Posted 2/16/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell, kanlee'smom. I'm sorry your father is going through this. I was well into adulthood myself when diagnosed, and yes, we can be stubborn. First of all, whatever he does, he should not take any NSAID's for pain relief. That includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, alka-selzer, etc. Tylenol is okay and if he happens to have something with tylenol and codeine he could take that in moderation. NSAID's cause GI bleeding, and we already have that problem.
He may want something soothing for his bottom, as it will probably get sore. Stock up on wet wipes (adult ones like Cottonelle) and something like A&D ointment, Desitin cream, etc. That will form a barrier and help prevent irritation.
Sometimes a warm heating pad will help the abdominal pain. If it becomes really severe and sharp, he will need to go to the emergency room, as occasionally the colon can rupture during a bad flare, and that's a life-threatening emergency.
How long ago did he start the steroids? Sometimes they take a few days to kick in. They can be a life saver during a bad flare, but be sure he and his doctor understand they are not for long-term use. In addition to some really bad side effects, they will eventually become ineffective. So it's important that he get on a regimen of meds specific for IBD. Usually it's best to take an oral 5-ASA such as Asacol or Balsalazide as well as Rowasa, which is a mesalamine enema. That way the disease is treated from both ends.
Proper treatment should return him to his full daily activities. It could take a while, but we have to be a little patient with the treatments, it can take a while to find the right combination for us. Whatever he loves to do, he should be able to do if he's taking good care of his colon. This may be an incentive for him to accept treatment.
Good luck, and keep us posted on how you all are doing.