are there any cases of people joining the uk militry who have crohns disease?

Question

really want to join the RAF though I have crohns-I know they say that rules me out right away. yet I havent had any problems in 10 years and both my gp's say they back in my application.

Does anybody know of people with crohns in the UK services?

If I dont get in a dont know what ill do with my life

is there any way to object to me not being accepted? I meen Ive written of the the president of the medical board PMB and Im just waiting to here back- been told by my recruitment office that if i ring them monday they will have a def answer by then.

I was also told that when you go for your medical its up the that medical officer as to whether your allowed in or not.

Answer 1

In the case of Crohns Disease, they will not take you as severe complications from the ailment can become life threatening. You would be best advised to turn your attention to being able to say, "I do not have Crohns Disease at all".



Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease

Treatment for Crohn's disease depends on its location and severity, the presence of complications and the patient's response to medications. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers symptoms. Treatment relieves symptoms and results in long-term remission. Treatment for Crohn's disease usually involves medication and/or surgery.
Drug Therapy

Drug therapies must be custom-designed for each patient. Finding which medications best alleviate the symptoms may take time. When a patient with Crohn's disease undergoes surgery, it is important that the health care team (including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and the primary treating physician) know which medications the patient is taking.

Aminosalicylates (mesalamine)
Many patients with mild to moderate disease are treated with medications containing mesalamine. These medications differ based on what parts of the bowel are treated. The use of mesalamine to treat Crohn's disease, either to achieve or maintain remission, is sometimes controversial because not all studies have consistently shown that mesalamine is effective for Crohn's disease. Mesalamine is usually well tolerated and has no serious side effects. Patients may experience nausea, headache and diarrhea.

Corticosteroids
Some patients who have severe active disease or do not respond to mesalamine therapy may need corticosteroids such as prednisone to control inflammation and induce remission. These drugs are effective but have significant side effects, such as increased susceptibility to infection, mood swings, anxiety, depression, elevated blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts and osteoporosis. Physicians may use different strategies to administer these drugs in order to reduce side effects. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that is rapidly broken down by the liver, resulting in a much lower frequency of side effects. These medications are gradually reduced once remission is achieved -- and mesalamine or a drug that suppresses the immune system is used to maintain remission.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics such as metronidazole are sometimes used to treat Crohn's disease. They are particularly helpful in patients with fistulas and are often combined with other medications. The use of metronidazole to treat active Crohn's disease or to delay the recurrence of Crohn's for the first two to three years after an ileum resection surgery is often controversial because not all studies have consistently shown that metronidazole and other antibiotics are effective in these patient groups. Metronidazole can be effective in managing perineal Crohn's disease (involving the pelvic area).

Immunosuppressives
Immunosuppressives (drugs that suppress the immune system) such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are also used to block inflammation. They are effective but may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, liver problems or inflammation of the pancreas. They work over the long term by suppressing the bone marrow and, as a result, the immune response. Because of their potential side effects, frequent monitoring, including blood tests and doctor visits, are important. These medications take on average eight to 12 weeks to begin working. Usually the physician uses other medications to induce remission. Despite their limitations, these medications can allow patients to wean themselves from corticosteroids. Most patients tolerate them well.

Tacrolimus and cyclosporine, which are used in patients who have undergone organ transplantation, may be effective in patients with active Crohn's disease who are also receiving steroids, but only when given at high doses. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine are also prescribed as alternative medications when fistulas fail to close.

Biologic Therapy
A relatively new addition to medical treatments for Crohn's disease is infliximab. This is the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of Crohn's disease. It is an antibody that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an important cause of inflammation in Crohn's disease. Infliximab is given intravenously initially as a series of three injections. In most cases it is followed by maintenance dosing every eight weeks. It is effective in inducing and maintaining remission. Several other biologic agents for Crohn's disease are being studied in clinical trials currently.
Surgery

Many patients require surgery because medical therapy does not control their symptoms or because complications such as blockage, abscess, perforation or bleeding into the intestines have developed.

When you look at treatment options for Crohns Disease you must also consider your diet.


Crohn's is a complex condition requiring a complex solution. To help you eliminate symptoms associated with Crohn's Disease (and determine a proper Crohn's Disease diet), we must realize there are in total, nine separate variables that may cause your symptoms:

Lack of beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal system

The presence of bad bacteria, yeast or parasites

Lack of digestive enzymes (especially if you have lost your gall bladder)

Improper bowel chemistry

Intolerances to dairy products (very important in a Crohn's Disease diet)

Intolerances to fructose containing foods

Intolerances to gluten containing foods (also important in a Crohn's Disease diet)

Celiac Disease (a problem with gluten, but different than a gluten intolerance)

Possible food allergies (different than intolerances, it's an
immune response and must be identified if a patient is to eliminate their symptoms. Essential to determine your Crohn's Disease Diet)


Ultimately, you need to be on a diet that is 98% raw organic fruits, vegatables, nuts and grains as cells requires life-giving neutrients to pro-create.

This is an important link to a supplier of Homeopathic Supplies, you will need it someday.
http://www.freemans.uk.com/

Here is a list of Homeopathic Doctors in the UK, find a reasonable one and shop around for your supplies:
http://www.homeopathyhome.com/services/practitioners.shtml#UK

Good Luck

Answer 2

It is unlikely that a sufferer from Crohn's Disease would be welcomed in the UK Armed Services, recent cutbacks in the medical branch of all three services has reduced their capabilities to treat minor health problems and a severe condition like yours, even presently under remission, would not be welcomed.

Answer 3

Please read my answer to KARISUE (on these pages)

I hope this will be of help to you. My daughter has recently joined the army and loves it......Good luck to you! If you do not get in, then please get back in touch as I have more information I can give you.

http://www.mangosteen101.co.uk

Answer 4

YES