worried wife

[godguidesme]

my husband has chrons, we found out a year ago, he also has ulcers. he started treatment with entocort, pentasa. Im having a hard time with this whole thing, and cooking its hard the veggies, dairy, ect all cause himflareups. now hes on methotrexate, weekly. hes gone from not letting anything bother him to being stressed and unhappy most of the time. what can i do? I guess I need some support.  

[lizziecee]

Hi Chan,
you might think about getting Fortijuice or Ensure - I currently have a flare, as well as strictures, and my gastro has put me on an elemental diet, plus low residue diet if I can manage solid food. I am drinking 3 cartons a day of Fortijuice, 300 cals each, so getting some nutrition without irritating my inflamed small intestine. Gastro said omelettes made with grated cheese are good low fibre protein food, and perhaps add some tinned tuna as well, if he likes it. I have been on methotrexate for 7 yrs (30 yrs of steroids beforehand) but gastro thinks I have become resistant to it. He has doubled the injection dose to 25 mg weekly to see if this helps. I asked about the new anti-TNF biologic drugs, but he said he is very reluctant to prescribe any of these, as they will make the strictures worse, and in view of my recent breast cancer, could cause lymphoma.

Your hubby is fortunate in having such a caring and understanding wife.

Take care, both.
Liz.

[Hank0303]

Do you mean that he was diagnosed a year ago, or they found ulcers a year ago?  His stress will only make things worse.  I don't know if  they told you or not, but stress will cause flare ups and it will make a current flare worsen.  As far as cooking goes, he may need to just be on a bland diet until things are under control.  I know when I am having a flare, I eat bland baked chicken, cream of wheat and bread.  That's about it other than the fruit I usually crave!  For some reason, I always crave fruit when I am having a flare up.  It's like I can't get enough to drink with water and juice, so i eat my weight in fruit.  Weird.  But, either he needs to eat separate meals, or you'll need to suffer with him for a while.  Don't use black pepper or any other spice.  You can bake chicken in lemon juice or honey.  Baked fish is also good, but again, only use something like lemon juice.  As far as veggies go, stick with things that don't cause a lot of gas and make sure they are steamed and very soft.  Don't cook a lot of beans, or get him to take Beano before eating.  No broccoli, cabbage or brussel sprouts!  No salads with lettuce! Mashed potatoes are always good, as well as baked potatoes.  Again, no seasoning, though.  Cook his food, then you can add spices to yours before eating.  Lactaid brand milk is all we drink.  I also cook with it.  It tastes the same (seriously) as regular milk.  You can buy it in all the same options as regular milk: 2%, 1%, low fat, etc.  An added bonus:  it stays fresh for months becuase it lacks that enzyme that breaks down the milk.  It's hard to tell someone not to stress, especially when they have just been diagnosed.  But, tell him he will go in to remission and it will be a different world!  I've been in remission for 4 years, now-thank you, Lord.  I can eat cheese!  I can also eat a salad every now and again!  Another suggestion:  try Brummel and Brown butter.  It is made with yogurt and it seems to be a lot easier on your stomach.  It's also better for your heart!  I hope some of this helps.  If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.