HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

New to this

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/26/2015 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I'm completely new to this and don't have all of my test results yet, but whatever came back is pointing to UC.

My symptoms started about 10 days ago with Cramping+D+Blood+mucus. I had Sig test and Endoscopy done right away and have an MRE scheduled for this week. Dr. says it's mild UC she put me on Lialda and Canasa. after taking this for 5 days I have not seen any improvements she suggested that enemas work better than sup. So I started those instead and for 2 days did not have any bm at all (not sure if its a good thing), but still some mucus + blood. Today back to lots of cramping, D+some blood, less mucus. Here are my questions:

1. Is it normal with UC to go from feeling better for 2 days with minimal symptoms and then back to all the symptoms.
2. Is it normal to experience indigestion and upper GI issues with UC? I had no issues prior to diagnosis 10 days ago. Could it be the side effect from meds? The moment I eat just a bit more I feel the food is in my throat?
3. Are there foods I should stay away from?

Thank You so much!
Posted 10/26/2015 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
One more question: Is there anything I can take for immediate relief such as Imodium?
Posted 10/26/2015 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Healing takes much longer than 5 days, hang in there. I'd say plan on a month or more, and don't be afraid to contact your gastroenterologist if things don't improve (treatment is trial-and-error taking many adjustments to a typical treatment plan to get it right)..

1.) Uc healing is anything but consistent when healing. Ups and downs are common, I saw a lot of this, myself.
2.) That's not something I've ever experienced. Uc is limited to the large intestine. Do you also have GERD?
3.) Very individual for uc as a whole. When flaring, as a generalization, you'll want to stay away from spicey foods, rather think bland, cooked foods. A high fiber diet is something you should avoid, as is caffeine and alcohol. Many of those can be reintroduced once you heal.
4.) Some of us use Imodium to help, I'd ask your doctor first though (especially since you experienced constipation...).
Posted 10/26/2015 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
UC is usually diagnosed by a colonoscopy with tissue samples taken. If tissue samples were taken during flex-sig, your pathology report will tell you what type of colitis you have (sometimes "indeterminate").

Did you have stool samples examined?

Your treatment, in part, depends on the type of colitis you have. How did your M.D. determine your condition was/is UC? And yes, upper GI symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramping can be a side effect of Mesalamine especially if you were asymptomatic prior to taking them. It does take time for them to work though, so often you may be prescribed steroids to help quiet the inflammation until the Lialda and/or Canasa kick in.

Regardless, you came to a great forum with lots of valuable advice. Be sure to take advantage of the search box on the upper right of your screen--it will search within the forums.

In my experience, during a flare, the discomfort is daily and progressively worse. But if you're "simmering"--heading for a flare, or just coming down from a flare, it is common to have a few good days followed by worsening symptoms. It all depends on the degree, extent and location of your inflammation. Try to get a copy of the pathology report when it comes.

It's not bad if you skip a bm occasionally (wish I could). Ask your PCP about the imodium.
Posted 10/26/2015 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You so much for your responses. It feels great talking to people who are going through the same thing.

There were lots of biopsies taken during the sig test as well as the endoscopy. I also submitted stool samples, and did a blood test. It seems that results are coming in slowly and not all at once. What ever dr received so far says it's colitis and she said mort probably UC. My follow-up is next week, buy then everything should be ready.
The endoscopy pointed to GERD, which has never bothered me before, so have to assume that my discomfort is due to the meds, will definitely ask the doc.
She sent me for an MRE to rule out Crohns.
Posted 10/26/2015 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
I get upper GI symptoms when flaring. For me it's not caused by the meds, but rather the inflammation going on in my colon. When I'm inflamed I experience indigestion, feeling full after just a few bites of food, nausea, etc. It's like everything is all trapped in there and comes up the other end through my mouth.
Posted 10/26/2015 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yes! that's exactly how I've been feeling, like things are not moving down. Thanks RockerGirl.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply