I can't eat without feeling nauseous, I have not energy: I'm depressed. Between the pain and me feeling un-sexy (due to weight or diarrhea) my husband and I only have sex like once a week (we're newlyweds and before I was diagnosed we were intimate 2 or 3 times a day). This disease is ruining my life. That being said, I have a wonderfully supportive husband, an amazing 21 month old son, I currently have a job (and in this economy that's saying something), I'm working on getting my masters and pursuing my dreams, and most importantly I'm alive.
some help for the frustrations
by: Anonymous

I was diagnosed not quite a year ago and have been lucky enough to avoid having to have surgery though I did have an intussusception. I've tried entocourt and azathioprine and finally found that humira works for me. The only problem being that soon after I learned this I lost my insurance and at $2500/mo it's not a drug that can be afforded without insurance. Luckly I found the humira patience assistance program. Here's a link for the application: http://www.abbottpatientassistancefoundation.org/pdf/HUMIRA_PAP_Form.pdf. Of course you should talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of this medication for you and your symptoms. Hope this helps.
Crohn's, weight gain, no diarrhea, but muscle and joint pain
by: Anonymous

I had ONE episode of vomiting and diarrhea in December. I was diagnosed with "slight" Crohn's via colonoscopy in April. Take 150 mg of Imuran daily. I have gained 30 pounds since the diagnosis, have no stomach symptoms other than bloating. I have tremendous joint and muscle pain and have been down all summer. I teach and need to go back in 3 weeks and wonder how I can do it. Is this normal to never have diarrhea with a diagnosis?? to have the excessive pain and bloating??
Wieght gain
by: Christina

OMG I am glad to find out I am not the only one.
I just was finally given a diagnosis of Crohns. I have had 13 surgeries in 6 years for bowel obstructions and intussusception. i had a gastric bypass 7 years ago and was down to my goal weight and looked great, then I started having these acts of horrible pain and most the time they would say everything was fine. Just had my 13th surgery in March and finally the Doctors decided to do a camera pill and found that my small intestine is Full of ulcers and that is been what causes my intestines to obstruct and stuff, anyway. when they told me I have crohns I looked on line and the first thing that struck me was everything said people lose weight or have a hard time gaining it. I told my Doctor Damn it why is that the only 1 symptonm I want to have I don't. It sucks I am back up to 200 lbs and I try so hard to diet and it will nto come off. But I guess now that I know why and I can get treated for it, maybe when my body can absorb some really nutrients it will be happy to let go of some of the extra. I HOPE SO anyway.
Wieght gain
by: Christina

OMG I am glad to find out I am not the only one.
I just was finally given a diagnosis of Crohns. I have had 13 surgeries in 6 years for bowel obstructions and intussusception. i had a gastric bypass 7 years ago and was down to my goal weight and looked great, then I started having these acts of horrible pain and most the time they would say everything was fine. Just had my 13th surgery in March and finally the Doctors decided to do a camera pill and found that my small intestine is Full of ulcers and that is been what causes my intestines to obstruct and stuff, anyway. when they told me I have crohns I looked on line and the first thing that struck me was everything said people lose weight or have a hard time gaining it. I told my Doctor Damn it why is that the only 1 symptonm I want to have I don't. It sucks I am back up to 200 lbs and I try so hard to diet and it will nto come off. But I guess now that I know why and I can get treated for it, maybe when my body can absorb some really nutrients it will be happy to let go of some of the extra. I HOPE SO anyway.
Wieght gain
by: Christina

OMG I am glad to find out I am not the only one.
I just was finally given a diagnosis of Crohns. I have had 13 surgeries in 6 years for bowel obstructions and intussusception. i had a gastric bypass 7 years ago and was down to my goal weight and looked great, then I started having these acts of horrible pain and most the time they would say everything was fine. Just had my 13th surgery in March and finally the Doctors decided to do a camera pill and found that my small intestine is Full of ulcers and that is been what causes my intestines to obstruct and stuff, anyway. when they told me I have crohns I looked on line and the first thing that struck me was everything said people lose weight or have a hard time gaining it. I told my Doctor Damn it why is that the only 1 symptonm I want to have I don't. It sucks I am back up to 200 lbs and I try so hard to diet and it will nto come off. But I guess now that I know why and I can get treated for it, maybe when my body can absorb some really nutrients it will be happy to let go of some of the extra. I HOPE SO anyway.
Crohn's Stress/Facebook
by: Cheryl

Stress and weight gain all common factors in Crohns. I have recently found great relief from Facebook a site names Lets Talk Crohns and Colitis. Everyone bitch's. everyone shares it really helps. Try it.
For the record I can go from looking "normal" to 9 month pregorrs in no time.
Chrons and weight gain
by: Anonymous

I`ve had Chrons for about 8 years now (and epilepsy) weight gain is my problem too , although its only my problem, my husband truly loves me the way I am , but I am human and do have "fat" days , I am only 5 foot and in my 30`s and to be honest its more worrying for me the fact that by gaining weight (even though I suffer diahhorea !?) it makes it harder for me to keep up with the kids and also I suffer awful anemia and beathing loss (agaim we know this is from the chrons) BUT it does worry me that the extra weight doesnt help my health...its a vicious circle is`nt it? I AM more than thankful to be alive and to be here with a loving husband and kids , but as I say we`re only human and its good to talk to other sufferers with the same weight gain problem as most people tend to think people with chrons are stick thin ! And when you try airing your feelings about the weight gain etc the general answer is "sure youre lucky to be alive"...we KNOW this ...anyway its LATE o clock so thanks for listening and good luck to you all :0)
Chrons and weight gain
by: Anonymous

I`ve had Chrons for about 8 years now (and epilepsy) weight gain is my problem too , although its only my problem, my husband truly loves me the way I am , but I am human and do have "fat" days , I am only 5 foot and in my 30`s and to be honest its more worrying for me the fact that by gaining weight (even though I suffer diahhorea !?) it makes it harder for me to keep up with the kids and also I suffer awful anemia and beathing loss (agaim we know this is from the chrons) BUT it does worry me that the extra weight doesnt help my health...its a vicious circle is`nt it? I AM more than thankful to be alive and to be here with a loving husband and kids , but as I say we`re only human and its good to talk to other sufferers with the same weight gain problem as most people tend to think people with chrons are stick thin ! And when you try airing your feelings about the weight gain etc the general answer is "sure youre lucky to be alive"...we KNOW this ...anyway its LATE o clock so thanks for listening and good luck to you all :0)
crohn's and weight gain
by: Anonymous

35 years old and I was diagnosed with crohn's last year. never had any trouble with my weight until after going into surgery and having about 2 feet of small intestine removed. since then (and being on and off of steroids) I've BLOWN UP. I hate to say it, but it kind of makes me feel better that I'm not the only one with crohn's that is dealing with weight "gain" instead of "loss". I couldn't help but think, "Just my luck, I'm plauged with a disease that is notorious for making people lose weight, and I seem to have the opposite problem". I'm 5'6" and over 210lbs. the biggest I've EVER been in my life. don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to be alive. but with the CONSTANT diahrea and malabsorption issues that I have, how the heck am I gaining so much weight???
At last!
by: Anonymous

I was diagnosed with Crohn's 4 yrs ago. Since then I have gained 50+ lbs. Of course, I have lost 20+ lbs three times during flares . .. and gained it back. I do not understand why with all the diarrhea I have I can manage to gain weight. Nonetheless, I have joined Weight Watchers and started losing weight by strict calorie counting. It sucks, but it's working for now. For me, Crohn's is frustrating but a reality that I have to live with and learn from. I think the best advice I have is keep learning from doctors and from people who suffer from it about what works for them. I have hope that I will eventually find the diet, exercise, and medicine that will work for me! Peace and good luck!
diet
by: LindaLee

Heh Everyone, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Crohn's AND severe destructive ulcerative colitis. ALL the meds they gave me made me sick to my stomach except Cholazal. But, what has been my life saver is the IBD diet written by Carol Sinclaire. It has literally saved my life. If I do not eat wheat, potatoes, rice any grain or ANY flours, especially gluten-free ones, I have no diarrhea and no pain. I will admit that I miss cakes and pies and spaghetti and bread and the list could go on forever, but the pain is not worth the cost. I eat meat and vegetables, fresh fruit and a lot of salad. I eat salad dressings I make myself and I am willing to share any information with anyone that needs help. Trust me, I know the horrible pain and the way you seem to become a walking disease not a person anymore. I began to hate myself and waking up every morning. I experience severe muscle pain during a flare and can barely get out of bed. I am in a flare at the moment for no other reason then the fact that I cheated on the diet. I went off my medication, which was greatly reduced from my getting so much better on the diet, and I went nuts. I ate everything I was not supposed to eat. Stupidity is not erased by taking medication, unfortunately. I chose a Big Mac to traveling, a piece of red velvet cake to getting out of bed pain free. They have names for people like me. Unprintable ones. So, next week I am in for an emergency colonoscopy and endoscopy because my flare is so bad. Never again folks. So, if I make it through this one, you are more than welcome to ask me anything you want, I can help with menus and recipes and time. I will have a lot of it on my hands the next few months unfortunately. Good luck and fight the good fight. My email is : shoes333@hotmail.com
To Reenie
by: Anonymous

