Relief from Cramping? Traveling Advice?

Hello everyone,

I'm pretty new here - I'm in my 20s and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 16, hashimoto's disease (hypothyroidism) at 16, and UC at 22. I've been fortunate that I have good doctors and all of my diseases are relatively well managed.

I am still quite new at having UC, and am still confused about what I should expect. I appear to be having my first 'episode' (I am reluctant to call it a flare because I am not bleeding) since my diagnosis about three months ago. I'm experiencing an upset stomach, serious cramping, and some joint pains. This has been going on for about three days. Cramping seems to come and go whether or not I've eaten. I am not lactose intolerant, gluten sensitive, and don't have any other food allergies.

What do you do for relief from cramping?

Also I am currently traveling in South America (very far from my home!) My doctor gave me a course of prednisone (with instructions on how to taper etc.) and a course of antibiotics in case I got sick while I was away. At what point would you decide to start either, or both, of those medicines?

Thanks for your help!

If you can, try to get a doctor to prescribe you an anti-spasmodic such as Bentyl or Levsin. This can help with cramping. Also like TB said, a heating pad can work as well.