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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/15/2012 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I was recently diagnosed with IBD and most specificaly colitis. I have had two bowel resections in the past year and have really had a time with it. I was originally diagnosed after a colonoscopy to discover why I was bleeding. I started Asacol but shortly after had my second bowel obstruction and went off everything. My digestibe system did ok for awhile but about two months after my surgery, I started to bleed very heavily again, run a fever, have significant distention, and lots of gas and pain. The way that my last surgery was done, I am more prone to having diahrea. (my secum was removed) Anyway, I guess I am wondering how common this is. How do I figure out what triggers it? What can bring it into remission? I am just restarted asacol and have begun a regimine of VSL#3. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Posted 10/15/2012 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi tmckinz. I'm guessing that you have Crohn's and not ulcerative colitis. Maybe I'm wrong, but disease in the first part of the colon leading to obstructions doesn't sound like UC to me. You might want to visit the Crohn's forum for people with more similar issues, although this forum is more active and there is a ton of support here for all of us with IBD.

You do need to take meds that will get you into remission and keep you there. You will probably have to be on some kind of medical maintenance program for the rest of your life. It's not a terrible thing, but it is a new and unexpected thing and is probably upsetting. We understand how that feels.

Some people will try diets to keep their disease in remission and that might be a path for you. Even so, meds are probably the best way to get into remission. Also, since you appear to be prone to obstructions, you should probably be following a low residue diet for now.

How is it that your DRs have put you on Asacol only? Have you taken steroids to try and get the disease into remission quickly? Has anyone spoken to you about other medicines that might be more effective for you?

You should also talk to your DR about cholestramine, which might help with the diarrhea if it is due to your bowel resection.
Posted 10/15/2012 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
tmckinz,

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, I agree with kazbern,  sounds like it might be Crohns.

What exactly did your doc say?

Your starting VSL #3 is a good idea.

Can you get your doc to prescribe VSL #3DS?

The reason I ask is because it is double dosage, and might be coverd with a small copay. Are you doing the capsules or sachets?

IMO, the sachets are more effective.

Also, there are other things you could play around with which might help greatly with your symptoms: diet modification (especially trying gluten and dairy free), adding certain supplements, L-glutamine amino acid powder, and also slippery elm powder. 

Btw, there is a strong correlation between low vit. d3 and IBD, has your doctor checked your blood serum levels of vit. d3?

Also, you may want to check into LDN, low dose naltrexone.

There have been 2 studies done by Dr. Jill Smith at Penn State, with Crohn's patients going into remission as a result of taking it.

Anyway, there are things IMO that you can control, which will have a direct impact on your disease, the symptoms you experience and their severity.

I was able to control my UC into remission through various supplements, probiotics, diet modification, and LDN , low dose naltrexone.

 

For more info on the protocol which has put me into remission, please go to this link: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1666318 , and look at the 11th post.

I hope you feel better and let us know how we can help you.

Posted 10/15/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I've wondered which one of the two diseases mine falls under. I was originally diagnosed with IBD and only when I had a flare up again did the doctor say colitis. I go for a flexible sigmoidoscopy Wed that they are hoping will give them more information. I guess I should have mentioned that I went through 22 years of battling Anorexia and am now pretty much entirely dependent on tube feeding through a J tube. So my diet consists of Promote nutrtional supplement
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