Steve Marduch has Crohn's disease, an inflammation of the digestive tract. Eating was followed by stomach pains and vomiting. He was taking standard steroidal treatment, until his mom became worried.
"All those drugs that are used for Crohn's disease have very bad, very bad side effects," said Svetlana Smarduch.
She found a treatment used across Europe called Enteral Nutrition. It's a nutritional shake that put Steve's disease in remission.
"It's safer than most other modes of treatment we have available," according to Dr. Randolph McConnie, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Rush University Medical Center.
Although steroids work, they can increase the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and infections. A European study found this liquid diet is just as effective, but without the side effects. However, it can cost more than $200 a week and gets low marks for flavor.
"There's an issue of taste, there's an issue of how the patient tolerates the formula," said Dr. McConnie.
Steve is happy with the results."It's working out for me pretty good. I drink it I get the calories and proteins and I'm all set," he said.
He hopes to add solid food soon, but he'll stick to his routine as long it makes him feel better.
Patients typically stay on a strict liquid diet for six to eight weeks at a time, then slowly re-introduce food back into their diet. The product needs to be purchased on-line or through a pharmacy. It's not usually covered by insurance because it's considered food, not medicine.
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