Hmm... I need to find out myself. I don't know what is the answer to your question. I'll do some poking around and get back to you if I discover an decent answer. You should email the people at Medifast as they probably can help you..

Thinking of you as well - I HATE.

Prednisone.

- I've had it with this disease controlling my life - I am meeting with a general surgeon on Monday to begin & discuss surgical options - I want my life back!!..

When I run into people who knew me years ago, when I was heavier, they always run on about how good I look. I never know quite what to say. People used to ask how I lost the weight because they want to try that diet. I always got a laugh out of it and told them no they didn't..

But yes, I absolutely hate it when people look at me and make remarks that I don't look sick. I generally invite them to come to my house about 5-6 a.m. every morning and hang around awhile. They can get the full experience then. So far no one has taken me up on my invites..

I think that is one reason I have such a problem with depression. It feels like no one believes you're sick. Of course once I have been around people a while eventually one of my trademark belches slips out or one of my "rear bombs" then they realize those things did not come from a healthy body..

At a board meeting recently I opened my mouth to speak and one of those sneaky belly belches came from nowhere. You should have seen the mouths drop open. I just said "My Crohn's is speaking up today!" laughed and went on. I have told people of my health problems so I try not to let it embarrass me anymore..

Some folks can just be so ignorant and seem proud to let it show. There are always going to be some people who think you must be pasty white and pitiful looking to be sick. Actually I do not know how one is supposed to look with a chronic illness. But apparently some people think they KNOW how sick people are supposed to look..

IGNORE Them. Whoops I guess this turned into a vent...

Stoopid stoopid stoopid. I laughed soooo much, cos I've said EXACTLY the same things. "Clarins and willpower" is my stock answer. I have a confession to make. Sometimes I even carry a stick. Not SO much to walk (although it's good if I'll be.

Walking.

ALL day) but to get over the invisible disability thing. It's AMAZING how differently people treat you...

You are Right On! I get the you look so much better today phrase. Not sure why it makes me so upset except for the fact that IM NOT BETTER TODAY!..

It also just drives me crazy that everyday I am asked how are you today and I feel like I have to lie. I feel like they expect that because Ive been sick for the last month that surely I am getting better. It is very frustrating because Normal people do not understand that I dont have a cold and I am not going to just get better in the same sequence as a person with a cold does. Why oh Why do they keep asking How are you today when they really dont want to hear that you are the SAME SAME SAME..

And you are so right, just because I actually had the energy to take a shower and put on ear rings today does not mean that I am ready to go out and party. Dont they know that if I had the energy to go out, I would?.

Sorry my response turned out to be a vent as well, guess I needed it. Thanks..

Oh do I know how you feel .. there are time when I too feel like wearing a billboard or shirt simply saying LOOKS ARE DECEIVING...wish you could see inside!! So many people are telling me how much better I look and yes I have to admit I am looking better but that does not mean I'm feeling better!! I've just about even going out because I am so tired of hearing it all. Until someone walks a day in our shoes they have NO clue...

My best friend (has colitis) had her husband tell her one time that she had been sick three weeks, wasn't it time she got over it. grrrr.

Sad to say he developed cancer last year and although he has survived, he has learned the hard way what a chronic illness is. AND has apologized profusely for how he treated her...

I know.

Prednisone.

Is bad, I have lived with Crohn's for over 25 years. My doctor just told me that new guidlines for Crohn's disease as of 2009 show that.

Prednisone.

Is not a good option for treatment anymore. He told me any doctor who wants to treat me with those ugly steriods I should run the other way..

He is going to try Entacort? which goes directly to the bowels without all the bad side affects. (That type of steriod doesn't go through the whole blood system, so no horrible side effects.) Also I am going back on.

6-MP.

Years ago as a.

Remicade.

Patient I dealt with fevers, chills, and hives for six months. He said that I don't tolerate well enough to be put through that again..

The other thing is that a big break through has been found between Crohn's and Celiac Disease. If Crohn's patients are on meds and not getting better as of Jan 2009 CCFA and other medical organizations are recommending that those patients be screened for Celiac as well. Even if the blood work doesn't come back possitive, but an endoscopy shows flat villa in the small bowel, a.

Gluten free diet.

Might help with a more possitive result with any treatment regime..

I feel your pain ZenEm cause I lived off and on.

Prednisone.

For over 18 years. Even had two false pregnancies (I'm a celibate) due to wierd hormone imbalances. So I understand those moods swings, I just had the best news ever when on Friday following the colonoscopy that shows treatment is neccesary again, that I will never be taking those horrible pills again. The rashes I use to get even ulcerated on my arms, back, and legs, let alone what they did to the face. So I get to finally be.

Prednisone.

Free. So dear one please talk to your doctor about some of the newer options. It might help..

Blessings and your in my thoughts and prayers...

I am carrying my lastest pictures from colonoscopy in my book bag I carry to work. Just so if anyone does say something, I will show them what is going on inside. And I laugh because I have a cane in my car, that I will use if I need it in public. It does work. God Bless!..

Me too! To all of it. Yesterday I told a friend of mine the meaning of "chronic and incurable". I was so frustrated when she actually asked me if the doctors are sure that I don't have something else wrong with me because it seems to her they should be able to help with something like colitis. People are being nice when they ask how we are but I also find it irritating. Especially when I have not been ok for months and I'm just trying to get by day to day. My new reply to "how are you feeling" is "about as good as I always feel."..