I've had Crohn's disease over half my life so I pretty much know how to deal with certain problems but lately they've been pretty bad.

I'd say for about the past month I've been getting bloated over foods that would generally have no effect on me. So I've been trying to avoid salt. Also, I'd say about the last week, no matter what I eat, it goes straight through me. And it can be anything from dairy to bread. (I rarely include any kind of dairy in my diet. I use soy, rice, and hemp alternatives.) I found rice milk is easier on my stomach than hemp or soy, but like I said, the last two weeks it has been with anything I eat. I made vegetarian food with my friend tonight thinking I might feel better than I do when I eat out, but no change. Also, sometimes the bloating gets so bad I cannot stand. once, a few months ago, I had bloating so bad, I had to leave work. I went home crying and feeling nauseous. Now, it hasn't gotten that bad lately, but I know the potential to become that ill is always there.

I was just wondering if anyone has any routines or remedies they follow. I drank some peppermint tea a little bit ago with two teaspoons of sugar, hoping it would settle my stomach. I think next cup I'll make it sans sweetener.

If anyone has any suggestions they know from experience that work, I would love to hear them.

Hmmm. I been there. I suffered from Ulcerative Colitis for the first 30 years of my life. In 2000, I was forced to have a total colectomy, or die of cancer. Thankfully, after many years of refusing that surgery, the technology had advanced to the point where I did not have to wear that damn 'bag' permanently. (I did have to wear one for 12 weeks while the reconstructive surgery healed)

Basically what happened….first they went in and removed the entire colon, and the bottom few feet of the small intestine. next they took off the last foot of the small intestine and doubled it over (so as to re-create some sort of 'reservoir'), and re-attached it to the inside of the rectum. then they temporarily ran the rest out thru 'the bag', so the 'reservoir' could heal undisturbed. after the 12 weeks, they went in and re-attached everything.

Than was nine years ago. I feel better now than I EVER have.

NOW…As I understand, Crohn's and U.C. are quite similar. what worked for me alot was good ol' Pepto-Bismol. Yeah, I know.."eeeewww". but it does do well in coating the innards, thus reducing the bloating and gas. Cutting down on greasy stuff may help. Keeping the dairy to a minimum is good. If I can be of help, or if you need an understanding 'shoulder to cry on', feel free to contact me thru Y!A and I'll fwd you my email address.

Hang in there, you are NOT alone!!