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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/15/2018 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
During Easter this year I reported my first flare since 2009. Up until then a combination of Low-dose Naltrexone, careful diet and excersize seemed to keep me symptom-free.

My flare, involving frequent messy pooping, windiness, mucous and some bleeding, took me my surprise. At the time, I blamed work stress and plummeting oestrogen. I resolved to stick with LDN, exercise, a scrupulous FODMAP diet and enhanced probiotics as my Plan A. Resorting to heavy-duty drugs was my Plan B.

I am pleased to say I am, of this week, back to my old self! I now poop once every two days, as usual, and in a normal fashion. My energies are recovering. It has been a long haul but I knew I had to be patient.

This week I am seeing my regular GP about changing my HRT to a post-menopause variety with higher oestrogen levels. I hope this helps prevent further flares.

I know that some of you felt aggrieved that LDN has been my solution over the years. I count myself lucky that I found LDN before going down the surgical route that was being recommended to me. For me it is the way to go. UC is not the same for everyone and so LDN is not, I'm afraid, the magic bullet I wish it was.

Thank you everyone for your help way back in April.
Posted 7/15/2018 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear you're doing better....just to let you know that once every two days can still mean mild limited to the rectum inflammation. You could consider a low dosage rectal steroid foam for a few weeks.

Have you had blood testing done? Have you had AMA checked?

q
Posted 7/15/2018 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you're feeling better.
Posted 7/15/2018 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Quincy, thanks. I used foam sparingly during my flare. If I overuse it, it gets into my bloodstream and negates the effect of the LDN. Since moving my bowels once every two days and with a solid stool is my norm, I won't use foam unless I get hints of abnormality.

My bloods have been tested for my general well-being, i.e blood count, vitamin deficiency, hormone levels and AMA. The GP agrees that the only adjustment I need make is to increase vitamin B complex and increase my oestrogen levels. The latter, it is hoped, will combat vaginal dryness and also at the same time reduce the likelihood of another UC flare.
Posted 9/4/2018 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
My good news continues. I have no symptoms of my UC, maintaining myself with 4.5 mg LDN, enhanced probiotics and a low-FODMAP diet.

The school vacation has ended, so this will be the real test. Stress is a UC factor for me. It won't be long before I get some of that! Fingers crossed.
Posted 9/4/2018 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
That's fantastic. I always love to hear a positive story. Are you taking LDN orally or transdermal?
Posted 9/7/2018 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your response

I take LDN orally in a cellulose shell. No side effects whatsoever.

It is not a magic bullet, that works for everybody. I have to maintain a low FODMAP diet and probiotics alongside. The stress aspect is hard to control though.

Back at school this week I had to contend with a dumbass school governor who works in manufacturing industry and thinks that educating children is the same as making cars. How can such a bright man be so stupid? I came home so stressed, crying with exasperation. I am hoping this does not bring my flare back!

Back to the point, I think that LDN should be brought to the notice of every new UC patient, just so they can give it a try before diving into the difficult world of heavy-duty medications and possible surgery. So much misery could be avoided in a significant number.
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