I wanted to put this on the forum but its way too long...Hello. Just to tell you a bit about myself first: Im a 28 yo registered nurse diagnosed with Crohns 2 years ago and currently in a flare after a bowel obstruction 3 1/2 weeks ago. Obviously being a heath-care professional I believe in the advancements of modern medical technology, and although there a many side effects to medications, I have been working closely with my GI doctor to manage my disease medically. My diagnosis and current condition: I started in Aug 07 with mouth sores, constipation, and occasional cramping (not sure whether menstrually related or not). I was married in Oct 07 and the cramping became worse on my honeymoon and made me seek medical advice upon returning. I thought it was stress related but after 10 days in Aruba shouldnt have been stressed! The GI I saw at the time said it was probably IBS and no need for further diagnostic tests; to try dietary changes first. Then the diarrhea started and between Nov 07 and Jan 08 I became very anemic and lost 25 lbs. (weighed 145, 510 tall, slim build). Thats when the GI finally decided to do a colonoscopy and diagnosed me with Crohns. Then I was hospitalized for immediate control with IV steroids. I spent Jan-Mar 08 on prednisone, and then switched GIs and was switched to Entocort. I was fighting upper respiratory infections all spring and couldnt start an immunosuppressant. I started 6MP in June 08, was unable to wean off the Entocort and eventually developed a rash in August. We decided at that time since we didnt know what caused the rash (although I suspected the long-term steroid use) to discontinue the 6MP since I couldnt wean off the Entocort anyways without returning symptoms. My GI said to wait til the rash cleared before starting another immunosuppressant. It didnt clear, but I started Humira in Nov 08 anyways. I noticed almost immediate relief and was able to wean off the Entocort by the following spring (and the rash cleared once discontinued). Ive been taking Humira now for 15 months and was probably clinically in remission for the past 10 months or so. I had switched to a very stressful leadership position at a newly opened hospital in Mar 09 and have been working very long hard hours and overtime, often without breaks or lunches. The past few months have been better though. I was feeling fine...tolerating a regular "normal" diet without restriction, and leading a normal life. And then the bowel obstruction hit me out of the blue a few weeks back. Ive been on medical leave since...back on prednisone..unable to wean...increased my Humira from every 2 weeks to weekly...not having diarrhea but fighting with abdominal pain and constipation most likely from the pain meds. My question: My mother-in-law has a very wholistic, natural way of treating diseases. She thinks diet and excercise is a cure for everything. While I know diet and excercise can vastly improve a lot of disease processes, like I said before, I believe in modern medicine, and dont think diet and excercise can always do the trick alone. She has been pushing me to try aloe vera for months because its "helpful for the gut." and the other day had me talk to a "friend" diagnosed with Crohns 8 yrs ago who took MSM (sulfur supp.) and hasnt had any problems since. Has anyone with Crohns tried these supplements? Successful or unsuccessful? Side effects? There is no substantial research to show benefit to Crohns. There may be benefits to taking MSM with osteoarthritis, but not good evidence/research. Everything Ive looked up on the internet is conflicting. Ive found in several places that aloe vera is a natural laxative that should not be taken by Crohns sufferers, especially when currently in a flare. Id appreciate any advice from anyone who has info on these supplements, especially anyone in a medical profession! Please email me: tyrymarie@gmail.com Thank you! Sorry this is so long - Lisa
