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Should Uc sufferers be afraid of a gastro out break??

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Posted 10/20/2009 8:51 AM (GMT 0)

Hi all,

I am a preschool teacher and often come into contact with the gastro bug.

I was just wondering if anybody else has experienced the gastro bug with Uc with out being admitted to hospital??

I got vommitted on by a child with the gastro bug earlier this year and was admitted to hospital for the second time since my diagnoses of UC, but am now on Imuran and hoping this may save me from another hospital admition??

I would love to hear all of your experiences with the gastro bug and UC.

Another question- do any other ladies with uc experienece an unsettled and grumbly bowel when they are about to have a period??

My male specialist believes this has always been the case for me, even before Uc and I just did not take notice then- I beg to differ!!

Peta

Daily meds

150mg Imuran

6 colazide

Posted 10/20/2009 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi....UC sufferers can definitely be set back from a gastro bug. I've had a few in my lifetime and they were awful.

The Imuran won't save you from a gastro bug, but it might help keep you out of the hospital for your UC.

You should, however be on a good dosages of probiotics to keep your gastro tract in the best possible fighting order regarding the bugaboos that can infiltrate at any time, not only the obvious.

Regarding your period and gastro symptoms.....the hormonal changes affect the prostaglandin levels in the colon and can cause loose stools or diarrhea and of course, the wonderful cramping!!! I had that with every period from day one.

Now, meds that are antiprostaglandins such as ibuprophen and naproxen aren't so good for UC.....but very helpful for some of those symptoms.

My flares always were up and down during periods....was a relief to have a hysterectomy.

q
Posted 10/20/2009 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
A couple years ago, I switched from Asacol to Colazal. I finally hit a fairly decent remission when my daughter gave me a stomach bug. It sent me on a spiral of all flares. I ended up being put on 6mp after fighting the flare for a year with steroid enemas. So yes, it can definately cause you to flare. But as to whether or not the Imuran will keep you out of the hospital...well no one can really say.

Yes and double yes to your other question. I have had a horrible cycle of hormone related flares that I opted to have the endometrial ablation. It doesn't stop the hormones from being produced but it does make things a lot easier for me since I no longer have periods. Many women, normal healthy women, have issues with their periods affecting their bowel habits. Add in a woman who has UC and it can make a recipe for disaster.
Posted 10/20/2009 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Another vote for probiotics helping to stave off stomach bugs and/or help you recover from them. I've always been deathly afraid of stomach viruses. To me, there's nothing worse. I'd rather have the flu. A stomach bug that runs it course in 24 hours for "normal" people could knock me for a loop for a week. However, since I've been taking Natren probiotics, I find I can avoid them or bounce back faster. My husband was nice enough to share one with me last winter and I'd say I got over it as quickly as he did. (Although I have threatened to ban him to the couch next time he gets sick.) I've also found increased doses of Natren's powdered Bifido Factor really helped me recover from these types of illnesses.

I'll agree with the previous posters on the link between PMS/period time and increased gut troubles. Even my Mom, who doesn't have UC, says she would have diarrhea or loose stools before a period. It's been discussed frequently on this forum.
Posted 10/20/2009 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
I had sudden uncontrollable chills, nausea, D, and fever on Sat night... woke up 2 pm sun with severe migraine. Today just have increased UC symptoms. I have never been admitted to the hospital for anything like this though.
Posted 10/20/2009 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had "stomach flu" last year (lost 8 lbs overnight) and it irritated my UC big time. But I never go to the hospital. Did you go because you got sick from being exposed to the child?

And, my UC would definitely feel more active during my period.
Posted 10/20/2009 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
I have never had a stomach virus while in a flare. I did have one once after having UC but I was not flaring so it did not seem to irritate my UC - just irritated me in general!
Posted 10/21/2009 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
I got something called the Nuro Virus once and it was awful. Anyway it kicked off a nasty flare and I had a miserable couple of weeks and almost wound up in the hospital.

Keep your hands clean and away from your mouth, eyes and nose...
Posted 10/21/2009 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all your posts and advice.

I am taking a probiotic, but I will keep the ones you mentioned in mind.

I went to hospital from dehydration last time which sparked a really bad flare.

My doctor asked me if I could change careers but I really love my job so that is not really an option!!
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