HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Ulcerative colitis cured by appendicectomy

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/13/2009 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
A new study shows that having your appendix taken out can cure ulcerative colitis or lessen symptoms.  A study done on 30 UC patients resulted in a cure in 40 percent, reduced symptoms in 50 percent, and no change only in 10 percent.

Here's a link to the article: http://www.6minutes.com.au/articles/z1/view.asp?id=489857

What do you guys think?

____________________________________________________________________

CollegeGrad85

23 years old

diagnosed with UC 11/08

Reaction to 5-ASAs

Currently on Align probiotic, Nature's Valley Probiotic Blend, Curamin, fish oil capsules

Not in remission, but seem to be close (with some minor bumps here and there)

Posted 7/13/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Interesting article. For now, alternative treatments are working for me. However, if it were a choice between the colon and the appendix, then I'd rather have my appendix taken out. The only thing is that there is no guarantee that the procedure would work. Plus, the article doesn't say that 50% were cured. It says that 40% showed complete remission for up to 25 months, 50% showed some improvement, and 10% showed no improvement.

It would be nice to have more information about the relationship between the appendix and the colon.
Posted 7/13/2009 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
This may be a good option for a person that is thinking of getting the colon removed.
Posted 7/13/2009 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
It might be something to continue to look into, but I actually was diagnosed years after having my appendix removed. 

Posted 7/13/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think it's directly related except to say that wonky bacteria in the colon could trigger an immune response.

My appendix has never been an issue...never inflamed, etc, but maybe it could be something for those have the cecum involvement?

quincy
Posted 7/13/2009 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I had my appendix removed via an emergency appendectomy a few years after being diagnosed with UC. Its removal didn't impact my UC in any way. I recall seeing a study that suggested the removal of one's appendix could serve as a protective measure against getting UC, but I hadn't seen one that showed it could have a positive impact after the onset of UC.
Posted 7/13/2009 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
thats pretty interesting. i guess its something that would be interesting to learn more about, i would never do that though unless it was getting down to last options.
Posted 7/13/2009 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
This theory has been tossed around for years, there's never been any large studies done to prove or disprove. And most serious researchers don't talk about it "curing" UC, but helping to stay in remission.
Posted 7/13/2009 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
I had my appendix removed last August, but haven't noticed any reduction of symptoms. However, UC for me is 100% diet based ... if I eat meat and veggies only I have no symptoms, if I add any carbs, even tiny amounts of fruit or rice or anything, I'm in the bathroom with blood.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply