HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Advice needed for meds/supplements

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/17/2010 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Ive been reading this forum and have read lots of good info so I decided to join and hopefully contribute and learn more. Ive had UC for just over 5years (diagnosed when I was 22, 27 now) and was prescribed Salofalk 500 (5-Aminosalicylic Acid EC) and was told to take 3 pills twice daily (3g per day). It kept my flare-ups to around once a year (usually lasting 4-6weeks) and the side effects weren't too bad (dry skin, aching joints, headaches).

Last year though my flare-ups were lasting longer (6-8 weeks) and happening more frequently (every 6 months vs every year) so my GI prescribed me Prednisone and instructed me to take 60mg daily (12x5mg pills). I did some research and wasn't thrilled about the side effects so I didn't take it. A few weeks later i went into remission so I never ended up using any of the Presnisone. I was in remission for around a year.

That bring us to 2010. I got a flare-up in January and it lasted for 16weeks (my longest flare-up ever)...i went into remission for 6 weeks and then it started up again...and im still in it. This is worrisome because after my longest flare-up ever of 16 weeks, i only went into remission for 6 weeks and then it started up again. Ive been taking 4.5g daily (9x500mg of the Salofalk) and it doesn't seem to be helping much.

What products/supplements should I be taking? Ive had some recommendations by doctors/naturopath but I'm, always skeptical when someone is telling to take stuff they sell. I've read a lot of good stuff about probiotics...what brand/products are you taking?

Also has anyone tried Remicade or Imuran? Both were mentioned by my GI during last year but I said Id prefer to stick with Salofalk as long as it's working well...but Im not sure it still is.

Thanks in advance.

Posted 7/17/2010 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on Imuran and love it, it works great for me with no side-effects (I'm flaring due to other issues, thus the Rowasa, but that is improving). Oh and speaking of Rowasa, you could ask for that too if you don't mind enemas.

As for supplements, probiotics help a lot of people. I dunno about me but I'm gonna stick with them. I'm taking Align. I'm also taking turmeric, boswellia, cat's claw, vitamin d-3, vitamin e, vitamin c (because of Imuran) and I think that's it. Check my sig lol. I'd also like to start krill oil. I might be ordering some soon.

Not trying to spam but right now at Puritan's Pride (search it) they're having a buy one get two free sale. So if you're interested in getting some supplements I think that'd be a good choice. It's a good deal. I just got a bunch of turmeric and cat's claw, but they have lots of other things too.
Posted 7/17/2010 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Well just from reading everyone signatures I went out tonight and grabbed some RenewLife Ultimate Flora Critical Care probiotics. This stuff is pricey but hopefully its worth the money. Do most people stick with the recommended dose of 1 pill per day? Anyone increase the amount during flare-ups? Thanks.
Posted 7/17/2010 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi..welcome to the forum.

You have rear meds as needed...can you explain since you didn't mention them (unless I missed it) in your posts.

I will take one or two of the critical care....but I do mix it with other probiotics. I take them only at bedtime.

Fibre supplements are a good idea.

Where exactly in the colon is your UC...throughout or limited?

q
Posted 7/17/2010 11:53 AM (GMT 0)
I take only a few supplements (after trying many) but the thing that put me into remission was diet modification. The supplements are just icing on the cake.
Posted 7/18/2010 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
q,

I used the rear meds (Salofalk Enema 4g) during flare-ups. Last time I got a colonoscopy was about 2 years ago and at that time about 3/4 of my colon was infected. I really should go see my GI again and see what he says but I know hes going to want to put me on Pred or something and I really dont want to go on it. Ive been trying to just deal with it myself and been avoiding making the appt. I just like to think the Salofalk is enough and that I dont need anything more because the side effects of the Salofalk aren't nearly as bad as what Ive read about other meds. I started taking the RenewLife probiotic today and also turmeric so hopefully those will help.
Posted 7/18/2010 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
You should be using both Salofalk enemas and the oral at this time. I see no reason you need to be on pred...why aren't you using the enemas at this time?

Hope the Renew Life UFCC is compatible ... use it at night on an empty stomach. I also usually use the same brand Fortify...I like the combo of both. Something for you to consider.

q
Posted 7/19/2010 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
I also take my probiotics at bedtime. You can take more than one if you want.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply