HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Separate Questions: Remicade / Slippery Elm

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/25/2009 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
1. I'm not above trying natural treatments in combination with my medication. I saw Slippery Elm at Meijers yesterday and read a lil about it. Is anyone on it/has anyone tried it? If so, how was it?

2. My first GI mentioned Remicade but said they weren't sure if it'd work for UC. Here I've noticed that some people are taking it. How does it work? What're the side-effects? Does it act as an anti-inflammatory, thus helping arthritis? Just some info would be nice. I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask the doc but I can't go in 'til the 6th. Any info would be great!

Posted 6/25/2009 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
I tried slippery elm and not only did it taste AWFUL (and I mean awful, nothing would cover the bitter flavor of that stuff), it also didn't help me. I would give it a try if I were you, It can't hurt.
Posted 6/26/2009 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Slippery Elm is good. The Dr. that I'm getting my supplements from recommended it. I think it is very soothing. I've taken the caps. They are pretty cheap too, around $8 for 100 caps. It's worth a shot.
Posted 6/26/2009 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Don't know why your GI isn't sure about Remicade, it's been approved for UC and is very effective. It promotes healing of the colon in those for whom it is effective. For me, it hasn't proven 100% effective, but it has gotten me almost there, all but the last few centimeters. It's improved my life immensely and while my GI is recommending the surgery since in the two years I've been getting the infusions it hasn't gotten me 100% into remission, it's giving the luxury of being able to choose when I have the surgery, letting me prepare mentally and fiscally.

While I haven't experienced any side-effects, my GI's feelings is that since they don't know what the long-term effects might be, it is a very powerful medication and if it's not getting me 100% into remission he thinks the risks don't outweigh the benefits at that point, hence his recommendation for jpouch surgery when I am ready.
Posted 6/26/2009 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
I just wasn't sure about the Slippery Elm because I read it can affect the absorbtion of medications. While I'm not worried about the Imuran, since it takes so long to get out of your system, I'm more concerned about my birth control. Speaking of, can birth control make you go into a flare? I don't remember if I started having mild problems before I started it, or just after. Hmm? If it was after, there could be lots of causes... that, or the ringworm I had, or the antibiotics I needed for that. Ahh.

As for the Remicade, I might not need that. I believe they classified me as having moderate to severe pancolitis but I've been in remission for a while. But maybe not now, I have to wait and see. I'd like to find something that will help with my arthritis more. It gets pretty bad.

Posted 6/26/2009 11:02 AM (GMT 0)
I use slippery elm in combination with comfrey and marshmallow root powders as part of an enema solution (but only when needed). It is very effective at stopping bleeding.

If taken orally, it is suggested that you not take other medications within two hours of consuming slippery elm.
Posted 6/26/2009 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
I take a slippery elm pill before each meal- it was reccomended to me as it coats the bowel in a slippery substance to allow food to pass through more easily- so I am told!!
Not sure if it is working or not though cos now I am constipated!! (not sure of the cause of this either)!!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply