Hi
This is my first post although I have been using LTYG for a number of years now and am very thankful for the guidance and support I have gained from it.
Briefly, I have had Crohns for 20 years and last year developed a perianal abscess and fistula. Over the years I have tried a range of meds, with prednisone the only thing that was able to get my flare ups under control (currently on 7.5 mg daily). I also now have semi-permanent drainage in for my abscess/fistula (also treated with antibitoics when necessary). Of course, since I discovered LTYG I have also used the diets and supplements outlined in the book. I have also been seeing an amazing TCM practitioner with a natropathic background once a week for a couple of years now.
Over the last few weeks I have been experiencing considerable bleeding, some diarrhea (although not always), quite a bit of mucous, urgency and pain in my rectum, although I haven't lost any weight. A couple of days ago I had a colonoscopy to check out whether I had developed another abscess and what was the cause of the pain. Thankfully, no new abscesses but I have mild to moderate Crohns in the last 45cm of my colon (including rectum).
Both my surgeon and GI cannot understand my reluctance to go back on Imuran (which didn't work last time and made me feel terrible) or try Infiximab.
Rather, I have gone on the 'stop intestinal bleeding diet', ordered Jini's Healing Inpalnt Enema and started using Fisure Heal again.
My question is about some foods I am hoping I can include when on this diet, or if not, when I can reintroduce them: turnip, white sugar, cinnamon, sultanas, almond meal, (dried) dates and peaches.
Thanks for your help
Jenn

Hi, Jenn.

Sorry you've had to wait for a reply; I was away on vacation last week.

Okay, first of all, remember that either an abscess or a fistula is an evidence of infection (hence, your doctor even prescribing antibiotics). Have you already followed Jini's Wild Oregano Protocol? And are you currently taking probiotics? (Because of the prednisone's effects on gut flora, you in particular should take them, so hopefully you are. If not, there's a wealth of information in the section on probiotics in LTYG.)

Because a colonoscopy also disrupts the gut flora (see above about abscesses and fistulas), it would be a good idea for you to be taking probiotics as well as MucosaHeal and aloe vera juice for a good three months. The aloe vera juice will also help with the bleeding.

Okay, now to your particular questions.

Turnip: Best to wait until you are on the Maintenance Diet. This is one of the more challenging veggies for most people.

White sugar: Sugar has a number of ill effects on the body, including the fact that the immune system is suppressed for several hours after consuming it. (See pages 201-202 of LTYG.) The last thing you need if you're dealing with anything infectious is something that will suppress your immune system. It will also feed yeast; since yeast tends to be a problem anyway for those on long-term steroid use, that's another reason to eliminate sugar as far as possible from your diet. Stevia is a better choice for sweeting.

Cinnamon: Small amounts are probably okay once the bleeding is stopped. You can definitely have cinnamon by the time you're on the Reduce Gas & Bloating Diet.

Sultanas: Is this the same as whole almonds? If so, best to stay away from anything "scratchy" until your diarrhea is resolved. You can probably have small amounts of nuts (chew very well) once you are on the Reduce Gas & Bloating Diet.

Almond Meal: Best to stay away from anything "scratchy" until your diarrhea is resolved. Definitely don't have anything "scratchy" while you are bleeding.

Dried dates and peaches: See above about sugar and yeast. Even though it's naturally occurring sugar, these are still concentrated sources of sweetener. Also, dried fruits are likely to aggravate you while you are dealing with either bleeding or diarrhea.

Of course, these are guidelines which are generally true. If you find that you are able to tolerate something, your own body's word is the last word.

All the best,
Nicole

Hi Nicole

Thanks for your reply and no worries about the delay - I hope you had a great break.

I have been on the SIB diet for a week now and am still having quite a bit of bleeding. I have also been taking probiotics off and on but will stick to them for a while now, as you suggest. I am expecting the healing enema to arrive today and am hopeful that will make a big difference for me. I haven't tried the Wild Oregano Protocol but will go and read up on it now.

I guess what I am craving is some sweetness in my diet - is honey okay? Or can you suggest something else?

Again, thanks very much for your help
Best wishes
Jenn

Hi, Jenn.

Yes, a little honey or stevia is fine.

Another thing you might try is Emergen-C. In the summer, I like to have it with a whole bunch of ice and sip slowly. Not only will you be getting something flavorful and sweet (unless you get the cranberry or lemon-lime, which not surprisingly, aren't very sweet), you'll be getting something really good for you, too.

The sweetest-tasting flavor (in my opinion) is Tropical.

All the best,
Nicole

Thanks Nicole

Also, I just wanted to let you know that the enemas arrived a few days ago and after a couple of messy false starts, I managed to hold one in over night last night, and I am feeling a bit better (certainly less blood) so far today - not sure if it is all in my head but I am feeling positive!

Many thanks
Jenn

Hi, Jenn.

Sounds good. Hope the improvement continues for you!

Take care,
Nicole