DBwithUC,
An underlying unknown infection (UC), is the theory I support based on two years of extensive research. Point being, I'm simply saying, that I've come to the conclusion that UC is nothing more than an unknown, underlying, infection. This is my opinion and one theory that exists.
Here a few points that have helped me come to this conclusion:
1) FT has put many people into remission that otherwise have not been able to get there. FT acts as abx and pbx.
2) Probiotics seem to help many, as their flora is in need of balancing.
3) Our experience with Cdiff proves that an infection can cause colitis, build a resistance to meds, and destroy the gut flora balance. The only two cure options for those with refractory cdiff colitis is surgery or FT.
4) Why else would triple abx therapy be a form of treatment?
5) Our bodies were created with an immune system that "turns on" to protect us from pathogens. My seasonal (hayfever) kicks my butt 4 months out of the year as my immune system frieks out over the air I'm breathing....drugs provide little relief. Once the pollen, mold, etc. (pathogens), are finally out of the air, its leaves my system and I'm fine....my immune system gets reset.
6) Overwhelming medical research and treatment is focused on suppressing symptoms...this is because of the immediate need to comfort the patient and the incredible $$$ involved within the industry. Trials, meds, etc., are focused and driven by money. Most GI's make $300k+/year salaries, drug companies makes billions, do the math. Who is going to study things that don't make money.
7) "Disease" location: Our bodies will always get sick and show symptoms at the point of infection. This is the starting point anyway.
8) We know 1/4 of the gut flora, therefore, it is extremely plausible that an infection could exist in the other 3/4 we don't know.
Point being.....the colon is sick and inflamed, we know this. The contents within it (gut flora) are vital to our digestive process and help regulate our immune system, we know this. We don't know the majority of our gut flora, we know this. An infection to the unknown flora would cause all these problems, we know this. Thus, my support of an underlying infection. I think diet, meds, stress relief, exercise, etc., will all help control symptoms, but the problem will still exist and linger beneath the surface. Again, severity of disease/infection will pay heavily into this.
Sorry so long, but I wanted to attempt to support my reasoning. I hope it brings some value to this thread. Just my opinion, after 2-3 hours of daily research the past 2 years.
Post Edited (trojen) : 4/15/2012 12:27:44 PM (GMT-6)