Sad situation - VGF

Curly Brace · 01-06-2007, 10:20 AM

Hey, everyone. I have a problem.

My sister...She's really, really not doing any well. She is suffering from a condition called Crohn's Disease. She is affected everywhere in her body. As well as my family, my Mom and I have to take care of her. She has blisters all over her body, especally on her legs and feet. She cannot walk around a lot, and requires a wheelchair. My Grandfather died a few weels ago (proof: Memorial Obituaries Weckesser, Roland) And now, she has severe depression.

There is no support group down here to help this poor child. She visits a message board, but still, she feels upset and sadden...

If anyone out there...has any idea or treatment to help this poor kid and her skin problem... so that she can at least stand up without hurting... please tell me. She may have to live with the medicine forever, but this is a reaction to the Steriods. She had became allergic, and she only has a month to go on them. Just we need relief for her. We tried everything, but nothing has worked.

Thank you.

Chunky Kong12345 · 01-06-2007, 10:39 AM

I read that as "really, really hot".

Curse mornings.

Anyway, is she being given any drugs to help?

Curly Brace · 01-06-2007, 10:40 AM

That's the problem. Her steriod problem COMES from a steriod based cream.

Chunky Kong12345 · 01-06-2007, 10:42 AM

Various drug approaches may be used in Crohn's disease to both obtain and maintain remission. Aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drugs commonly prescribed are mesalazine (mesalamine, 5-ASA) and the derivative sulfasalazine. The corticosteroids prednisone and budesonide are immunosuppressants, as well as azathioprine (Imuran), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), infliximab (Remicade®), methotrexate. Rarely, atypical medications such as thalidomide can be used.[46] The antibiotics metronidazole and ciprofloxacin may also be used for people with colonic disease.

Which of those is it?

Curly Brace · 01-06-2007, 10:44 AM

She takes Remicade treatments.

Chunky Kong12345 · 01-06-2007, 10:45 AM

Is she going to use a different medicine?

The Doctor · 01-06-2007, 03:16 PM

*Hugs Tikala* Sorry to hear this.

Smarmy Vent · 01-06-2007, 03:47 PM

If there's anything I can do to help, let me know. I don't know much about physical health, but I do like giving life advice.

Curly Brace · 01-06-2007, 03:49 PM

I don't know at the moment...she may try other treatments, but she's really starting to go downhill.

Evie · 01-06-2007, 04:03 PM

The erythema nodosum (the name of her skin problem) she has because of her disease apparently only affects around 15% of people with it. :[ Here are some tips I found to help relieve her skin. I added my comments next to them in red.

Quote:

*Use an air-purification system to filter out particles in the air that may initiate inflammatory skin reactions. Make sure the air purifier is cleaned and/or replaced often.
*Use a humidifier in the home to help prevent skin from drying out.
*Take brief, daily baths or showers using lukewarm water. Use a gentle soap (or no soap at all). Pat affected skin dry with a towel and immediately apply an emollient, perfume-free moisturizer. Obviously she can't take a shower because she can hardly stand, so you or your mother should help her with bathing/drying if you don't already. It would be easier for someone to help her apply the moisturizers. She might not be able to reach certain areas affected with eczema by herself.
*Try an oatmeal bath. Natural pharmacies often sell colloidal oatmeal bath treatments. A cup of baking soda in your bath water can also bring relief. Once again, she'd most likely need help with this.
*Apply calamine lotion. A thin layer of calamine can help stop persistent itching. It would probably be easier if you assisted her with applying it.
*Ask your doctor, or other health care provider, about hydrocortisone creams and mild antihistamines to relieve itching.
*Avoid wool and acrylic fabrics next to the skin.
*Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that may irritate the skin.
*Try to eliminate your intake of the disease-promoting hydrogenated oils (trans-fatty acids). Add hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds to your diet; these foods contain health promoting omega 3 fatty acids, to help reduce skin inflammation. I really think you should discuss nutrition with your doctor if you haven't already; certain foods do seem to help relieve the symptoms of Crohn's Disease (such as ones with vitamin C and zinc).

Also, is she already taking colchicine? That's been effective in treating the skin problems she has. You can get those in tablet forms (preferably) or by injection (I doubt she'd like that). Hot and cold compresses may relieve her discomfort, so you might want to try that. If you haven't done this already, you should gently massage her skin.

