Hello All!

I completed the program 6 months ago, but then realized I was lapsing into old habits and decided to listen to my tapes again.

About 3 years ago I gradutaed from college and decided to live with some friends. At about the same time I had severe Crohn's Disease ( an intestinal disease) and had emergency bathroom issues and on more than one occasion I didn't make it. Since then, I have really improved and my condition is under control. However, I have a lignering effect which is anxiety that I won't be able to find a bathroom. The problem is once I start worrying, I really do have to go because it works up my bowels! I have problems in traffic, when I have to be on a bus without a bathroom, etc. I guess you could say I'm obsessed about it. I even dream about being caught somewhere without a bathroom 4x a week. Any suggestions on how I can handle this? Anyone going through something similar? It's so embarassing

Hi jqb---I know the feeling. This has been one of my issues that I haven't completely gotten over. I have a bladder disease, Interstitial Cysititis. Some days I have to go all the time and some days not too much. The worst thing is I never know what the day is going to bring. This has led to my worrying about the bathroom issue also, especially when there is not one around. I could have written your post myself

The only thing that has helped me is relaxing from head to toe and positive self-talk. Easier said than done, I know. Sometimes I will take Ativan when traveling. This does help calm my system down so I don't panic and make the situation worse. Distraction helps once in awhile.

Sorry I haven't been much help. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. It is embarrassing and a difficult subject to talk about. These diseases are real and people have a difficult time understanding them when they don't know what they're all about. My spouse gets very frustrated with me but he has no idea how frustrating it can be for me. I did join an association, the ICA. They print a newsletter and people have different suggestions on how to deal with these problems in the real world. They also have the latest research and doc's in your area. I'm pretty sure they have an association for Crohn's disease also. It helps you not feel so alone.

I think we really need to work on our self-confidence and not be hard on ourselves. It's something we have to live with, unless they find a cure, and we need to reassure ourselves that we are doing all we can to take care of ourselves.

Hang in there and if I have any good ideas or hints I will be sure to post them.

Serene

Thank you Serene! It really does help to know that I'm not the only one going through a similar situation. I think I'm going to seek help from a psychologist because I really think the one-on-one interaction with him or her will help me to deal with my specific anxiety. Do you know if there is a directory of psychologists who promote Lucinda's tapes and books? I think this might be helpful. Thank you again for your encouragement!

Hi jqb:

I have had crohn's for about 20 years (I was diagnosed when I was 16). I want you to know there is hope. Here's what I did (and continue to do)to keep healthy:

do not ingest SUGAR.....Keep sugar intake to a minimum.

No refined grains like cereal.

Eat more protein (this is similiar to the Atkins diet......www.atkins.com)

Do not drink any caffinated beverages.

Exercise-----both aerobic and strength training.

Drink lots of distilled or bottled water...not from the tap.

Visit you GI doctor....There are lots of new meds out on the market that can help.

Try to reduce stress(I know...easier said than done).

These have worked pretty well for me....In college I was 115 lbs, anemic and on prednisone and sulfa type meds.

Today I'm 190 lbs, off all meds for crohn's, do not have constant diarrhea like I used to and am in much better health.

Hope this helps!!!!

Thanks Mikey for the recommendations! Fortunately, after taking Remicade, I'm in "semi-remission". And I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well. It's a difficult disease and ,at one time, was really depressing to me. I read my anxiety journal the other day when I was having health problems and it was then that I realized how far I have come, both physically and psychologically. I think it's important to give credit to ourselves even when we've made small accomplishments. The other day I was able to drive with a friend on a part of the highway where I knew there were no exits for 10 miles. I kept on talking to my friend and that helped keep my mind off of "what-if thinking." However, there are still times when an attack will sneak up on me and I freak out for a second (heart beasts fast, I breath quickly, etc.), but I'm hopeful with Lucinda's tapes this second time around I can get even better with my anxiousness.

jqb,

I don't have Crohn's but I do have Ulcerative Colitis, so I can understand where you are coming from. Back when things were bad for me, I was afraid to go anywhere and I found myself popping Anti-Diarrheal meds because they did slow things down because it had an anti-spasmodic medicine in them. They made me feel more confident.

It's hard when you feel those cramps and knowing that you only have some much time to find a bathroom is scary. I've been there.

