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Permalink Reply by Judy on April 7, 2010 at 10:19pm

I guess I'm about the "closest". I have Crohn's disease. But I also have COPD which messes up the mix a bit.

I don't even know what all is going on w/me right now. I don't know if it is some Crohn's activity, the COPD or some reflux/GERD/aerophagia, most likely a combination or two or more..

I know one of the determining factors in how much, if any, of a healthy cecum and/or ascending colon have to be taken during a resection of the terminal ileum/ileocecal valve area is very much dependant on the circulation to the area. That would indicate to me just how important circulation (thus 02 in the bloodstream) is to that area. And if to that area one would then assume its necessity thru out the entire intestine.

On the other hand, there is some research to indicate that smoking can actully have some benefits for UC while being very detrimental for Crohn's.

And incidentally, appendectomy seems to provide some protection from UC but increases susceptability for Crohn's.

I"m sorry for taking so long to respond to this but have been feeling just rotten enough that I couldn't think of anything worthwhile to contribute to your question.

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on April 8, 2010 at 2:29pm

Judy, hope you don't mind me not pulling out the merck manual, or doing a google search, but just what are the most basic differences with Crohn's and UC.
Just lately (that I recall) I have been seeing ads on the TV for meds for UC.

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Permalink Reply by simanc on April 8, 2010 at 2:59pm

It's my understanding that the two diseases are similar. UC affects the Large Intestine and colon, and Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Check out the info at following link. This is just one of many.

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/ulcerativecolitis/a/diffuccd.htm

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Permalink Reply by simanc on April 8, 2010 at 3:02pm

Here's another helpful link that shows a side-by-side comparison of the two conditions.

http://colitis.emedtv.com/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-ver...'s-disease.html

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on April 8, 2010 at 3:08pm

simanc, thanks for the link. Both diseases sound painful and debilitating, nasty chronic conditions.

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Permalink Reply by simanc on April 8, 2010 at 3:13pm

Yep.

Mary Z said:

simanc, thanks for the link. Both diseases sound painful and debilitating, nasty chronic conditions.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on April 8, 2010 at 3:17pm

UC affects only the colon and spreads evenly. UC can be cured by a total colectomy. UC usually affects only the inner surface of the colon.

Crohn's, including Crohn's colitis, has skip areas of involvement and there is no cure for Crohn's. Crohn's can occur anywhere in the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's penetrates thru several lays of the intestine and can actually penetrate the walls of the intestine and create a fistula right thru to the outer surface of the skin.

Many of the meds used to treat these disease are the same.

Two EXCELLENT (the best in my opinion) support forum sites on the web for Crohn's and UC are ibdsucks.org and healingwell.com

I'm not sure about UC but w/Crohn's we are very susceptable to vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies.

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