Here are drug treatments for it:

Quote:

Drug Therapies

Healthcare providers may prescribe various medications in the appropriate clinical setting, including:

Antihistamines for itching
Antibiotics to treat particular infections
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir and valacyclovir
Burrow's compresses—a solution used to soothe skin conditions, particularly blisters These are made of aluminum acetate dissolved in water. It has astringent and antibacterial properties that are used to treat many different skin inflammations. Bayer sells them under the name Domeboro.
Immune-suppressing drugs, such as azathioprine, have shown mixed results
Intravenous immunoglobulin has been used experimentally for SJS and TEN

The last list also said that steroids could help, but obviously they're causing the problem. I hope that some of this helps & that she feels better soon. :[ <3

The Missing Link · 01-06-2007, 06:44 PM

While I truly am sorry to hear your sister is in such a state, I would think that it would be better to ask medicinal advice from a doctor rather than a whole slew of teenagers and twenty-somethings... especially when dealing with something that the vast majority of this post's audience has no experience with outside of a search engine.

Curly Brace · 01-06-2007, 06:55 PM

People may have these problems, or know people who do. We been talking to doctors. None has a clue whatsoever. Sometimes you have to face the world for help.

Smarmy Vent · 01-06-2007, 07:04 PM

I feel for you. I really wish I could help somehow.

LinkManDX... FACE · 01-06-2007, 09:22 PM

I also feel for you, and I really wish I knew something about medical information so that I could help you.

wariovswario · 01-07-2007, 08:16 PM

For her depression I suggest that she should go on some medication. If she has no help from support groups then this would be the step to go. I'd say to get her on Zoloft but to be careful getting her on it in steps....at least for the first few months of greiving to help her get over it. It might also get her into a positive mood as well. A positive mood is the first step towards coping with a disease such as this. During her treatment DO NOT use aspirin as this may make inflammation worse. Get her on mesamaline if possible. Which organs are the most affected by her condition? Figuring out which organs are affected can tell what kinds of treatments are most effective whether it be orally,topically, or through a siposatory if she cannot keep it down. Also consider Azulfidine, asacol, and pentasa. Dietary changes would also help her out. Surgery has a 50 percent chance of having crohn's disease come back...but has been proven to be really effective in at least giving a few months of healthy intestines. I cannot figure out what steroid changes may need to occur if she is allergic to them or if she is even able to. Please tell me what steroids she is on? I am not a doctor, but my mom is. I've been asking her about crohn's disease and got most of this information. From what I haven't gotten from her I found on medical websites. Hope this helps a little bit at least.

***Heroine of the Dragon*** · 01-08-2007, 03:48 AM

I do wish I could give you better advice... at least wvw asked a Doctor... really Tikal, as much as I feel for you and want to help, I'm afraid that we don't know all the information as your own family and Doctor does. Your sister most likely needs to see your Doctor for any possible changes to her medication and perhaps someone to help her through her grief. But time will also help that... after all, this sad loss only occurred relatively recently.

You could always think of beginning your own support group. It's a lot of work, but others will help.

*biggest hugs* I hope that things improve for you all.

*grinnie just for you*

Curly Brace · 01-08-2007, 07:38 AM

I've talk to doctors. I went to Georgetown with her for over 50 days, just for them to be striken clueless. I asked any doctor down here, but they all are just going to give me the same answer. I'm just sick and tired of all the mess, I guess, and now we are turning to anyone for answers.

wariovswario · 01-08-2007, 08:24 AM

If the doctors in georgetown are clueless....then it may be time to find an out of state doctor or at least some other hospital to come. I don't think she'll die from crohns but it's still a serious condition. Have they not changed her medication at all or at least done surgery???

wariovswario · 01-09-2007, 03:49 PM

I think I found something that may help her if it's possible. Consider the possibility of exploratory surgery and get her on some antiobiotics. If not that then some type of medicine to counteract the side effects of the steroids. Surely there must be something in cases of this.

Curly Brace · 01-14-2007, 11:05 AM

I manage to take him to a herbal doctor. He's known for being in practice for over 48 years, and the minute he looked at her, he put her on a special diet.

I'll report how her skin is doing... For now, she's still ate up.

