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Just recently dignaosed w UC. Advice/Help

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/26/2017 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
So Im a 41 yr old male tht just got recently dignaosed w UC. I was having stomach pains but always thought something i had eaten was bad or didnt agree w me til the blood during my bowel movements came then got better til recently. I went to the Emergency room after tht happen for a week straight and after an examination and CAT scan i was diagnosed w UC. So im new to the eating this or cutting tht type of food out. I know im lactose intolerant so bought almond milk w rice crispies which is a good breakfast w no pains or cramping. Bread of any kind is a def No-No. Found out the hard way. Need advice on healthy snacks and lunches/dinners. Any suggestions would be helpful. And not currently with a gastrointestinal doctor but trying to find one specialist w UC so tht i can get the proper treatment or will Any gastrointestinal doctor be ok? Thanks for any help.
Nate
Posted 7/26/2017 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
In my experience, some GIs make IBD more a focus of their practice than others. I'd seek out a GI that does. And yes, you need to see a GI asap to get medical treatment.

In the mean time, I think you're stuck with trial and error as to what makes things worse if you're in a flare. Most people try for mild, bland, easy to digest foods (so limit raw vegetables, fried or greasy meals, or anything spicy). But, as you will soon learn, UC is highly variable, so what irritates someone else's gut might just agree with you.
Posted 7/26/2017 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
When i went to ER I am taking Ciprofloxacin HCL 500 mg 2x a day & Metronidazole 500mg 3x a day. Thanks for your response. Been trying diff foods and listening to my gut as to wht work and wht doesn't. I'm unfortunately in a different state from where i live so i cant get to or find a doctor til october or november. And dont have health insurance atthe moment so gonna have to try and navigate medicare so i can seek the doctor & treatment i need for this.
Posted 7/26/2017 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've recently begun reading "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" which is all about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. I have not fully implemented it yet, but I've read on this forum and others that people believe it to lead to improvements in their symptoms.

http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/

There is also a recipe book for it I ordered, as well. Looks good. I've also quit eating breads and milk, although I'm not sure I have a lactose issue. But, it's all trial and error.

Definitely get with a gastro person who specialized in IBD (if possible) as soon as you can. Getting on the right meds will make all the difference.
Posted 7/26/2017 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
It's so overwhelming when you're first diagnosed. I can't offer much but encouragement. For me, it was so depressing and upsetting but, once I found a good GI and the right meds, things got SO MUCH better. Don't get discouraged.

As far as foods, pretend you have the flu and stick to bland, easy to digest foods until you get the flare under control. The worst things (for me) were tomato products of any kind, raw veggies and spicy foods. It varies for everyone.

Best of luck and I hope you get a good GI real soon.
Posted 7/26/2017 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto "Most people try for mild, bland, easy to digest foods (so limit raw vegetables, fried or greasy meals, or anything spicy)." I'd add caffeine and alcohol can be problematic for us when flaring badly.

I'd call and ask who within their practice focuses on IBD, as there will be a variety of staff who are targeting specific parts of the gastero-intestinal tract from the esophogas, to liver, stomach, and so forth. Simply being a gasteroenteroligists doesn't mean they specialize in IBD. I moved this year and spent considerable time on the hospital's gasteroenterology website reading the GI doctor's online profiles, watched their intro videos, read about where they got their degrees and their area of focus, etc. A lot of information is available online to help educate you on who is best. Most smaller practices will also have biography's about themselves.

And hey, if you're suffering who can see you first and the quickest might be a primary decider. You do need to be on some medications.

You could see your primary care doctor (or general practitioner) and see if you can get a prescription for 5ASA/Mesalamine (Lialda, Apriso, Delzicol, Pentasa and/or Rowasa enemas), if you expect it to take a while to get into a specialist's office (and in some areas it can take months). Getting relieve fast is always a plus!

In the meantime, avoid NASID pain-relievers (Aspirin, Bayer, Aleve, etc) and only use tylenol. A heat-retaining pad or hot water bottle is great for temporary relief from an achy lower abdomen.
Posted 7/26/2017 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the help everyone. Glad i found this forum. It is a bit overwhelming but with time i beilieve things will get better. Trying not to look past tommorrow & trying to keep a good outlook no matter how much pain i may be in. I've been looking over all the differemt topic & issues others having w UC & definitely helps im not the only one.
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