Hello- what a relief to talk to people who get what I've been going through for the last 5 years of my life. A little background info (sorry I don't know all the lingo yet).... I have been suffering from AF for about 5.5 years now. It started when I moved in with my boyfriend (who I eventually married). It started with a very itchy bum. I didn't know the scratching would lead to a fissure. Anyway I didn't seek any medical care until about 2 year later. I'll fast forward the next 3.5 years. Saw my family doctor- she gave me numbing cream- didn't work. Saw a specialist next- more cream- no relief. Got married- had a baby- very healthy and normal pregnancy- still had AFs throughout though. Saw specialist again last December- he booked me for the LIS surgery. Had the LIS in June of this year. DID NOT HELP!!!!! Saw specialist in July- not any better, he thinks I have anal Crohn's- set up tests for that. Upper GI in October and Sigmoidoscopy today (Dec 16). Upper GI confirms I have Crohn's (but sig was ok- not anal crohns).

Last week I saw a naturopath and followed her recommendations. It was one of the most pain-free weeks Id had in years!!!!! here is what she said to do:

- drink more water (hard for me but I did it- atleast 60ounces a day)
- add ground flax, cinnamon, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds to my morning oatmeal
- no dairy
- rye bread instead of whole wheat, rice noodles instead of pasta
- L-Glutamine powder in my water - 3 tsp per day
- probiotic - 1 capsule 2x/day

Even the specialist today noticed that I was HEALING WELL!!
I just wanted to share my story. Fingers crossed that this continues.

Thanks for telling us your story, sickandtired.
I'm so glad your new diet is helping you! Let's hope this is the road to healing.
Did the naturopath tailor your diet specially for you, or is this a general fissure-friendly diet? What I mean is, did she identify any nutrients lacking in your diet, or any needs that are special for you personally?
I'm interested to know how naturopaths work.
Let us know how you get on!

Hi sickandtired,
Sorry to hear about your troubles.
I was wondering of you have any other symptoms of crohns like abdominal cramping, diarrhea etc? Did your doctor see any ulcers other than the fissure to confirm you have crohns?
I have a similar story to yours but I have been suffering for 2 years and two LIS surgeries haven't helped me. The last one was in June this year and while I'm bit 100% I do notice a few good days very month. I am very scared after reading your account and feel like I might be down that path too.

Hi Scientist2516, I am not sure if that diet is a general fissure-friendly diet. We did discuss my typical daily diet and she went from there.

SSK- I do not have any other typical symptoms of Crohns. No cramping. I think that's why it's taken so long to get a diagnosis. I hope you get better soon.