My daughter was diagnosed with Crohn's 3 years ago-no meds helped and I mean she took them all including Remacaid-she had to have surgery due to ruptured bowel, had to have temporary iliostomy and was then reversed. Funny thing is, she was a lot like you-being only 25 years old, the idea of living with a bag totally made her sick. However, after the reversal, and until she actually was started on meds that actually worked for her, she felt so much healthier with her ostomy than without it-no more pain, constant flares,etc. What I am trying to say is that if the worst thing you can think of is having an ostomy, it isn't that bad. Hardly anyone even knows you have one, you can do anything, even swim. My daughter is now on injectable meds for her Crohn's-you should stop blowing off your doctor visits and look into Humira injections. I don't suggest Remacaid-it's a nasty drug.
misdiagnosed for 20 years....
by: Reenie

Hi,

I am 43 and was diagnosed with Crohns Disease while going through a bad divorce 9 years ago. I was on Pentassa, entocort, etc. Nothing helped. 5 years ago I had surgery and they removed 18" of my small intestine. I was good for 2/3 years and have since started having flare ups. I am under a great deal of stress constantly and there never seems like there is an end to it. I live in the bathroom as I have constant "runs" throughout the day. An average for me daily is 15+ times a day. I have not lost any weight. As soon as it comes out, I eat again and the cycle begins. I work 70+ hrs a week between 2 jobs one of which I bartend part time. Dating? I don't even want to go there. How do you explain this to someone???? Most guys don't want a "sick" girlfriend/wife so I think mentally as soon as someone is interested I find reasons to push them away. Anyway, back to the point. I just feel like I cannot deal with this anymore. the thought of living with a bag terrifies me. I like many others have clothes in my closet from a size 3 to a 14. I am 5'6 in height and have a medium build. I blew of my last appt 3 months ago with my GI as I just cant bear to go through another colonoscopy, endoscopy (I also have barretts esophagus), etc. I am tired all the time but I find the energy to do what I need to survive in this tough economy. When does it get better??? I would love to try remicade, etc. and some of the other drugs out there but I smoke (I know bad, have been dealing with cervical cancer issues (cinIII) but had surgery to remove the cancer cells and I know these drugs can revive dormant cancer cells in the body and cause other diseases (last thing I need!). I also blew off that appt in sept. I just feel like I would rather not deal with doctors, meds, etc. I have a 19 yo son who is my world and I want to be here to see him have a family and succeed at what he chooses in life. I'm just tired, frustrated, I feel beat up. I know eventually I will pull it together as I have always been the "strong one", but sometimes it would be nice to have a stress free life...I feel for everyone out there who suffers from this disease...especially the very young. Well anyone who has any of the symptoms I have (constant diahrea,bloating,bleeding, etc.) please let me know what works for you. Right now, my flare up is bad. I am so hungry I could eat everything in sight, but am doing nothing but liquids to try and give my body a break...that isnt even helping. I am living on immodium every day and that lasts about 6 hrs and it starts again.....I haven't been on meds since my surgery 5 years ago and for awhile felt alot better. The pentassa made me feel sick and the entocort I gained weight. Why cant they come up with a cure for this dibilitating disease????
Hope
by: Amanda

