New Guy/Supplements

My first post. I am new to this forum and to UC having been recently diagnosed. When I first started with the symptoms I got on line and found countless suggestions for things to take to help with UC. The symptoms were so upsetting I ordered several of these (costly) things on line, including slippery elm, fish oil, grape seed extract and fennel seeds, hoping thy would stop the symptoms. When the doctor put me on the meds I was afraid to keep taking the supplements, like slippery elm, because they can block absorption of meds.

I just found this site and am overjoyed at being able able to discuss my issues with people having similar issues. My symptoms include morning bloody diarrhea, gas and frequent BM's through the day. I string 2 or 3 days together with little to no symptoms, then have a day or two of repeated diarrhea. I have had bright red blood in BM since this started in September. Did 10 days of suppositories, 30 days of uceris and just took first 40 mg dose of prednisone. I am also on Apriso. Doc wants me to do two weeks of 40 mg daily prednisone then come back to discuss whats next.

Has anyone had any success with slippery elm or grape seed extract? Should I be taking any of these things? Drinking slippery elm is like drinking glue, but worth it if it helps. Can I take these without impacting the meds?

In my opinion, slippery elm is better for those that do not take any meds. The reason you take it is because it coats your digestive tract, giving it soothing relief, allowing your colon to heal. But, that coating does interfere with the absorption of meds. Many say take it a few hours before or after taking meds so that the meds do get absorbed. But, my belief is that in order for slippery elm to work well, you would want to take it enough where your digestive system is coated 24/7 and if it is, then your meds would never get absorbed properly. If you don't take it enough to coat your digestive system 24/7 then what's the point?

Please look at our resources thread at the top of the page for other suggestions. Many have valid scientific studies behind them. Usually you use them in conjunction with meds. I had my stool analyzed and due to the results of that I discovered that grape seed extract would help re-align my gut microbia and since taking it I have improved greatly. But, all UC'rs have a different microbial makeup so you can't just expect to take grape seed extract and get better.

I can't help but think that in your case there is some kind of dietary or environmental factor (or stress) that makes you better on certain days and worse on others. There has got to be a reason for that and if you could figure it out, it might go a long way in finding a treatment strategy.

Thank you all, very helpful. I was on Uceris with no luck then put on 40 mg daily prednisone last thursday with no improvement in 6 days the doctor now wants to see me tomorrow to discuss hospitalization and/or med change? I have had this since September of last year, the symptoms are not debilitating just annoying. No pain, mostly just diarrhea in morning with some blood. Some days I have 8 BMs some days 3 or 4. Um usually good to go after 10 or 11 am with no more problems during the day. I fear taking more steroids for long periods of time. Doesn't seem like 6 days of prednisone w/o it getting better is long enough to jump to hospitalization to me?

I take Lialda and think it works through slipper elm much as it is designed to work through stool. not a "perfect" as an empty colon - but not too much problem in moderate doses. this is my opinion only, but my GI agreed.