Well first off I have to say “Thank you” to everyone for their love, support, prayers, and best wishes in regards to my battle with Crohn’s Disease.
For those of you who know my story you know that I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in June 2009 and was in the hospital in July 2009 due to crohn’s and nearly dying from the C.difficile infection. After spending 2 1/2 weeks in the hospital and finally being released I was on my road to recovery. I was doing good for a while. My crohn’s was manageable and close to remission for about 3-4 months. My weight even went back up to around 135-140lbs…mind you I was 97lbs when I got out the hospital. Talk about major muscle atrophy…being a bodybuilder that sort of thing can mess with your head…but I’m even more thankful to be alive. So like I said things were going pretty good, I was back in the gym working out, nothing too serious but it was a start to getting back on track that revolved around my condition. Then around Christmas time is when my Crohn’s flared back up again…the symptoms like MANY bowel movements (diarrhea), abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, night sweats, no sleep at night, loss of appetite, weight loss all began to happen again. I of course was not sure how long this was gonna last. I spent my New Years at home in bed along with the next 3 1/2 months (Jan-Mid April 2010). I had enough energy maybe a few hours out the day to do stuff that may need to get done and going to the gym was not one of them. Some days just getting up to take a shower and wash my hair was enough for me that day. I’ve done a lot of watching TV that’s for sure.
I see my GI doctor quite often and have to follow up with blood & stool tests to keep track of what’s going on….especially while my crohn’s is active in a flare up. In March my doc calls me up on a Mon. (3/22/10) after my blood tests came back to tell me I’m Anemic, and calls me on Wed. (3/24/10) after my stool tests came back to tell me I have the C. difficile infection again. The c.diff is an infection of the intestines and can become fatal if not taken care of. So she prescribed me to take Vancomycin which cost me $233.00 for a month supply…OUCH!! The bad thing about this was that I had to cancel my Infusion Treatment appt. that I had finally got approved from my insurance. They will not do the infusion if you have an infection. My weight loss again took me down to about 109lbs, by the end of my month treatment for the infection I was back up to about 119lbs, and my follow up tests showed the infection gone. Good news now I can start my infusion therapy…I set that appt. up real quick which was on April 30th and went real well and my next appt. is May 14th. This is great because I was really sick and in need of this infusion therapy to put me back into remission.
As of right now I’m feeling really good and feel my life coming back together again. Thank God!! I actually started feeling good again in the middle of April after 3 1/2 months of being really sick this is such a ray of light to me. After 3 months of being on a new drug treatment it seems that it had finally started to kick in….normally they say 6 months to kick in and I’m thankful that it kicked in before that…6 months is too long. But this drug in combination with my infusions should work wonders. Remission here I come.
I’m on my way back…I’m so excited about getting my health & fitness back on track again. I choose to always remain positive no matter how bad I feel, keep my faith & hope in God and He will see me through allowing me to be here to share myself with you wonderful people.
Sorry so long…that’s what I get for not posting continual updates
Well I’m just sitting here at home relaxing. I’ve been to the gym twice this week which was the first in about 2 weeks. Since around Christmas I’ve been dealing with symptoms from a slight flare up of my Crohn’s Disease some days are better than others so it’s touch and go. I went to the doctor on Jan. 5th and he said my crohn’s is active again and he recommends a more aggressive treatment of drugs. We’ll see how I feel by Jan. 21st when I see my regular after her return from vacation (other doctor I saw was my doctors colleague in the office). I’m not too excited about having to go on the treatment he is recommending which is infusion or injection treatment. The drugs can be a plus and a minus. Ideally the vitamins I am taking now will help put my body and cells back into balance that will take care of the underlying issues of Crohn’s Disease. I keep my mind hopeful and positive in beating this and not being on long term medication treatment. That is my ultimate goal anyway. The medication I’m on has me really fatigued so my energy levels suck big time. Next week I believe I’ll be feeling much better to get back on my training regimen again so I continue my journey of getting back in shape and my health back on track. Just fighting through my low energy levels is the major task for me. I will keep you all posted of my status.
I always am grateful for everyone’s support in my journey & battle with my disease. You feed my motivation to keep going and never give up. I believe there is always HOPE!!
Crohn’s Disease information posted by Tonia Moore - IFBB Pro Bodybuilder & Crohn’s Patient (diagnosed 6/12/09)
~ I’m posting this information with the intention to give you all a better understanding of what I have… what it is, the symptoms I suffered from, treatments, etc. On June 12, 2009 I was officially diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease but the report actually says Crohn’s Colitis which is another name. I also suffered from antibiotic related C.Difficile which resulted in me being admitted to the Hospital ER (see previous post “Tonia Moore knocked out of Competition…due to Crohn’s Disease). Also stay tuned for when I post some of my notes that I documented during the times I was suffering and I know I’m not alone. There are others out there that have endured this awful experience & new journey in their life. I hope to help shed some light to others who may experience what I went through because I was in the dark and alone in regards to the understanding of what was going on. Thank God for the tremendous support of family, friends & fans that helped see me through…THANK YOU!!