I have been in remission for about 2 years now.
I've been taking a product called "Primal Defense" which is a PROBIOTIC. They certainly slow down the attacks the longer you are on them.
Have you ever heard of this product?? If not, then I suggest you check it out.
http://www.gardenoflifeusa.com/testimonials/

Read about Jordan Rubin and his discovery with HSO derived Probiotics. There is nothing else like this on the market.

I take this along with a product called Barleygreen. A green juice of any brand would be good because it helps your body absorb nutrients into your blood right away. It helps to heal the body and restore the balance between acidity and alkalinity. Diseases cannot grow in an alkaline environment and many times the body's balance is very acidic due to bad diet, stress and other factors.

In the meantime, do what you can, talk positively to yourself. What is the worst thing that can happen? Embarrasment? You can survive that !!!!! It may be uncomfortable to have a situation like that BUT you could survive it, if you had to.

My husband went to school with a young man that had a problem like this in High School. This man endured accidents and was made fun of, teased, etc.... but you know what?? He had some really good friends that stuck by him through those years and he didn't allow what other people said to affect how HE felt about himself. He's now grown and even went on to invent a few things in his life.

Remember, embarrassement isn't the end of the world! People endure many embarrassing things in life. So, if anything like that should happen, life will go on and people will most likely forget your face and go on with their lives.

There are things you can do to make yourself feel better... try keeping a small carry bag with you ( just in case you need to change somewhere) and bring a sweatshirt you can tie around your waist ( until you get to a restroom).
This will at least give you some comfort.

I wish you well jqb.

Hi All:

Sunset, I read Jordan Rubin's book and was greatly inspired, but I havent tried any of the products yet......What products are you taking and what results have you gotten?....I have heard Primal Defense is pretty effective...

Mikey,

I take Primal Defense ( the only HSO derived Probiotic ). I've had wonderful success with it. I can't imagine living without it.
http://www.crohns.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GAN1000

It begins to work right away for most people. The worse the condition, the longer it takes to work. For me, It slowed down the spasms and attacks right away but it wasn't until a year later when I noticed BIG changes. I stopped seeing blood and haven't seen blood for about 2 years now.

I have chosen to eat better. More veggies ( green ones) and less refined sugars and refined, bleached flours, less fried foods, etc....
eating better pays off in the long run.

I know in the beginning it's hard to eat certain foods that are good for you and many have taken on bland foods such as plain rice, plain chicken, and fish... I remember back when I couldn't digest a simple salad or an apple.
And because I wasn't eating nutritious veggies, high in vitamins, I felt tired and fatigued all the time. That's when I began taking a product called "Barleygreen". A green barley juice powder that's loaded with vitamins and minerals and as soon as your drink it, it gets absorbed into your blood. This has helped me to become stronger and has helped me climb my way back to a healthy lifestyle for my ulcerative colitis.
I take about 2TBL. of this powder every day, in the morning BEFORE I eat any food. I've been on it for a couple years now and I can't imagine my life without it. There are many green juices on the market and they are good for you.
http://www.gogreenhealth.com/

If you do a search using google.com by typing in "barleygreen crohn's disease ulcerative colitis" you will come up with articles and testimonies of people who have used this product with success.

This website helped alot. It gives some great information.
http://members.aol.com/Splindy6/index.html

I do endure bloating, sometimes cramping and sometimes diarrhea when I eat poorly for a long period of time. Mostly times when I am rushing around eating foods like Burger King, McDonalds, Chinese food, mexican food, etc....if I eat too much of this stuff, I notice my body is telling me something.... HOWEVER, once I go back to a healthy diet, things always improve immediately. But one thing is for sure, I can eat Burger King or chinese food once or twice a month and it doesn't bother me anymore. It's only when I do it for a prolonged period of time.
Even still, my "bad" days are nothing like they used to be.

Take Care Mikey. I hope this information was helpful to you.

Hi Sunset:

I went to the health food store yesterday and purchased some "Primal Defense".......Thanks for the info....I'll let you know how it works....

Mikey,
Good for you! I wish you well! Remember, be patient and watch your diet as well. Recovery is a slow process. It took years for your system to become diseased and it may take some time getting it balanced.

I wish you the best!
Take Care!