I've been experiencing a flare up Crohn's disease when will I be able to eat again?

Last March I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I began my first flare up last June and I haven't been able to eat hardly any vegetables or fruits, or nuts since then. I was on steroids in the fall for it and during that period of time I ate anything and everything. It was like briefly being in recovery except I gained 10 lbs in a month because of the steroids affect on my hunger. Is there anyway I'll ever be able to enjoy a salad or some cashews again? :-( I've been surviving on PB&J and rice cakes at school..

hi janette, once your GI finds a treatment such as remicade, Humira, Entocort, 6MP, or Imuran to get things under control, you should be able to start eating normally. Ask him if you are a candidate for any of these meds.

I've had CD for 29 yrs. When I flare I tend to eat things like toast, applesauce, rice, bananas, canned fruits/veggies as they are softer and easier to break down in the gut.

Diet varies in each person. What one person can tolerate, the other may not. See if you can set up an appt. with a dietician at a local hospital or have your GI or primary MD recommend one for you.

The Crohn's and colitis foundation has a site w/tons of info ranging from diet, meds, surgery, women's issues, to locating a local support chapter near you.

They also have a live chat & hotline that is open during the week from 9 am - 5pm.

You are not alone in this. I truly understand your pain. Make sure that the MD gave you something for the stomach spasms and gut pain such as a muscle relaxer for the spasms (Bentyl for ex) and for pain Tylenol w/Codeine, Darvocet, etc.

Oh, avoid the NSAIDS over the counter such as Bayer aspirin, Advil, anything of the like b/c it will cause GI bleeding. Tylenol is the safest on your gut. I've experienced many GI bleeds even w/the coated aspirin. Not worth the trip to the ER.

Feel free to contact me with questions or for support.

good luck to you.