I have had Chrons since 2006 I had to have surgery and almost lost my life because of this disease I literally was given 3 months to live if I didn't have surgery, that being said I have thrived since then. I am currently on NO medications which all my doctors said I couldn't do and I am in control of my life. True I still have issues from time to time but I WILL NOT let this disease take me over. I have a disease the disease is not me. I had a beautiful baby girl in July of 2009 which I didn't think possible and she is healthy and amazing. During my pregnancy I didn't have a single chrons symptom and could eat anything I wanted it was wonderful. I watch what I eat and try to be as positive as I can. Some days are harder then others but I know I can do this and so can anyone out there. A lot of this disease is mind over matter, when you start to freak out and you can't find a bathroom (which has happened to us ALL) I have been able to calm myself down and have made it. Meditation and knowing yourself is a big thing if over coming the mental stress of this disease. There was a point in my life when I feared I could never leave the house again and that's when I realized I was letting this disease win and I said no more. If ANYONE ever needs to talk or needs some inspiration please email me, you are not alone.
-A adevineluv@yahoo.com
Hope
by: Amanda

I have had Chrons since 2006 I had to have surgery and almost lost my life because of this disease I literally was given 3 months to live if I didn't have surgery, that being said I have thrived since then. I am currently on NO medications which all my doctors said I couldn't do and I am in control of my life. True I still have issues from time to time but I WILL NOT let this disease take me over. I have a disease the disease is not me. I had a beautiful baby girl in July of 2009 which I didn't think possible and she is healthy and amazing. During my pregnancy I didn't have a single chrons symptom and could eat anything I wanted it was wonderful. I watch what I eat and try to be as positive as I can. Some days are harder then others but I know I can do this and so can anyone out there. A lot of this disease is mind over matter, when you start to freak out and you can't find a bathroom (which has happened to us ALL) I have been able to calm myself down and have made it. Meditation and knowing yourself is a big thing if over coming the mental stress of this disease. There was a point in my life when I feared I could never leave the house again and that's when I realized I was letting this disease win and I said no more. If ANYONE ever needs to talk or needs some inspiration please email me, you are not alone.
-A adevineluv@yahoo.com
Life with crohns
by: Long term Crohns patient

Look folks we don't have it good sometimes and others it is just plain bad - it helps to see there are many more exhibiting the same symptoms. Since 1981 I have had so many surgeries I cannot even remember them all, funny thing is only one could I say was definately atrributable to crohns. I have been on many drugs but not the heavy duty ones. That may end soon though. I had to start on Pentasa again and still have not lost the 60+ pounds I put on with it last time. And don't even think you can get that weight off quickly either!! Hows about this one, I had an ankle replacement and had to be off my feet for 6-8 weeks, try hopping when things are happning!!!! UUGGHH, But I have to look at things realistiscally. I have a leg to walk on, I can get better and some may not be as fortunate. When I see friends who have termainal cancer with no chances, I thank God I can deal with this. There is always someone else who would love to be in your place, think of that when it gets bad and remember you are the only one who can truly make you better. I always go with what works, and soon it does.
Frustrated among other things
by: Anonymous

I've had Crohn's disease for a little over 6 years and so far its been a rollercoaster. I had 2 surgeries when I was first diagnosed, and since then I've just jumped from medication to medication. I used to have no trouble with my weight gain, but now that life has settled down a little bit and I'm less stressed, plus on medication that makes my Crohn's 'less aggressive' I've put on about 25 pounds I just can't seem to lose. I still have watery diarrhea as well as constipation, cramping, bloating, and severe fatigue, as well as aches and pains everywhere. All my labs look good, as well as not being able to find any active inflammation, so the doctors look at this as a good thing, but I'm so frustrated about the weight gain and still feeling so uncomfortable. I feel that it is the medication that is making the weight stick (Cimzia) but I'm afraid if I stop taking it, I'll have a relapse. My disease at one point was so aggressive, the doctors didn't know how to treat it and were out of options. I don't want to be there again, but also don't want to be unhappy and miserable at the same time. I just don't know what to do anymore and the doctors don't seem to think the weight gain is a bad thing. I've already changed my diet and exercise habits and no change. I'm just sick of having Crohn's and dealing with the medications and everything else on top of it, as I'm sure most of you are too. Good luck and God bless.
Dear Morgan
by: Anonymous Chronie

I understand your frustration and you did the first step by searching out forums and posting. Encourage your parents and all around you to find out more about Crohns so they understand what you go through. OR print some information out for them to read. I would suggest you keep searching and find out all about Crohns from all legit Crohns forums and sites. You will see that many have had such a problem starting at a young age as you and even younger as I have had. Losing weight at times of flare ups was very common for me. I have just taken steps of finding out what foods seem to pain me more and tried to stay away from such during any particular flare-up. I found that corn, pop corn and lettuce was like rasor blades to my gut for most flare-ups. Fiber of any type at times was horrible so I resorted to eating mushed up stuff that is similar to baby food. But something like a banana was not so good either. I had to keep sorting out foods that were a little easier for each flare-up, since that seemed to have changed many times for me.
And I am over the age of 60 now.
Please be careful as not to live it up to too much sympathy though when you do find some. I found I had to face the facts and live like it's a normal part of my life. Do find a specialist that will understand and well educated for your specific problem.
I sure hope that you will get some help and understanding from all angles to help you live as normal part of your life as possible.
Just found out.
by: Morgan

