Here's My Story - What's Yours?

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Hi everyone. Hope you'll had a pain free symptom free day.
I wanted to share some things that I've learned in managing Crohns that later became Colitis and Crohns.
First like many others here, I've lived with Crohns 25 years. Two yrs after diagnosed, had first bowel resection at common ileum bend. After that I was symptom free for exactly 10 years with no meds. I was young and rather ignored and neglected check ups.
Back to Gastro for emergency surgery and ever since spent time in and out of the hospital.
15 yrs in I had first ileostomy, second 17 yrs ( changed locations on abdomen) then 2 yrs ago colon removed.
Symptom free now and take no meds. I do swear by acidolphilus which helps me tremendously. Also I asked to maintain remission by getting remicade which my doctor agreed would be a good idea.
I have days zapped of energy but that's expected due to nutritional factors we share.
I keep telling people that I've always been on the good side of Crohns. I also avoid sugar ( carbs, starches) because It exacerbates flares. I've learned what I can eat and can't.
Back in the 80's I was told to avoid ruffage such as salads, broccoli, etc which I did. I now only avoid onions, nuts and corn. I am never without my 16 oz 2go cup courtesy of many hospital souvenirs.
Know that we dehydrate easily so get in the habit of drinking water all day if you don't already do so. You'll feel sick, lethargic and nauseous otherwise.
Above all stay positive. Visualization works. A great book to keep your hopes high is The Power of Positive Thinking. Order on amazon cheap.
When I tell my story, I get the usual , wow and sympathy comments. I tell everyone- that I'm playing the cards I was given. Someone else has a different set of cards to play. We all have "something".
A special note to remember is I'm not a doctor, I don't play one in real life but I do know better than any doctor what works for me. Amazingly my many doctors tell me I know more than they do. I think we all do. Trust your body and symptoms. Make mental notes of your good days, enjoy the he'll out of them and duplicate your eating and daily activity of that good day.
Don't forget beer and wine are loaded with sugar TRY to avoid. Smoke a toke instead lol. Did I just say that? Lol.

Healthy Days News

(HealthDay News) -- People with Crohn's disease -- a type of inflammatory bowel -- are prone to being malnourished.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions to help people with Crohn's better manage their diet:


Snack throughout the day on small amounts of food, rather than eating big meals.
Drink plenty of water.
Stay away from spicy foods, and stick to bland, softer offerings.
Steer clear of foods that are high in fiber, such as popcorn, seeds, beans, nuts and bran.
Don't eat foods that are greasy or fried, and avoid heavy and fattening sauces that contain cream, butter or margarine.
Restrict milk and dairy products if you are lactose intolerant.
Limit caffeine and alcohol.