On this page: Crohn’s Disease
* What is Crohn’s disease?
* What causes Crohn’s disease?
* What are the symptoms?
* How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
* What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?
* What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease?
* Can diet control Crohn’s disease?
* Can stress make Crohn’s disease worse?
* Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s disease?
* Hope through Research
* For More Information
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.
Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis.
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What causes Crohn’s disease?
Several theories exist about what causes Crohn’s disease, but none have been proven. The human immune system is made from cells and different proteins that protect people from infection. The most popular theory is that the body’s immune system reacts abnormally in people with Crohn’s disease, mistaking bacteria, foods, and other substances for being foreign. The immune system’s response is to attack these “invaders.” During this process, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the intestines, producing chronic inflammation, which leads to ulcerations and bowel injury.
Scientists do not know if the abnormality in the functioning of the immune system in people with Crohn’s disease is a cause, or a result, of the disease. Research shows that the inflammation seen in the GI tract of people with Crohn’s disease involves several factors: the genes the patient has inherited, the immune system itself, and the environment. Foreign substances, also referred to as antigens, are found in the environment. One possible cause for inflammation may be the body’s reaction to these antigens, or that the antigens themselves are the cause for the inflammation. Scientists have found that high levels of a protein produced by the immune system, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are present in people with Crohn’s disease.
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What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn’s disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. The range and severity of symptoms varies.
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How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn’s disease.
Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the intestines.
The doctor may do an upper GI series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the person drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or other abnormalities in the intestine. If these tests show Crohn’s disease, more x rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much of the GI tract is affected by the disease.
The doctor may also do a visual exam of the colon by performing either a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. For both of these tests, the doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and TV monitor into the anus. A sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the lower part of the large intestine, while a colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the entire large intestine. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation or bleeding during either of these exams, although a colonoscopy is usually a better test because the doctor can see the entire large intestine. The doctor may also do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine to view with a microscope.
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What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?
The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn’s disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery. In addition to fistulas, small tears called fissures may develop in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.
Nutritional complications are common in Crohn’s disease. Deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are well documented. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption, also referred to as malabsorption.
Other complications associated with Crohn’s disease include arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system. Some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in the digestive system, but some must be treated separately.
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What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease?
Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. At this time, treatment can help control the disease by lowering the number of times a person experiences a recurrence, but there is no cure. Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and the person’s response to previous medical treatments when treated for recurring symptoms.
Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person’s lifetime. This changing pattern of the disease means one cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. Predicting when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible.
Someone with Crohn’s disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.
Drug Therapy
Anti-Inflammation Drugs. Most people are first treated with drugs containing mesalamine, a substance that helps control inflammation. Sulfasalazine is the most commonly used of these drugs. Patients who do not benefit from it or who cannot tolerate it may be put on other mesalamine-containing drugs, generally known as 5-ASA agents, such as Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa. Possible side effects of mesalamine-containing drugs include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and headache.
Cortisone or Steroids. Cortisone drugs and steroids—called corticosteriods—provide very effective results. Prednisone is a common generic name of one of the drugs in this group of medications. In the beginning, when the disease it at its worst, prednisone is usually prescribed in a large dose. The dosage is then lowered once symptoms have been controlled. These drugs can cause serious side effects, including greater susceptibility to infection.
Immune System Suppressors. Drugs that suppress the immune system are also used to treat Crohn’s disease. Most commonly prescribed are 6-mercaptopurine or a related drug, azathioprine. Immunosuppressive agents work by blocking the immune reaction that contributes to inflammation. These drugs may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may lower a person’s resistance to infection. When patients are treated with a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, the dose of corticosteroids may eventually be lowered. Some studies suggest that immunosuppressive drugs may enhance the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
Infliximab (Remicade). This drug is the first of a group of medications that blocks the body’s inflammation response. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease that does not respond to standard therapies (mesalamine substances, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents) and for the treatment of open, draining fistulas. Infliximab, the first treatment approved specifically for Crohn’s disease is an anti-TNF substance. Additional research will need to be done in order to fully understand the range of treatments Remicade may offer to help people with Crohn’s disease.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine caused by stricture, fistulas, or prior surgery. For this common problem, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following antibiotics: ampicillin, sulfonamide, cephalosporin, tetracycline, or metronidazole.
