In the last several months, I have searched for support and groups that relate to Crohns.
One of my favorites is a free phone app called GI Monitor.
Support is an important part of living with IBD's. People that have the disease or are in remission understand the daily aches, pains and habits that we deal with on a daily and sometimes minute by minute basis.
GI Monitor allows you to track your IBD symptoms such as Stool form, frequency, blood content and add custom symptoms. The app also allows you to track meals, stress levels, pain levels and medications. The app also has a social feature that allows you to communicate with other sufferers of IBD.
The group, known as "Butt Book" is very knowledgeable and friendly group of people from all over the USA and the world. You can learn about symptoms, medications, treatments, tests and procedures that you or someone you love may encounter when dealing with any of the IBD's.
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You can search facebook for other social outlets and reference www.ccfa.org. Crohns Colitis Foundation of America is an excellent place to start learning about the disease and find local support groups and events.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Dining Out
Dining Out and What to Do
Eating out at restaurants or at social functions can be a
tricky situation for people with inflammatory bowel
disease (Crohn's
disease and ulcerative
colitis [IBD]). It is especially difficult when you are dining with people
you have a professional or casual relationship with, since they are not likely
to know about your health problems. (Nor would you necessarily want them to
know.) How can you handle a high-powered business lunch or romantic dinner
without bringing attention to your problem?
Before you leave for the
restaurant, decide on what you will eat and how much you will eat. If you're
afraid that you will be hungry and tempted to eat something you shouldn't --
have a safe snack before you leave.
Look At The Menu
If you know what
restaurant you're going to, do a little reconnaissance first. Many restaurants
and catering halls have web pages that include their menus. If you're really
concerned, you can even call the restaurant and ask if they serve any dishes
you know are "safe" for you to eat.
Locate The
Restroom First
Ask the host or hostess where the restroom is located
before you are seated or right after being shown to your table. If your dining
companions don't know about your health problems, you can use the excuse of
wanting to wash your hands before dinner. This way, you know where the
facilities are located and you can check to be sure they're clean and stocked.
Skip The
Cocktails
Alcoholic drinks
may not be a good idea for people with IBD. Try sparkling water or a virgin
cocktail (or a "mocktail") if you're concerned about appearing chic
but don't want to drink. If you need an excuse, you can always say you're
taking antibiotics or other medications that don't interact well with alcohol.
Or there's always the old standby -- "I have to drive myself home so I'm
not drinking."
Watch Out For
Appetizers
Appetizers such as mozzarella
sticks, hot wings, nachos, and chicken fingers are all fatty, fried or
dairy-filled foods that might not be good to your digestive system. If everyone
else is having an appetizer and you're feeling left out, have some soup instead
or dig into the breadbasket.
Anticipate Any
Awkward Questions
Not everyone is tactful. Someone
may ask you "Why are you ordering chicken at a famous steakhouse?"
Decide beforehand how you will answer. You could mention your illness briefly
if you think it will be well received. If not, "I'm on a diet" or
"I stopped eating red meat and dairy" are also common reasons that
aren't likely to bring up more questions.
Amber Tresca was diagnosed with ulcerative
colitis at the age of 16. After 10 years of active disease, medical therapy
failed and she underwent the 2 step j-pouch surgery (removal of the large
intestine and creation of an internal pouch from the last part of the small
intestine).
Experience:
Amber was a copy editor and staff writer
for a major medical publishing house that produces specialty medical journals
for physicians. She is currently a group web producer for the same publisher,
working on several web sites that provide clinical information for healthcare
providers.
Education:
Amber graduated with a bachelor's degree in
Environmental Science from the Lymann Briggs College
at Michigan State University .
From Amber J.
Tresca:
After my gastroenterologist found severe
dysplasia in my colon, I realized how little I knew about my disease, and how
dangerous that was to my health. I hope to raise awareness of inflammatory
bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and other digestive
conditions, as well as reach out to patients like me who are in need of news
and accurate information.