I just found out the summer of 09 that I have Crohn's. I am only 13 and already it has been hard. I am struggling to gain weight and it seems every time I do, I lose it. I don't know much about this disease and I am really frustrated to find answers to everything. The hardest part of all this is my family doesn't know the pain or the saddness I go through.

-Morgan :)
Just found out.
by: Morgan

I just found out the summer of 09 that I have Crohn's. I am only 13 and already it has been hard. I am struggling to gain weight and it seems every time I do, I lose it. I don't know much about this disease and I am really frustrated to find answers to everything. The hardest part of all this is my family doesn't know the pain or the saddness I go through.

-Morgan :)
Just found out.
by: Morgan

I just found out the summer of 09 that I have Crohn's. I am only 13 and already it has been hard. I am struggling to gain weight and it seems every time I do, I lose it. I don't know much about this disease and I am really frustrated to find answers to everything. The hardest part of all this is my family doesn't know the pain or the saddness I go through.

-Morgan :)
One can be misdiagnosed many times over
by: Anonymous Chronie

I am an older Crohnie. Had a resection in later years. Now am using just Pentasa. Been misdiagnosed many times over which is bad for controlling crohns. If I had been scope tested in the first place when I was in the teens then all might have been different. But then in olden days they did not know much about Crohns so maybe it might have even been worse. Been now diffinitely diagnosed with Crohns for 32 years and am still fully employed.
What was considered Celiac at some early years was just intolerance and intolerences can come and go specially when one has flare-ups. With the medications, I have had incidences where one medication was not working then later it did. I had to resort to big time investigation of which GI specialist was interested in Crohns more so then just saying things off the wall or prescribing things that works for one type of Crohn's patient and not for another. I have gotten to know over the years of which specialist knew more about fistulas, etc. I have crohns from mouth to end when it does flare-up which now has been ok since the resection in 2002. I had gained weight at times and lost too much at other times. We need fiber even if have to mush up veggies...eat baby food if you can but do include veggies. Some Drs told me to eat fibre in the regular form but oh boy at flare-ups it was all like baby food for me. Exercise is a must, and try to keep away from stress or over thinking things about Crohns. I also have fibromyalgia and that too requires regular exercise and proper wholesome diet to have it controlled.
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
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
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?
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!
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?
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.
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!
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
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...
"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
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.
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.
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
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. ;-)
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.

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.

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.
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???
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....
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.
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????
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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>>>>
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?
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
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
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!



Any answers?
by: Anonymous

Just how do you control weight gain?
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.

so you are not alone!
Gin

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I have constipation and weight gain

by Joe
(Montclair, NJ)

Why does the lower back hurt?

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Re Low Back Pain
by: Anonymous

I have frequent low back pain, too. Found out through xray that I have bilateral sacroiliitis which is apparently associated with crohn's...can google for further info...physio has helped with the associated muscle spasms...
Lower back pain
by: Anonymous

I always have really bad lower back pain during flare ups. What I have come to understand is that a lot of your body's nerves run down the inside of your spine and when your insides are inflammed they push against these nerves and cause the lower back pain. I usually take lots of hot showers, use a hot a pad, anything to calm the nerves down. Hope this helps.
Constipation and weigh gain
by: JoAnne

I have the problem of constipation and weigh gain as well. I eat twizzlers and something in them help me not stay constipated or I take stole sofeners. As for the weigh gain I just watch what I eat and hope that I lose. I eat a lot of chicken and fish I stay away from most pasta's and rice. Each person is different in what they can and what they can't eat. I love salad's but I can't eat them. So I eat raw vegetables, eat smaller meals and eat your fruits 30 minutes before your meal or 30 minutes after your meal has help me with weigh lose. Hope this helps.