Anti-Diarrheal and Fluid Replacements. Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are often relieved when the inflammation subsides, but additional medication may also be necessary. Several antidiarrheal agents could be used, including diphenoxylate, loperamide, and codeine. Patients who are dehydrated because of diarrhea will be treated with fluids and electrolytes.
Nutrition Supplementation
The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements, especially for children whose growth has been slowed. Special high-calorie liquid formulas are sometimes used for this purpose. A small number of patients may need to be fed intravenously for a brief time through a small tube inserted into the vein of the arm. This procedure can help patients who need extra nutrition temporarily, those whose intestines need to rest, or those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food. There are no known foods that cause Crohn’s disease. However, when people are suffering a flare in disease, foods such as bulky grains, hot spices, alcohol, and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping.
Surgery
Two-thirds to three-quarters of patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some point in their lives. Surgery becomes necessary when medications can no longer control symptoms. Surgery is used either to relieve symptoms that do not respond to medical therapy or to correct complications such as blockage, perforation, abscess, or bleeding in the intestine. Surgery to remove part of the intestine can help people with Crohn’s disease, but it is not a cure. Surgery does not eliminate the disease, and it is not uncommon for people with Crohn’s Disease to have more than one operation, as inflammation tends to return to the area next to where the diseased intestine was removed.
Some people who have Crohn’s disease in the large intestine need to have their entire colon removed in an operation called a colectomy. A small opening is made in the front of the abdominal wall, and the tip of the ileum, which is located at the end of the small intestine, is brought to the skin’s surface. This opening, called a stoma, is where waste exits the body. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is usually located in the right lower part of the abdomen near the beltline. A pouch is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the patient empties the pouch as needed. The majority of colectomy patients go on to live normal, active lives.
*Sometimes only the diseased section of intestine is removed and no stoma is needed. In this operation, the intestine is cut above and below the diseased area and reconnected. {This is the case with me I had about 1/3rd of my colon - the ascending large intestine removed, the black outlined section in the pic. below}
Because Crohn’s disease often recurs after surgery, people considering it should carefully weigh its benefits and risks compared with other treatments. Surgery may not be appropriate for everyone. People faced with this decision should get as much information as possible from doctors, nurses who work with colon surgery patients (enterostomal therapists), and other patients. Patient advocacy organizations can suggest support groups and other information resources. (See For More Information for the names of such organizations.)
People with Crohn’s disease may feel well and be free of symptoms for substantial spans of time when their disease is not active. Despite the need to take medication for long periods of time and occasional hospitalizations, most people with Crohn’s disease are able to hold jobs, raise families, and function successfully at home and in society.
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Can diet control Crohn’s disease?
People with Crohn’s disease often experience a decrease in appetite, which can affect their ability to receive the daily nutrition needed for good health and healing. In addition, Crohn’s disease is associated with diarrhea and poor absorption of necessary nutrients. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn’s disease, but it is very important that people who have Crohn’s disease follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. There are no consistent dietary rules to follow that will improve a person’s symptoms.
People should take vitamin supplements only on their doctor’s advice.
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Can stress make Crohn’s disease worse?
There is no evidence showing that stress causes Crohn’s disease. However, people with Crohn’s disease sometimes feel increased stress in their lives from having to live with a chronic illness. Some people with Crohn’s disease also report that they experience a flare in disease when they are experiencing a stressful event or situation. There is no type of person that is more likely to experience a flare in disease than another when under stress. For people who find there is a connection between their stress level and a worsening of their symptoms, using relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing, and taking special care to eat well and get enough sleep, may help them feel better.
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Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s disease?
Research has shown that the course of pregnancy and delivery is usually not impaired in women with Crohn’s disease. Even so, women with Crohn’s disease should discuss the matter with their doctors before pregnancy. Most children born to women with Crohn’s disease are unaffected. Children who do get the disease are sometimes more severely affected than adults, with slowed growth and delayed sexual development in some cases.
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Hope through Research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research into many kinds of digestive disorders, including Crohn’s disease. Several clinical trials are currently evaluating the efficacy and safety of different therapies for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. For a complete listing of trials being conducted, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.
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For More Information
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016–8804
Phone: 1–800–932–2423 or 212–685–3440
Email: info@ccfa.org
Internet: www.ccfa.org
Reach Out for Youth with Ileitis and Colitis, Inc.
