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HOW CAN I HELP SOMEONE WITH COLITIS?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/12/2007 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
My pregnant sister just informed me (she's on baby #5) that she has Colitis and posibly Anemic too... We are 2,000 miles apart - what can I do (maybe care package items) to help??? 

 

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Post Edited By Moderator (Loneylane) : 10/12/2007 8:45:41 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/12/2007 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Wildrabikah, and welcome to Healingwell. I had to edit your post because we ask our members not to post personal information for your own protection. I'm so sorry to hear that your sister has been diagnosed with Colitis...is it Ulcerative Colitis? There are several types of Colitis, and Ulcerative Colitis happens to be one of them. Is she bleeding at all? I think the best thing you can do is offer support; you've already found an awesome site to gather some info. Also try the Chrohns and Colitis website, they offer a lot of good info too. Take care, and hope this helps.
Posted 10/12/2007 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to Healingwell :) It's nice of you to want to send some sort of care package to your sister. But I think just her knowing that you will be there for her is going to be enough. Maybe not in person but a phone call away. You need to find out what type of colitis she has (though all of them are not fun), but if it's not Ulcerative Colitis but another form, then maybe with the proper treatment it will go away one day. Unlike UC which will never go away on it's own. Does your sister have a computer? If so, have her come visit us anytime and have her visit www.ccfa.org
Posted 10/12/2007 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
eyes  Ooops!  Thanks Moderator (Loneylane)
Posted 10/12/2007 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Are there any foods or snacks that are "easy" to eat/go down with Little to No irritation or symptoms?

 

I'm not sure which type yet... this is still new...

Posted 10/12/2007 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Well although some believe food/diet has nothing to do with IBD, there's enough research showing that refined sugar causes bacterial over-growth which exacerbates IBD symptoms...

If someone was offering to send me a care package this is what I'd want (afterall, you are looking for ideas here);

I'd want a good probiotic (the one I use is called primadophilus reuteri made by natures way, it has to be kept cold so unless you could ensure it would be sent cold packed, I'd at least give the name of this probiotic and urge her to try it...it's completely safe (and necessary to take) even while pregnant.

I'd also want Stevia to use as a sugar substitue, a small amount and I mean the tip of a tsp into a cup of tea or something goes a very long way, it's a natural sweetner, very safe compared to refined sugar.

A good "bathroom" book, something funny and uplifting as it gets fairly depressing sitting on the pot all day and night.

A box of chamomile tea (selestial seasonings makes a good one, the taste is not too strong as chamomile can taste pretty gross) this is a natural anti-inflammatory, just make sure she's not allergic to ragweed or she won't do well with chamomile.

A gift certificate from her favorite store so she can buy herself something she'd really like.

:)
Posted 10/12/2007 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Soft TP!

Since she has other babies, she'll probably have diaper rash cream - it's a godsend :)

Someone to listen - about a good day, about a bad day.
Posted 10/12/2007 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
PB4 & DAKOTA - THANKS! I can now make her a little pamper basket w/ a good book and the gift card... I will def look into the probiotic - Thank U! God Bless U All!
Posted 10/12/2007 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
One of the best things you could do if you have the money, IMHO, is spring for a cleaning service to come in every other week or so to help keep household chores under control. This was a huge burden off my mind when I was really ill.
Posted 10/13/2007 9:39 AM (GMT 0)
ROCK ON PRINCESA!

I second the house cleaning service. Best thing hubby ever did for me was to hire the "House Fairies" to work their magic.
Posted 10/13/2007 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
I also think that maybe like a card that just says thinking of you, and maybe like the others said about the house cleaning.

I know that after our last son was born, my body had a terrible attack. The hubby and kids were on their own as to eating etc. I would be hungry, but then you know what happens if you eat......... and I know that you have to eat..


My sister has tried to read about as much as she can about UC - the rest of my family just dont get how it is so different for everyone that has it.
Posted 10/14/2007 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
You might want that gift certificate to be to a store that sells lacy, sexy things. I remember being first diagnosed and in the bathroom 20 times a day. I felt dirty and ugly, and never thought I'd feel sexy again. I can only imagine that being pregnant at the same time may really increase those feelings. My wonderful husband told me that I was still desirable and surprised me with a beautiful negligee and a romantic weekend at a luxury hotel. It gave me hope that some day I would feel like an attractive person again.

Posted 10/14/2007 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
That reminds me: when I was first diagnosed and was so ill, a friend of mine from church gave me a little makeover at the exclusive shop where she works. That was another gift that could help someone feel more attractive and be a boost to their spirits.
Posted 10/15/2007 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
AWESOME! So she needs a shopping card, maid service, spa gift card, a funny book, and the probitic! I also through in a ticket/visit from me :)

I wish you all the best! Thanks for the great ideas and 'clueing' me into everything... She seems happier when I ask questions rather then her trying to sift through the info worried about what she can or can't tell people because she doesn't know their limits on TMI - with me, I told her nothing is TMI (too much info) and she needs to lean on me and not be afraid to do so.

I have diabetes and she's always been there for me... I'm sorry that anyone has to go through UC... Bless U All!
Posted 10/15/2007 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
Boy I wish I had as thoughtful siblings as you! Do you mind giving my brothers classes on compassion?? :) Your sister is very lucky to have you and I find it really sweet that you are going all out for her.
Posted 10/15/2007 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
for me, just having people to talk to and really listen and care and call me/email me to see how I am doing means the world to me.

Also, i'm with Princesa, we are going to have a cleaning service come in....it's just too much for me and my husband he works 6 days a week, has school 2 nights a week, plus does side jobs 1 or two nights a week and he just can't do it all and I am too tired to really do much (he installs fire sprinklers & HVAC) so he has a tiring job and still does the dishes, cooks (we both do) and clean but don't know how we manage to mess the house up??? Mostly we need someone to come in and clean the floors and dust (we have mostly wood floors and I hate them, they look nice but such a PIA to clean, hate sweeping & mopping)
Posted 10/16/2007 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Oh the cleaning service is a WONDERFUL idea! What a relief that would have been for me :)

I'm sure that avisit from you would do wonders as well. It was always great when someone was able to take my mind of things - it was a way for me to feel better for a while. Make sure she knows that she's not to prep for your visit in ANY way. She's to let you take care of her!!

You are a wonderful sibling!
Posted 10/16/2007 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
I think the best gift you can give her is to educate yourself and family on what UC is and how it makes a person feel. I have a very understanding family who have learned as much as they can so they know best how to support me.
Your sister is very lucky to have you in her life, you sound very supportive!
James
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