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First Time Hospitalization

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/26/2012 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
I’ve had a stubborn flare for several months now. Because lialda, prednisone (60MG), cimzia, etc. haven’t been able to get it into check in 9 mo of trying, the doctor wants to try checking me into the hospital for IV steroids and I’m assuming bowel rest. It’s been tough getting details out of him about what to expect.

I’m wondering for those of you who have gone through this, how long were you in the hospital? What all did it entail? Was it complete IV nutrition along with the IV steroids? How did you know if/when you were getting better? Were you in remission when you left? What happened when you returned to solid food again?

It seems like a drastic step to me since I’m basically healthy (short of running to the bathroom several times a day and all night). Was it worth the time out of your life?
Posted 3/26/2012 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
I was hospitalized a few times. Basically each time was about 5 or 6 days that consisted of bowel rest, massive IV steroids and two of the visits I also had to have a blood transfusion. My UC was severe and I really never acheived remisision even with the IV steroids and that's potent stuff. I remember feeling a little better after leaving the hospital but I always ended back up in a flare.

It sounds like you are not as sick as I was so you will probably benefit from this. Good luck!
Posted 3/27/2012 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I have never been hospitalized so I can't give too much feedback.
I am suprised you didn't get more responses, many of the people here have been hospitalized due to UC.

I am sorry you're not improving. It sounds like it may be necessary to go to the hospital considering the medications you're on. In my opinion, anything is better than long-term steroid use. Maybe if you go to the hospital, you will be able to stabilize and go home quickly and then you can form a maintenance plan that works. Hopefully you are abel to get into a long remission sooon.
Posted 3/27/2012 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
I was on prednisone 60 and humira when admitted to the hospital. IV steroids did help a bit, but I didn't see dramatic improvements until I started remicade on my 7th day in the hospital. I think most people do respond quickly to IV steroids but it wasn't the case for me. If cimzia isn't cutting it, maybe its time you considered switching biologics. Either to humira or remicade?

As far as the actual hospital stay, I was on clear liquids for a couple day then I was switched to a low residue diet for the remainder.

Post Edited (uc22) : 3/26/2012 8:48:38 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/28/2012 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
     When I suffered with UP (mine was proctitis), I was hospitalized twice.  The first time was when I was diagnosed, in 1998,  and the hospitalization lasted eight days.  I remember being on bowel rest, being fed by IV and on IV steroids.  The second time, in 2008, the hospitalization lasted ten days.  By then, I was also on 6MP for at least five years.  My pancreatic and liver enzyme levels were through the roof and my blood pressure was uncontrollable because of prednisone.  I really thought they were going to have to carry me out of there in a pine box that time rolleyes .

     After Remicade and Humira failed, I said, enough already and had surgery in 2010.  Soooo happy to be off all those meds yeah .

Posted 3/28/2012 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I was hospitalized for 9 days (would have been longer but I BEGGED them to send me home:))
IV fluids and steroids for most. No food except the last two days of clear (broth and jello, barf.
Be careful if they do complete bowl rest when starting to eat again. I was in agony with indigestion when I
went home and had my husband make me a tuna sandwich. Thought I would die!
I definitely was not in remission but was no longer running to the bathroom 30 times a day.
No blood. I was in pretty bad shape when I went in so I definitely noticed a huge improvement on coming out.
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