84 Northgate Circle
Melville, NY 11747
Phone: Phone: 631–293–3102
Email: reachoutforyouth@reachoutforyouth.org
Internet: www.reachoutforyouth.org
United Ostomy Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 66
Fairview, TN 37062–0066
Phone: 1–800–826–0826
Fax: 615–799–5915
Email: info@uoaa.org
Internet: www.uoaa.org
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National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3570
Phone: 1–800–891–5389
TTY: 1–866–569–1162
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the Clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NDDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases.
Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This publication was reviewed by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users of this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.
Posted by: Tonia Moore - IFBB Professional Bodybuilder & Crohn’s Patient
Normal bowel health is vital to your overall health. Know the indicators of a healthy bowel movement and the warning signs of irritable bowel syndrome. Take it from me, Tonia Moore, after suffering & being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease I’ve learned on another level of how our important our bowel health is and how it can effect our overall health & well being. By avoiding some simple signs that we may tend to write off as “not so serious” is not very good judgment on our behalf and the reality of it all is that we REALLY need to pay attention to the little signs to avoid further and greater complications down the road. Please take heed to the following info.
What constitutes normal bowel health? It’s not a topic often raised, even though problems that crop up in this regular function of the human body can have systemic health implications. Millions of Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, and other bowel disorders, but many may not be aware they have a health problem because they aren’t aware of the signs that indicate proper bowel function.
Bowel Health 101
Normal Bowel Health
Your bowels are a major part of your digestive tract. The large and small intestines are responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the foods that you eat. They also help expel waste products from your body by forming them into stools that will eventually pass out through the rectum. Health problems like irritable bowel syndrome and constipation interfere with these normal functions.
Know what’s normal:
* You should be moving your bowels anywhere from two to three times a day to three times a week. Any more than that and you might be suffering from diarrhea. Less than that and you are likely constipated. Either condition can indicate irritable bowel syndrome.
* Stool consistency can be varied. “Stools should be formed, but can be soft or firm,” says Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, a gastroenterologist with Digestive Health Associates of Texas in Dallas and program director of the gastroenterology fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center. “Stool form is typically sausage-shaped, but stools can be smooth or fissured. Small, pellet-like ‘rabbit’ stools are not normal for people. The spectrum of stool colors is broad, too, ranging from tan to dark brown. Black, beige, green, or red stools are atypical, but may not always be a sign of a dangerous problem.”
Bowel Movement: Common Problems
These are bowel conditions you should be aware of:
* Diarrhea. Your stool is liquid and formless, and the urge to move your bowels is frequent, sudden, and overwhelming. Normal diarrhea clears up within several days.
* Constipation. You are moving your bowels fewer than three times a week. When you do move your bowels, you have to strain and your stools are small, hard, and dry. If constipation continues, it can lead to a build-up of stool in your colon called an impaction, which is a serious health problem.
* Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Something is interfering with your bowels’ ability to move stool along in the digestive process, resulting in abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. Diarrhea or constipation is common in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
* Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This refers to a group of disorders that of Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis in which the intestines become swollen and red. Abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, and fever are some of the symptoms.There is no official cure for IBD
How to Improve Bowel Health
If your bowel function seems “normal,” you might not need to do anything special to maintain bowel health, Schiller says.
“Most people have perfectly healthy bowel function and no special efforts are needed,” Schiller explains. “Contrary to popular belief, stools that remain in the bowels are not toxic and the enormous amount of bacteria in the gut is not dangerous as long as it stays within the gut.”
People with bowel dysfunctions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or constipation, can take some steps to improve their bowel health, including:
* Eat more fiber. Government nutrition guidelines say you should have between 25 to 35 grams of fiber in your diet every day to maintain healthy bowel function.
* Drink plenty of fluids. You should drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep your stools properly soft and moving easily through your bowels.
* Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is a diuretic that can cause your body to pull water from your stools, leaving them hard and potentially leading to constipation.
* Refresh your colonic bacteria. Foods like yogurt and hard cheeses contain probiotics, which are the “healthy” bacteria that naturally reside in your gut and aid digestion. “Some doctors feel that judicious use of probiotic bacteria can help return you to a more normal state, but the science underlying this is not conclusive yet,” Schiller says.
If you’re not sure that your bowels are healthy and functioning properly, your doctor can assist you with questions about normal bowel function and general bowel health.
Here are some pictures taken of me today weighing 138.5lbs at about the 16wk mark of recovery after getting home from the hospital at 97lbs 7/23/09 ~ THANKS!! I appreciate your continued support.
Well I trained legs on Monday and today (Wed.) they are still sore. I did leg extentions, leg press, stiff legged dead lifts, and a bunch of lunges (front, reverse, & walking) Being sore hurts so good….lol. I at least know my body and muscles are responding to the workouts and absorbing the nutrients from my food. All in all things are on a positive note. Yay!!!
