PattiZ's Journal

This is an update sent to my Yahoo Health Group today (Low Dose Naltrexone).

Update:  6 months LDN / 30 years Crohn’s

First and foremost I would like to say that I feel OUTSTANDING!  I have been on 4.5 mg (capsule) LDN for 6 months now.  It has been a slow process, but I feel better than I have in over 30 years.  I am still “undisciplined” by poor choices (food/alcohol) which has contributed to my remaining symptoms (diarrhea 3 times per day) but I am SO MUCH better than before LDN!

Unfortunately, test results compared to “before” LDN do not show improvement of tissue.  As a matter of fact, it appears that my “narrowing” is worse than before LDN.  I am having trouble understanding this because I feel SO well.  My pain and inflammation are gone and I expected the narrowing to be gone too.  I wonder if it is scar tissue or something of that sort....which is what I will discuss with my G.I. in a few weeks.  I still STRONGLY believe in LDN and I know that it is working but I must realize that it is a long process.  I assume that it may take ME longer to “heal” because I have harbored disease for 30 years.  But for now.....I am thankful for the symptom relief and the feeling of wellness that LDN has given me.  If it doesn't get any better than it is at this point....I will be pleased with the benefit. 

Another factor here is that I have had an "off-topic"  health issue that will be resolved with outpatient surgery on October 6th.  I am concerned that this “issue” has “dirverted” my immune system….made it work overtime….or somehow interfered.  I suppose that I will never know for sure….but it is a possibility that I feel should be considered.  None the less, I wanted to mention it because it is a “health issue” that my body has been dealing with for the majority of the time I have been on LDN.  This too, will be discussed with my G.I.

The important point is that I know that I am doing the best that I can do for myself, by continuing with LDN and I will be re-tested in another 6 months.  I plan to finish my prescription of capsules and get a ‘script for the transdermal cream (from Skip’s)...to thwart the possibility of absorption issues.  But as I said before, I know that I am benefiting from LDN (so I must be absorbing most of it anyway) and I truly feel well.  I have had a few “crohns-ish” days (sporadically) but nothing as bad as before LDN and they are becoming lesser and lesser each month.  I have been feeling well enough to go out and do the things that I enjoy and I am very active.  I am thankful, whole-heartedly, for LDN!

I will keep you posted. 

Best of health to us all!

Patti

*dx Crohn's - June 1978

*surgery - Dec. 2002 - Ileocolectomy/resection

*dx Crohn's/Colitis/Acid Reflux - Feb. 2005 (2006)

*4.5 mg LDN - March 2008

"History is made by those who do not go blindly into the night..." [Stephanie L. Ware, Private Investigator - 5/14/08 The Daily Advisor]