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The hidden phase of UC

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/10/2008 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
Is there a phase of UC in which "the flare is over but the bowel is not yet healed and so is still experienceing issues".

If so what are the symptoms of this phase, how long does it take to get over and can poor eating prolong this phase of the condition?

With thanks,

D

 

Posted 4/10/2008 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
I would think so. Seems logical - just like a skin wound where it's healed, but still tender and easy to tear again.

I would think staying away from lots of roughage would help - no large amounts of lettuce, cabbage, raw fruits/veges, whole grains - anything that could "scrub" at that precious new material.

Interested to hear other's thoughts.
Posted 4/10/2008 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe this is the point of the condition where food does cause bleeding - not directly by inducing an immune response (which food can actually do in the colon) but my "operational problems" due to the sensitivity to the gut wall. You'd reckon this would happen closer to the rectum as this is where the colon wall has the most blood vessels.
Posted 4/10/2008 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
I am wondering the same, I see GI to go over my colonoscopy on Monday. I know I had scarring in my colon and my bm's are not what they used to be but no inflammation......I wonder will I ever go back to my old bm's?

Also, I think for me, the healing process was speeded up by me avoiding caffeine, such as coffee b/c, coffee gives me increased bm's and not by not having it, probably gave my colon more time between bm's to heal itself. Just a theory.
Posted 4/10/2008 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
During this phase, be careful doing sit-ups or any abdominal exercises. I was feeling perfectly fine one day, did a lot of sit-ups, and had a ton of blood.

I still didn't flare, but I must have burst something in my intestines that was still healing.
Posted 4/10/2008 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
There are different levels of inflammation...some not visible to the eye.

There are different phases of healing as well....what you don't want is having fragile tissue...hence my suggestions and urging of using rectal meds.

The 5ASA meds do help keep inflammation down as best as possible...they are also believed to help prevent cancer....remember that chronic inflammation can encourage cancer.

IBS also happens in many of us......some UC symptoms can be like IBS...hard to distinguish sometimes.


Is one in early symptoms of a flare or still in a flare but suffering from a different level of inflammation.

quincy
Posted 4/10/2008 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Qunicy,

One is in real good health. Rectal meds sure have a role to play and I agree that the medical community just simply don't seem to tell us this.

D
Posted 4/11/2008 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
That's true....but patients have to also learn to not wait too long after early symptoms.

We're spreading the word of rectal meds....to the medical community as well. real loud sigh!

q
Posted 4/12/2008 7:47 AM (GMT 0)
The fact that the bleeding has stopped means that the tissue is less fragile.   I see that as a good thing...have your other symptoms decreased as well even though you still have diarrhea?

My doctor did tell me that some patients don't present with symptoms compared to the visual of the colon. Meaning some with severe inflammation might have fewer symptoms of discomfort than what should be assumed....and there are some with very mild inflammation and the patient has severe symptoms and discomfort than what should be assumed.

I've read that CDers have less bleeding than UCers....but I think it would depend on where in the digestive tract one is affected and how much of the digestive wall is affected.

quincy
Posted 4/12/2008 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, typically for crohns bleeding isn't near the top of the list like it is for UC and from my understanding it's based on those who have CD affecting the small bowel...however, when CD is affecting the colon/rectom then there is typically bleeding involved....if there is dark blood (almost black) that indicates bleeding from the small intestinal area and it's super dangerous.

:)
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