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I have included two of my personal case studies here. One is for Crohns and the other for Colitis. There are more in my booklet. I hope these help.
Also a short testimonial from a lady whose full story can also be found in my IBD Self-Help Booklet.
From being ill as a very young child with a milk allergy, I spent most of my childhood with an undisclosed “stomach” complaint. Eventually when I was about 18 years old, and at college, I was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
It is fair to say that I didn’t let it affect me too much through my twenties, carrying on as most young people do whilst coping with the regular flare ups. Into my thirties my prescription medication continued to increase with limited periods of success. I should say however, during this time I have worked for the same company and held down a variety of jobs, though I am able to manage my own time and have never been tied to an office, which helps greatly. In addition, I have married and we have two beautiful children, so it is not all bad news.
During my thirties I had two stays of about 8 days each in hospital, and have continued on high medication levels which haven’t stopped me needing to go to the toilet many times a day. I stopped drinking beer for a year it made no difference, I avoid spicy foods, again little improvement.
More recently I tried Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture which at first worked, but once I stopped I went back to where I was before, and it was not only time consuming, but expensive for me.
In May of 2005 Aloe Vera was recommended to me, and I started on 30mls twice a day, though I am still on my prescription medication. The results in my case have been wonderful. I now go to the toilet only once occasionally twice a day, and at a regular time. As opposed to 2,3,4,5,6,7 or however many times previously. It has helped greatly with the family as we are now not dependent on me being comfortable before going anywhere. I can honestly say the last six months have been the best in terms of my Crohn’s, since I was diagnosed more than twenty years ago.
In addition I also took lactose virtually completely out of my diet, at the same time I introduced Aloe Vera into it. Whilst not a big milk drinker I am able to tolerate it, and would take it in tea, I am also fond of cheese. Surprisingly removing lactose had never previously been suggested as an option to me, despite my early allergy. The combination of the two has in my case been excellent, though how much is due to each I couldn’t say definitively. My next target is to reduce my prescription medicine next year.
December 2005
I did not have all of the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) but suffered from constipation for most of my life in spite of eating Bran, Cabbage and every other kind of roughage going.
In the 1970s while going through a very stressful period in my life (a long sad story which does not bear going into) I was seen at the Colon clinic in Liverpool and diagnosed with spastic colon and put on Fibogel. It did not help much and I still had periods of dreadful pain.
A year or so later I emigrated to South Africa and once settled was not confronted with too many stressful situations. I even went to a Psychiatrist of my choice. It was the best money I have ever spent and was told that I am well balanced and mentally sound. I left that consulting room thinking its not me that’s crazy but everyone else!
In May 2000 my husband and I returned to the UK at almost pensionable age. We then spent three years renting houses which soon ran away with our savings. We moved four times and by 2004 I was bleeding quite badly from my bowel. I was diagnosed with UC and am now using Predfoam spray each evening.
Drinking Aloe Vera was recommended by the specialist gastroenterology nurse at my local hospital. I have been drinking it for almost a year now. It has made a positive difference to my life because I rarely have the UC related pain I once had. I also suffer from skin problems which have all but gone and Rheumatoid Arthritis but my hands are not so stiff now, which is a bonus of taking Aloe Vera. I will continue to have every faith in this product. Aloe Vera has helped with the general quality of my life.
I have also avoided certain foods and am trying to lose weight while eating sensibly. I also take Probiotics, Cod Liver oil and green lipped mussel extract.
One of the other main strategies I have taken to improve my life is to avoid stressful situations.
CHERYL age 35
I have been drinking Aloe Vera Gel since being diagnosed with Crohns Disease three years ago. While drinking the Gel I have found that I am less tired and that I have good clear skin. If I don’t drink the Gel I get tired easily and I feel pretty dull in general.
I have tried living with and without Aloe Vera. I can honestly say that I choose to live with it now as I find I am a much healthier, happier person that way.
Contact us at The Natural Help Centre for IBD
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