01-06-2007, 10:20 AM	#1
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	Sad situation Hey, everyone. I have a problem. My sister...She's really, really not doing any well. She is suffering from a condition called Crohn's Disease. She is affected everywhere in her body. As well as my family, my Mom and I have to take care of her. She has blisters all over her body, especally on her legs and feet. She cannot walk around a lot, and requires a wheelchair. My Grandfather died a few weels ago (proof: Memorial Obituaries Weckesser, Roland) And now, she has severe depression. There is no support group down here to help this poor child. She visits a message board, but still, she feels upset and sadden... If anyone out there...has any idea or treatment to help this poor kid and her skin problem... so that she can at least stand up without hurting... please tell me. She may have to live with the medicine forever, but this is a reaction to the Steriods. She had became allergic, and she only has a month to go on them. Just we need relief for her. We tried everything, but nothing has worked. Thank you. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

01-06-2007, 10:40 AM	#3
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	That's the problem. Her steriod problem COMES from a steriod based cream. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

01-06-2007, 10:44 AM	#5
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	She takes Remicade treatments. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

01-06-2007, 03:49 PM	#9
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	I don't know at the moment...she may try other treatments, but she's really starting to go downhill. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

01-06-2007, 06:55 PM	#12
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	People may have these problems, or know people who do. We been talking to doctors. None has a clue whatsoever. Sometimes you have to face the world for help. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

01-06-2007, 10:39 AM	#2
Chunky Kong12345 BEEP BEEP I'M A JEEP Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: ogmftwbqq Gender: Posts: 16,412 Thanks: 61 Thanked 210 Times in 153 Posts Points: 2,329.12 Bank: 80,535.77 Total Points: 82,864.89 Donate	I read that as "really, really hot". Curse mornings. Anyway, is she being given any drugs to help?

01-06-2007, 10:42 AM	#4
Chunky Kong12345 BEEP BEEP I'M A JEEP Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: ogmftwbqq Gender: Posts: 16,412 Thanks: 61 Thanked 210 Times in 153 Posts Points: 2,329.12 Bank: 80,535.77 Total Points: 82,864.89 Donate	Various drug approaches may be used in Crohn's disease to both obtain and maintain remission. Aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drugs commonly prescribed are mesalazine (mesalamine, 5-ASA) and the derivative sulfasalazine. The corticosteroids prednisone and budesonide are immunosuppressants, as well as azathioprine (Imuran), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), infliximab (Remicade®), methotrexate. Rarely, atypical medications such as thalidomide can be used.[46] The antibiotics metronidazole and ciprofloxacin may also be used for people with colonic disease. Which of those is it?

01-06-2007, 10:45 AM	#6
Chunky Kong12345 BEEP BEEP I'M A JEEP Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: ogmftwbqq Gender: Posts: 16,412 Thanks: 61 Thanked 210 Times in 153 Posts Points: 2,329.12 Bank: 80,535.77 Total Points: 82,864.89 Donate	Is she going to use a different medicine?

01-06-2007, 03:16 PM	#7
The Doctor Timelord. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In my Tardis Gender: Posts: 11,861 Thanks: 389 Thanked 343 Times in 240 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 69,191.16 Bank: 1,122,527.91 Total Points: 1,191,719.06 Donate	Hugs Tikala Sorry to hear this.

01-06-2007, 03:47 PM	#8
Smarmy Vent The night is darkest just before the dawn. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gotham Gender: Posts: 12,625 Thanks: 726 Thanked 1,135 Times in 598 Posts Points: 162.78 Bank: 115,877.15 Total Points: 116,039.93 Donate	If there's anything I can do to help, let me know. I don't know much about physical health, but I do like giving life advice.

01-06-2007, 06:44 PM	#11
The Missing Link Professional Lurker Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: New Hyrule, Washington, US Gender: Posts: 15,575 Thanks: 80 Thanked 183 Times in 110 Posts Points: 6,778.45 Bank: 55,328.64 Total Points: 62,107.09 Donate	While I truly am sorry to hear your sister is in such a state, I would think that it would be better to ask medicinal advice from a doctor rather than a whole slew of teenagers and twenty-somethings... especially when dealing with something that the vast majority of this post's audience has no experience with outside of a search engine.

01-06-2007, 07:04 PM	#13
Smarmy Vent The night is darkest just before the dawn. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gotham Gender: Posts: 12,625 Thanks: 726 Thanked 1,135 Times in 598 Posts Points: 162.78 Bank: 115,877.15 Total Points: 116,039.93 Donate	I feel for you. I really wish I could help somehow.

