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Do other illnesses activate uc?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/22/2009 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
I was traveling last week and yesterday I woke up sick with a cold, aches and fever. I also was in the bathroom at least 15 times yesterday. Are we more susceptible to things like colds because of our immune systems? I am not on anything like steroids or Remicaide, just colazal.  Do you think the stomach stuff is just part of the bug I have or did it activate my colitis? It's not fair to have a chronic illness and then get other things on top of it. We have enough to deal with!! yeah
Posted 9/22/2009 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, other illness can bring on a flare - but then again, you could simply have a virus which involves excessive bathrooming. If it were me, I'd need to live through a few more days in order to make a judgment as to whether the abthroom trips were part of the virus or a flare. I figure I need at least 3 days of irregular poops to indicate a "trend" toward flaring rather than a "blip" - but while I'm living through that I do find it hard to be patient.
(As my GI once said, Folks with UC do get bugs that affect the stomach and intestines, just like everyone else...")
And sometimes we go into horrible flares that seem like viruses, with fevers and night sweats. But you mentioned a "cold" so that doesn't sound like what's happening with you.

Whatever, I'm sorry you're sick and I hope the cold, aches, fever and bathroom trips all get better!
Posted 9/22/2009 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks songlady. I appreciate the support more than you know. I love this forum because you know you are not alone!!!
Posted 9/22/2009 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I know! I love it, too. Where else can you talk about poops and rectal meds and all without freaking people out?! lol But we've all "been there!"
Posted 9/22/2009 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
I would agree with SongLady. Hang on for a few days. Not many common bugs will go beyond that. After that see your doctor anyway, if you still have symptoms. Could be a flare or could be a tenacious bug which will need treating anyway.

I have been susceptible to infection for years before UC. Also have been an asthma sufferer. My most frequent infections before UC were cystitis and thrush. It was a bad bout of cystitis treated with a double dose of antibiotics that coincided with the onset of UC.

It is pretty well accepted that UC is a result of a malfunctioning immune system, as is asthma to some extent, so it would be expected for us to pick up extra ailments. Top that with some of the medications we take, eg azathioprine, which further weaken our immune system, it is no surprise that we get bugs which can cause or mimic flares.

You will see from my history that I have been using LDN which rebalances and strengthens the immune system. Since June I have had no thrush or cystitis and my dr. has found that my lung capacity has increased. Read into that what you will.
Posted 9/22/2009 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
What is LDN?? Can you get it at the health food store?
Thank you for the info!
Posted 9/23/2009 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
I had the Flu, then two kidney stones... and THEN a huge horrible flare that ended up putting me from Lialda to Remicade lols.
Posted 9/23/2009 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Oh my!! That's a pretty bad bout of it. I am glad you are better now. I may go to the doc tomorrow to see if this is H1N1.
Posted 9/23/2009 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
I dunno if other illnesses activate the UC but sometimes the treatment of other illnesses does - this past June I had this bizarre yet way severe cough that just wouldn't quit and of course, after seeing my doc she prescribed a 5 day Zpak.

That didn't work so I had to go on even more antibiotics (ampicillin) for 10 more days plus I was given ibuprofen for the severe pain (all the coughing bruised my ribs!) and needless to say, the antibiotics and ibuprofen screwed me up bigtime - I guess the only consolation is I'm not even close to a remission right now anyway but seriously, it was awful.
Posted 9/23/2009 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Ooh, that sounds bad. I guess the only thing worse for us than ibuprofin is ibuprofin plus antibiotics. I cringe when they say I have to take them. I had a D & C three weeks ago and had to get some IV. Actually, it wasn't too bad, perhaps because they were IV.
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