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Weight Gain and Weight Loss, I had both

by Elise
(Canada)

Of course when one has razor blade cuts in gut feelings than it's not so easy to want to eat anything. I had near blockage and so before a resection lost a lot of weight since had to be on things all mushed up--and nearly in fluid stages. Most did not digest probably due to pain and the D or going to the restroom too often.
After resection I gained a lot of weight to the point of it feeling like my belly will explode. This is actually a better feeling though than constant pain and so it's exercise that I do to wear it off. I am age 64 and had Crohn's since was a teen if maybe not even before such time.

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Weight Gain and Weight Loss NEW
by: Annette

Hello there,

Thank you for writing your post. Many people experience weight-loss due to their condition but not everyone finds themselves putting on weight again afterwards although I can understand if you are facing two extremes and feeling uncomfortable.

Crohn’s is a condition that just does not want to go and I can see that you have had this condition for a very long time so I’m sure you are familiar with how to manage it.

It is quite possible that you are not eating as healthily as you should be and although everyone succmbs to temptation, when you have crohn’s you have to ensure that all the nutrients are being absorbed properly too.

It’s a far better idea to have smaller meals but more of them, this will enable your body to be able to digest the nutrients without leaving you feeling uncomfortably full.

Certain foods will trigger that bloated feeling though so be careful what you eat. Try to reduce or eliminate dairy products from your system as these can make you feel quite bloated. Also look at how much sugar you have in your diet, sugar is sheer poison and will do you no good at all, and it’s not simply about reducing it in your drinks, it’s about choosing foods that are low in sugar.

This may well make a difference.

Try to reduce the amount of gluten in your diet too as this can make you feel very bloated and you could find that you are reacting to gluten and this is why you feel so uncomfortable.

The problem with crohn’s is that your digestive tract is always going to be sensitive so you need to do all you can to avoid putting pressure on it.
It’s good that you are exercising, this can help and will certainly help you to not put on weight. Try different types of exercise to keep your routine fresh and eat foods that are in their natural state as much as possible.

I am very glad that you are not feeling any pain now, fingers crossed that your weight is under control too.

Has anyone else experienced weight-gain with Crohn's?
Weight Gain and Weight Loss NEW
by: Annette

Hello there,

Thank you for writing your post. Many people experience weight-loss due to their condition but not everyone finds themselves putting on weight again afterwards although I can understand if you are facing two extremes and feeling uncomfortable.

Crohn’s is a condition that just does not want to go and I can see that you have had this condition for a very long time so I’m sure you are familiar with how to manage it.

It is quite possible that you are not eating as healthily as you should be and although everyone succmbs to temptation, when you have crohn’s you have to ensure that all the nutrients are being absorbed properly too.

It’s a far better idea to have smaller meals but more of them, this will enable your body to be able to digest the nutrients without leaving you feeling uncomfortably full.

Certain foods will trigger that bloated feeling though so be careful what you eat. Try to reduce or eliminate dairy products from your system as these can make you feel quite bloated. Also look at how much sugar you have in your diet, sugar is sheer poison and will do you no good at all, and it’s not simply about reducing it in your drinks, it’s about choosing foods that are low in sugar.

This may well make a difference.

Try to reduce the amount of gluten in your diet too as this can make you feel very bloated and you could find that you are reacting to gluten and this is why you feel so uncomfortable.

The problem with crohn’s is that your digestive tract is always going to be sensitive so you need to do all you can to avoid putting pressure on it.
It’s good that you are exercising, this can help and will certainly help you to not put on weight. Try different types of exercise to keep your routine fresh and eat foods that are in their natural state as much as possible.

I am very glad that you are not feeling any pain now, fingers crossed that your weight is under control too.

Has anyone else experienced weight-gain with Crohn's?
Weight Gain and Weight Loss, I had both NEW
by: Lydia D.

You have to remember that when you had diarrhoea, you were having to eat a lot more calories.

I suggest that you cut out the empty calories in your diet and, as Kit said, eat 3-4 smaller home-made meals spread throughout the day. A snack is a small balanced meal. A treat is something you give to children - sweets, chocolates, pop - and is not necessary for grown adults.

I suspect that your diet is not quite as it should be due to having to tackle year-long diarrhoea.

If you are having cravings this table might help you identify what you are missing:
http://www.naturopathyworks.com/pages/cravings.php

Investigate the anti-inflammatory diet and base your diet also on the Mediterranean diet.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02995/Dr-Weil-Anti-Inflammatory-Food-Pyramid.html

Look after yourself and join a fitness or dance club.
What you eat might help or hinder :) NEW
by: Kit

Hi Elise,
Although diet is not the whole answer to freeing yourself from Crohns, certain foods can cause bloating and therefore more pain, especially if you are presently having an attack.
Any dairy products, easily digested by a calf with its 4 chambers in its one stomach, and not easily digested by the human stomach and can sit in the stomach and putrify. Goats milk is a lot easier to digest (it's close to human breast milk), or rice or soy.
Same with dairy cheeses, so choose goats cheese or fetta (sheep).
Gluten is another substance that can cause bloating, due to the gases it gives off when breaking down. Sugar is another substance to avoid (please go and find the book Sweet Poison!)
And the main trick here is to eat little and often. NEVER stuff your face! Or eat until you are full! YOU WILL BE IN PAIN AS A RESULT!
Don't eat food when you are rushed, or upset. This will also cause you problems.
I have just started my own youtube channel and will be sharing my experiences of having Crohns Disease for 40 years, then dropping in in 2000 and being totally free from the suffering :) Either go into youtube and type in Welcome to IBS! or copy and paste the below youtube address.
I wish you the best in your journey :)
Cheers
Kit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXAg_Yhza6g

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weight after pregnancy with crohns disease

by crohnsrexic
(grass valley ca)

I have CD and I am wondering if I will gain weight after I have a baby. Everyone in my family is a bit larger than they should be so with crohns I've always been under weight. The women in my family get tend to keep the weight on and I was wondering if I would gain weight and either lose it or keep it.

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Having massive opposite problem with weight gain

by Amanda
(Indiana)

Hello all,ok so from what I researched if you have Chron's your supposed to be fighting to keep you weight up and I keep gaining and am having a hard time loosing it. Any suggestions?
-A

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Weight gain, used to smoke with Crohns Disease

by Mollie
(allen texas)


It is like every time I quit smoking and get healthy, I always gain weight. I stopped smoking ciggerattes and drinking for more than 6months, and I am gaining weight Still. How do I keep my self esteem up and not gain so much weight. I excersice few times a week when my muscles and joints or not stiff or hurting, or when I have tummy or head ache pain. It's like I tried everything and nothing seems to work. Can anybody help me?

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Feed back NEW
by: Dannielle

Hello guys. Thank you for all the comments and responses from my post. :D
Glad some people are helpful and thoughtful. It is true to take the simple holistic approach . Since my last post, I been doing just that. It is hard for many reasons such as other living being in same house hold , and the withdrawals from food, addiction for cravings for unnecessary foods.
I been doing wraps/ detox drinks, aloe Vera juice, chlorophyll , trying to eat simple. The main issue is I know I need protein, since I have Crohn's disease , eating meats hurt my tummy. Also, I just do not prefer meats .
I consider myself semi vegan :) plus , it is healthier:)
The craving and hunger of food , food , and more food leaves me straining. I believe it is my body wants protein, and do not know how to supply that with out eating meat. I take b12 shots monthly, but that is not enough. Truly, appreciate all the informations will try extra harder. I am fairly active in gym, Pilates, gym, and swimming . If anyone have any great food ideas on vegetarian meals. I'm trying to eat fresh food on a budget . Again thank you for the information. Have a nice day guys.
Weight gain and used to smoke NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello there,

Thank you for your post. Congratulations for giving up smoking. As an addiction counsellor, I know how difficult it must have been and I hope you have managed to stay off of them still.

Many people have told me that they cannot bear to put on weight following giving up smoking.It is one of the biggest reasons why people cling to smoking (that and because it is addictive of course). Smoking suppresses your appetite so when you stop smoking, you will start to eat more and you may find that food actually tastes better as a result and this is because your taste buds start to return to normal.

Now because you have Crohn's disease, you may have a battle with food and find that the more you eat, the more uncomfortable you feel including bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and this along with feelings of unaccustomed weight gain will make you feel concerned. So the trick is to learn your dietary needs which means looking at nutritional levels within your food, understanding the importance of the nutrients and what they do for your body as opposed of just eating anything because you feel hungry.

It's very easy to get into bad habits and to start craving for chocolate, sweets and of course cigarettes but don't fall into that trap. You don't need any of it and you can fight your cravings. So if you are eating processed foods or an abundance of sweet snacks and topping this off with carbonated drinks then these are the first things that you must eliminate.