01-06-2007, 09:22 PM	#14
LinkManDX... FACE Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Some call it slums, some call it nice! Gender: Posts: 3,249 Thanks: 242 Thanked 190 Times in 112 Posts Points: 20,051.70 Bank: 4,258.48 Total Points: 24,310.18 Donate	I also feel for you, and I really wish I knew something about medical information so that I could help you.

01-07-2007, 08:16 PM	#15
wariovswario Don't ban me please. :( Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 4,012 Thanks: 82 Thanked 54 Times in 37 Posts Blog Entries: 2 Points: 107.31 Bank: 417,082.21 Total Points: 417,189.52 Donate	For her depression I suggest that she should go on some medication. If she has no help from support groups then this would be the step to go. I'd say to get her on Zoloft but to be careful getting her on it in steps....at least for the first few months of greiving to help her get over it. It might also get her into a positive mood as well. A positive mood is the first step towards coping with a disease such as this. During her treatment DO NOT use aspirin as this may make inflammation worse. Get her on mesamaline if possible. Which organs are the most affected by her condition? Figuring out which organs are affected can tell what kinds of treatments are most effective whether it be orally,topically, or through a siposatory if she cannot keep it down. Also consider Azulfidine, asacol, and pentasa. Dietary changes would also help her out. Surgery has a 50 percent chance of having crohn's disease come back...but has been proven to be really effective in at least giving a few months of healthy intestines. I cannot figure out what steroid changes may need to occur if she is allergic to them or if she is even able to. Please tell me what steroids she is on? I am not a doctor, but my mom is. I've been asking her about crohn's disease and got most of this information. From what I haven't gotten from her I found on medical websites. Hope this helps a little bit at least.

01-08-2007, 03:48 AM	#16
*Heroine of the Dragon* The Grinnie Fool! ♥ VGFCodes Staff Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a pretty place surrounded by sparkly faerie dust!! Gender: Posts: 27,544 Thanks: 241 Thanked 258 Times in 190 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 17,201.90 Bank: 1,906,558.86 Total Points: 1,923,760.76 Donate	I do wish I could give you better advice... at least wvw asked a Doctor... really Tikal, as much as I feel for you and want to help, I'm afraid that we don't know all the information as your own family and Doctor does. Your sister most likely needs to see your Doctor for any possible changes to her medication and perhaps someone to help her through her grief. But time will also help that... after all, this sad loss only occurred relatively recently. You could always think of beginning your own support group. It's a lot of work, but others will help. biggest hugs I hope that things improve for you all. grinnie just for you

01-08-2007, 07:38 AM	#17
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	I've talk to doctors. I went to Georgetown with her for over 50 days, just for them to be striken clueless. I asked any doctor down here, but they all are just going to give me the same answer. I'm just sick and tired of all the mess, I guess, and now we are turning to anyone for answers. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

01-08-2007, 08:24 AM	#18
wariovswario Don't ban me please. :( Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 4,012 Thanks: 82 Thanked 54 Times in 37 Posts Blog Entries: 2 Points: 107.31 Bank: 417,082.21 Total Points: 417,189.52 Donate	If the doctors in georgetown are clueless....then it may be time to find an out of state doctor or at least some other hospital to come. I don't think she'll die from crohns but it's still a serious condition. Have they not changed her medication at all or at least done surgery???

01-09-2007, 03:49 PM	#19
wariovswario Don't ban me please. :( Join Date: Jul 2000 Gender: Posts: 4,012 Thanks: 82 Thanked 54 Times in 37 Posts Blog Entries: 2 Points: 107.31 Bank: 417,082.21 Total Points: 417,189.52 Donate	I think I found something that may help her if it's possible. Consider the possibility of exploratory surgery and get her on some antiobiotics. If not that then some type of medicine to counteract the side effects of the steroids. Surely there must be something in cases of this.

01-14-2007, 11:05 AM	#20
Curly Brace THE ALL AROUND YUMMIEST. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Gender: Posts: 5,772 Thanks: 127 Thanked 116 Times in 82 Posts Points: 15,850.93 Bank: 37,251.94 Total Points: 53,102.88 Donate	I manage to take him to a herbal doctor. He's known for being in practice for over 48 years, and the minute he looked at her, he put her on a special diet. I'll report how her skin is doing... For now, she's still ate up. __________________ WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!