looking for advice...

I have been dealing with UC for around a year and a half. After being diagnosed, I went on Salofalk (5-ASA), and am currently I'm taking 8 a day. I've also worked with a naturopath to modify my diet, and am taking probiotics and fish oil.

Over the last couple of months, I've found my UC impacting my life more and more. Before, on a "normal" day I would be up maybe once a night at most, and have 2-4 BMs during the day, almost always with blood and mucus. But recently I've been having more BMs, am up multiple times a night, and am having problems with urgency. Even have had accidents, which as I'm sure many people here can understand, really sucks, particularly at work (and I've got a high-stress, fast-paced job, which doesn't help). I am also dealing with nausea, lack of energy, and pain. Ug.

Anyway, I am going to make an appointment with my doctor but I'm not sure what questions I should be asking at this point. Should I ask about mesalamine enemas? Or any other drugs? Should I ask for any specific blood work to be done? I don't think I need to go on prednisone at this point, but feel like I need to try something else...

     I have a friend who swears by flaxseed oil capsules, but my GI doctor said that would only make the diarrhea worse, so I tend to follow his advice instead. 

     You may have to go on prednisone.     Sorry, but it is the only drug which helps me achieve remission.  Hopefully, a short course will help you.  Ask your doctor but don't wait, ask him NOW.

Fish oil also does not "sit well" with me. I cannot take it!

I've just made an appointment to see my doctor on Friday and will definitely ask about enemas and blood tests, as well as an antispasmodic. I'll also ask about going off the fish oil for a short while (I've been taking it before I had UC), to see if it makes a difference.

Just to answer a couple of questions:

- The probiotics I use, as recommended by my naturopath, are Udo's Choice Super 8 hi-potency. They're not cheap, but apparently high quality.

- For fibre, I have been taking psyllium husk. I do admit, though, that I'm not always good at remembering to add it to my food. I can't handle much in terms of raw veggies (and definitely no raw greens) and am wheat-free (among other restrictions). I love flax seed but have heard that, even ground, it can be hard on an inflamed gut.

Thanks for all the replies! I guess I've just been coping with the UC, but really need to become a better advocate for myself and start asking my doctor about different options.

I take two capsules of the probiotics a day, usually after breakfast. Good tip to take them at bedtime -- I'll give that a try.

Thanks!