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Newly diagnosed with UC

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Posted 10/13/2014 9:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

I've been diagnosed a few weeks ago with moderate/severe UC. I was passing semi-loose stools whilst in hospital but ever since leaving hospital 2 weeks ago I have not had any solid stools, just diarrhoea with quite a bit of blood but due to my lack of understanding I don't know if it's a lot of blood or a little to my untrained eyes.

I am on prednisone 40mg for 8 weeks and then will cut them down one tablet per week and this is supposed to help with my condition but since I've been on them for two weeks I've seen no improvement with my toilet habits (probably worse now if I am honest) - them being very bloody and urgent two/three times whilst sleeping and once or twice in the morning before 10am and then normal until night time.

I'm losing quite a bit of weight and I don't know if I am getting the correct support from my doctor/hospital regarding my diet and if what I am exhibiting is normal or not.

If anyone can give any guidance/advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Chuck.

p.s. just turned 29
Posted 10/13/2014 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry you're having such a rough time!

Are you on any other medication besides the prednisone? Normally they'll give you maintenance medication on top of steroids.
Were you diagnosed by colonoscopy? I'm slightly shocked that first time use of 40mg pred has done nothing for you. I think you could definitely benefit from topical treatment, either steroid or mesalazine enemas. They're a quick way of ameliorating symptoms.

Whilst your symptoms are this bad, it's best to stick to a low residue diet - this basically means low fibre so as not to further aggravate your colon. Google to get ideas on this. Cut out caffeine and alcohol. Some people find that dairy and gluten irritates them, but not everyone finds this. Keep a food diary and see if anything seems to make it worse.

Most importantly get plenty of rest.
Posted 10/13/2014 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
Have you been tested for C-Diff? Why were you in the hospital in the first place? On any antibiotics?
Posted 10/13/2014 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies.

Malaika: I started them in hospital and I seen my consultant on Thursday past and she emailed my doctor to prescribe azathioprine - I am going to be starting them tomorrow as that is when I have an appointment with them.

I was diagnosed using Flexible sigmoidoscopy. I self admitted myself to hospital two times due to stomach cramps and a little blood in the stools but nothing major...and since it's been getting worse. I was advised that I would more than likely have mild to severe UC with 40cm observed - sorry I am very new to this so I cannot remember everything they tell me at present.

Since being diagnosed I haven't had one drop of alcohol or caffeine within my diet and that includes tea/coffee.

Gary: I'm not sure if I have been tested for C-Diff...I've had around 30 blood tests taken in the last 6 months which I think has probably been UC all long. All tests have came back negative apart from a few liver indicators. I'm otherwise in good health apart from the morning - my stomach will sometimes grumble throughout the day but nothing crazy and I'm not getting any bad cramps more so a little uncomfortable.

I went into hospital due to severe stomach cramps around 2 weeks ago and they let me out the very next day and I was out for 24 hours and I had to go in again due to the pain. The pain has went away since the steroids (if that is what they do) but it's the frequency and blood in the stools that are worrying me...may be that I am new to all of it.

Thanks again for your replies it's very much appreciated.

Chuck.
Posted 10/13/2014 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
It seems odd that you have not felt any benefit from the Prednisone, if fact your worse!

I would contact my GI immediately and ask to be tested immediately for C Diff, which some people can contract in the hospital or from antibiotics, you need to have this ruled out before moving forward with anything else as this is a very nasty and serious infection.
Posted 10/13/2014 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
C-Diff is a stool test, not a blood test. This should have been done early on. The doctors are complete idiots if they haven't done it yet. I would check ASAP, like yesterday.
Posted 10/13/2014 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I should mention I gave around 7 stool tests throughout my hospital visits. I'm not sure what could have been getting tested for.

Like I say, as the day goes on I don't need to go to toilet as much but today I went 4 times between 7am and 10am and once 30 mins ago which seemed less watery(thicker but still not solid).

My consultant is on holiday but I will definately call them up tomorrow to see what they say before I start the other tablets. I thought the steroids helped take away the pain but still exhibited the loose stools and blood until I started the azathioprine.

Thanks
Posted 10/13/2014 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Just so you know, azathioprine takes months to build up in your system and take effect.

So they've just bypassed the mesalamine options and gone straight to the immunosuppressants?
Posted 10/14/2014 8:21 AM (GMT 0)
malaika, it appears that they have. I've not had any other instructions of what other drugs to take so I'm not sure. I have made an appointment with my local GP and will update later.

Thanks again for all your replies I am very grateful.
Posted 10/14/2014 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I forgot, the reason why they are putting me straight on azathioprine is because they don't think they would help. I forgot this point but my wife reminded me.

Sorry for the confusion
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