possible Chrone's...

[Tenshi no Ai]

I'm getting pretty worried. Every since I've known my boyfriend, he's never been able to properly digest things like pork and beef (among other things), with chicken being fine though. At one point he said he tried being a vegetarian and stopped having such problems, but still... I've had friends with Chrone's and know they couldn't have different things, and I know just how severe it can get. With him, it's one of those things he's lived with for years and is somewhat stubborn/forgetful about going to see a doctor. He knows he should and I keep reminding him. I also noticed he has lost 4 lbs within a few months (being the last time I saw him get weighed) which isn't good, and I know he's already small and has a metabolism thing that prevents him from getting much bigger, but I'm getting worried, as is my family... I don't want to see him in pain and constantly having these problems. Going vegetarian is one thing, but I'm REALLY hoping he'll try and get an appointment before things get to be too late and more serious...

So prayer for all this would be much appreciated.

[EricTheFred]

Hang in there, and keep encouraging him to see the doc. I've been a Crohn's sufferer for over twenty years (undiagnosed for about half that) and I can tell you it can get much, much worse, but some people respond well to treatments. The other concern is, it could be something else, possibly more treatable. Certain cancers, for example, have many more effective treatment options, and can mimic IBDs.

One key issue: Crohn's can interfere with one's ability to uptake nutrition. Even if one is successfully digesting the food, certain vitamins can be blocked from entering the blood stream. For example, I have to take massive amounts of B12 to get a sufficient amount into my system.

A last bit of advice. Insoluble fibers and fats are the two big enemies, and soluble fibers are a big help. I have to stay away from most uncooked fruits, and try to stick to the leanest meats possible.

Good luck and good health.

[Tenshi no Ai]

One key issue: Crohn's can interfere with one's ability to uptake nutrition.

Which might explain the metabolism issue too... Yeah I'll keep trying. I'm not a nag but when it's something like this, it's different...

[EricTheFred]

I usually don't forget to caution to let the doctors make the diagnosis. If he does come home with the diagnosis you are guessing though, then the Crohn's and Colitis foundation website is a good place to start for accurate information. http://www.ccfa.org/

[K. Ayato]

Praying, mini me. Is he taking any vitamins or supplements as well? Not the same as eating the real thing, but it'll help.

[Tenshi no Ai]

No, he's not on vitamins or anything. Like me, he doesn't have the best diet, and says it'll be easy once he's at his own place instead of living at home to work out his diet (aka not eating out alot etc.) I hope he'll get on it...

[Ratrace]

Is there a particular reason he won't go?

[Tenshi no Ai]

As pointed to above... He's been checked out years ago and they didn't say too much, apparently. Just something he's lived with (and thinking personally, I get digestive issues from time to time and don't think much of it) and just kind of tries to toughen it out, sort of thing :/ A guy thing, maybe.