Summertime Suggestions from Amber Tresca
Summer means long weekends, fragrant nights, and vacations with the family. When you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), summer does not necessarily come with the same anticipation it does for other people. But there are things you can do to take care of yourself and have fun this summer.
One of the chief dangers of warmer weather is dehydration. If you've got diarrhea or vomiting, you are even more at risk for developing dehydration. Be aware of how much water you are drinking during the day, and be sure to drink extra if you are exercising in the heat. You may want to consider sports drinks (without caffeine!) if you are really sweating it out in the sun.
We are all at risk for skin damage and skin cancer from being out in the sun. In addition, people with IBD may be taking medications that have a side effect of sun sensitivity. Be aware of the potential side effects of your medications, and cover up during peak sunlight hours with either clothing or sun block to prevent burns.
One of the chief dangers of warmer weather is dehydration. If you've got diarrhea or vomiting, you are even more at risk for developing dehydration. Be aware of how much water you are drinking during the day, and be sure to drink extra if you are exercising in the heat. You may want to consider sports drinks (without caffeine!) if you are really sweating it out in the sun.
We are all at risk for skin damage and skin cancer from being out in the sun. In addition, people with IBD may be taking medications that have a side effect of sun sensitivity. Be aware of the potential side effects of your medications, and cover up during peak sunlight hours with either clothing or sun block to prevent burns.
So, You are Flaring and Don't Know What To Eat Try These
The following is a list of foods that I was given by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota.
Foods Recommended:
|
Foods to Avoid:
|
Breads, Cereal, Rice and Pasta:
- White bread, rolls, biscuits, croissant, melba toast
- Waffles, French toast, pancakes
- White rice, noodles, pasta, macaroni, peeled cooked potatoes
- Plain crackers, Saltines
- Cooked cereals: farina, Cream of Rice
- Cold cereals: Puffed Rice, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Special
K
|
Breads, Cereal, Rice and Pasta:
- Breads or rolls with nuts, seeds or fruit
- Whole wheat, pumpernickel, rye breads, cornbread
- Potatoes with skin, brown or wild rice, kasha (buckwheat)
|
Vegetables:
- Tender cooked and canned vegetables without seeds: carrots,
asparagus tips, green or wax beans, pumpkin, spinach, lima beans
|
Vegetables:
- Raw or steamed vegetables
- Vegetables with seeds
- Sauerkraut
- Winter squash, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
onions, cauliflower, baked beans, peas, corn
|
Fruits:
- Strained fruit juice
- Canned fruit, except pineapple
- Ripe bananas
- Melons
|
Fruits:
- Prunes, prune juice
- Raw or dried fruit
- All berries, figs, dates and raisins
|
Milk/Dairy:
- Milk, plain or flavored
- Yogurt, custard, ice cream
- Cheese, cottage cheese
|
Milk/Dairy:
- Yogurt with nuts or seeds
|
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans and Eggs:
- Ground, well-cooked tender beef, lamb, ham, veal, pork, fish,
poultry, organ meats
- Eggs
- Peanut butter without nuts
|
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans and Eggs:
- Tough, fibrous meats with gristle
- Dry beans, peas, lentils
- Peanut butter with nuts
|
Fats, Snack, Sweets, Condiments and Beverages:
- Margarine, butter, oils, mayonnaise, sour cream, salad
dressing
- Plain gravies
- Sugar, clear jelly, honey, syrup
- Spices, cooked herbs, bouillon, broth, soups made with allowed
vegetables
- Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks
- Plain cakes, cookies
- Gelatin, plain puddings, custard, ice cream, sherbet,
popsicles
- Hard candy, pretzels
|
Fats, Snack, Sweets, Condiments and
Beverages:
- Nuts, seeds, coconut
- Jam, marmalade, preserves
- Pickles, olives, relish, horseradish
- All desserts containing nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut, or
made from whole grains or bran
- Candy made with nuts or seeds
- Popcorn
|
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