fighting a flare (and a question for ex-smokers)

I hope everyone is feeling good! I am hoping to get some advice about what to do now that I feel a flare coming on. I had been doing well on Remicaide since April, but in the last week or so I have been feeling the telltale signs of a flare creeping up (mucous, increased trips to the bathroom, tenesmus, etc).
I am already on Remicade, daily Rowasa, Cuturelle and Apriso. Since I noticed the symptoms, I have added Canasa in the morning, doubled my Apriso, and am going to switch from Culturelle to VSL #3. I guess I am wondering if there is anything else I could do. I take fiber, as constipation has always been a problem, but I am thinking I should stop taking it. I also usually eat a lot of fiber too. Should I cut back?
One other question: is it possible to have a "mild flare?" In the the 11 years I have had this disease, I have either been relatively symptom-free or completely sick. I have had two major flares in the past two year, both of which have been pretty bad. Once my flairs begin, they seem to be unstoppable, no matter what I do. Is it even possible to stave off or lessen the severity of a flare?
I am feeling a sinking feeling in my stomach because I don't have too many options left. I can't/won't take prednisone anymore, so really Humira is the only thing left.
All right, maybe one more question: Are there any former smokers out there who have maintained remission for a good length of time after quitting smoking? Every UC flare I have experienced has come after I quit smoking (I'm not very good at it, so I've done it several times!). Picking up smoking again is not an option for me, but I am just curious if any nonsmokers have stayed in remission once they quit.
As always, thanks for your help!
Bridget

Cutting back on the fiber for a bit might not be a bad idea. During a flare, you want you make your diet fairly bland to not irritate anything. I'm sure you know that, though.

I think it's definitely possible to have mild flares. I've had several short flares that kept me in bed for a week from fatigue, but didn't send me to the hospital. Sometimes I wish it were like an on/off switch, though. Can be hard not knowing if it's the colitis that's making you feel crappy.

I've never smoked, but smoking/nicotine is one of the only things that's been shown to improve UC condition across the board. But smoking is so awful for you, it isn't a viable treatment.

Primal,
I don't "want" to put toxins in my body; as I said in my post, I quit smoking and am not going to start again. However, the "toxins" in cigarettes have been shown to calm inflammation in the colon, which makes quitting problematic for many people with UC. I have never been able to maintain remission as a nonsmoker (I have quit for long periods of time--2 years, etc.). I am happy to hear that you have been able to do so. I was merely looking for some hope/encouragement from other ex-smokers.
Thank you,
Bridget

there is a thread - in fact several threads - in this section regarding E-cigarretes. I suggest you read it.
My first bad flare appeared after quiting smoking for 1 year. Any attempt to quit was followed by flares. Now i smoke e-cigs (for 4 months already) and no flares until now.

bhb5764 said...
Primal,
I don't "want" to put toxins in my body; as I said in my post, I quit smoking and am not going to start again. However, the "toxins" in cigarettes have been shown to calm inflammation in the colon, which makes quitting problematic for many people with UC. I have never been able to maintain remission as a nonsmoker (I have quit for long periods of time--2 years, etc.). I am happy to hear that you have been able to do so. I was merely looking for some hope/encouragement from other ex-smokers.
Thank you,
Bridget

I was more referring to toxins in general. Coffee, alcohol, drugs, even cooked food is actually toxic. There are things that are toxic that you aren't even aware of. Read Aajonus Vonderplanitz's books and you'll see what I mean. (See my signature)

bhb5764 said...
Thank you, everyone, for the information.
Alinus--I have thought about the e-cigarette, but I have to say, I'm a little concerned that it would make me want to smoke real cigarettes. I also would like to not be tied down by an addiction to nicotine if at all possible. It is nice to know, however, that the option is there.
Bridget

You will still be addicted to nicotine.

Regarding what you will chose between e-cig and a real cig, i must say that i've smoked a couple of real cigs when i remained out of nicotine liquid. They tasted awfull.

I still have 1 pack of marlboro in my car, one at home and one at my office from since i've smoked real cigs. Did not touched them since. The one at my office stays right near my keyboard.

the matter with the e-cig is to choose the right brand, the right cartriges and the right liquid.

have a nice day. and if you can, stay out of them both.