These things are not good for your digestive tract anyway and if you eat natural, simple, fresh foods and mash them or puree them, you will find that it is much easier to eat and to enjoy your food and will have less bloating as a result.

I have found that it helps to take a holistic approach to life and to live as simply and naturally as possible. This means eliminating chemicals and unnatural substances whilst focusing on all of the things that the body does actually need including exercise. When you are in pain you will not want to exercise but as your condition settles, you will find that you can do a little more each day and will feel better as a result. I really hope that this helps you.

Best wishes,
Annette Young
Weight gain, used to smoke with Crohns Disease NEW
by: Lydia D.

It is commendable that you have stopped smoking and drinking. I shared a ward earlier this year with a 30 year old Crohn's patient who had smoked for 15 years and who had just had a major (first) heart attack. She had a stent placed and will be on beta-blockers for the rest of her life. In those 15 years she was never free from Crohn's symptoms. She did stop smoking.

My first suggestion would be to cut out all pure sugar sources from your diet, including sodas, sweets, chocolates, honey, syrup, etc.

You don't say what other meds you are on, but be aware that your various joint and muscle aches and pains might be due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and not just Crohn's extraintestinal symptoms.

Make sure that you are getting enough vitamin C and the 8 B-complex vitamins (the water-soluble vitamins). There is little likelihood of you overdosing on the water-soluble vitamins. There is an upper limit of 50 mg B6 per day, but you would need to take a handful of vitamin B-complex tablets to get to that dose.

A fish oil tablet a day should help you keep the fat-soluble vitamins topped up. For minerals drink tomato juice, milk (lactose-free if necessary), diluted fruit juice (if tolerated), home-made soups, etc. Fruit is high in sugar, so go heavy on the vegetables instead. If your vitamin and mineral intake is optimal and you exercise each day you should be able to control your weight.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-VitaminsMinerals/

Drinking Cola and co. will eventually result in osteoporosis. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-408800/Women-warned-stop-drinking-cola-avoid-brittle-bones.html

Be aware that if you are on certain medication, you may develop dietary deficiencies:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1197979/Heartburn-pills-wrecked-life-How-antacids-effects.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1395028/How-medicine-draining-vital-nutrients-body.html


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Weight gain crohns

by Cindy
(Eureka CA)

Can someone tell me how long it might take to gain the weight back that I lost before I started treatment for crohn's? I've always weighed 125, good weight for me, and now I'm down to 103lbs. I've been taking lialda and entocort for a month now, using whey protein powder, 60 grams a day. I am on a low residue diet, and do eat a lot of high calorie foods. I haven't had diarhea for a month. Any info would be appreciated. Just to have someone to talk to that understands what I'm going through would be nice.
Thank You

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Weight Gain Crohn's NEW
by: Annette Young

Hi there Cindy,

Thanks for your question, sorry to read about your weight-loss problems.weight loss is very common for those with Crohn's unfortunately.

I know many Crohn's sufferers who have lost a great deal of weight and become painfully thin until the disease has settled and they have learned to identify the triggers, ultimately avoiding them so that they can eat better foods.

My own mother became dreadfully ill before and during her diagnosis with Crohn's disease, she lost so much weight she became almost skeletal but once she was put on the right medication, she was very gradually able to put the weight back on which was a relief to all of us because she looked so much healthier then.

I think it would be quite important to you to check with your doctor that you are absorbing all of the nutrients. If you are anemic, experiencing lots of diarrhea or being sick, it is possible that nutrients and fats are not able to be absorbed into your body.If it is possible for you to go back to your doctor or to see a qualified nutritionist, this is one course of action I would recommend.

A friend of mine went on to some type of protein drinks only to discover that she was lactose intolerant and this caused a whole new set of problems. Certainly if you can find out the foods that you are able to eat and to increase the calories then good fats, you should put on weight providing of course that your food is being digestive and absorbed normally

There are protein shakes that have been made for sufferers of Crohn's and other digestive disorders so this might be an option. Do just check the ingredients to make sure that there are no potential triggers that could cause a bad attack and then you can take the shakes even on days when you feel unable to eat. At this stage I would recommend getting proof that your food is being digested. That is the most important part at the moment, afterwards you can then try to build your body up.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Annette



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Crohn's Disease and Height, Appetite and Weight

by Harry
(Queens)

Hi, Im just looking for LYDIA D. cause she has helped me loads in the past.

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