Springtime Flares

Does anyone else notice that they get flares in the springtime? I suspect it's connected with allergic reactions to pollen.

Since both UC and allergies are problems with over-active immune systems.

I was just talking about that to one of my partner docs the other day. With this recent flare I got to thinking about how often they come in the spring. The one before this one I had to cancel a seminar trip which was also in april. The one before that around the same time. I have never had any outward allergy symptoms that I can remember though. Good point, curious about others.

My flares seem to be more connected to times of great stress. Usually August and january. August I used to be stressed about school starting (both as student and teacher) and january with a new semester starting and holiday bills ect piled up. Actually all of my flares have begun slowly in august and really popped into a huge flare in jan.

I have winter flares. Like clockwork

All three of my major flares (current included) have started in the spring.

Spring is my worst time of the year...I've always hated it.....lots of stress...both real and perceived because of stuff I need/should be doing plus I'm busy with clients. I do have discomfort from the tons of road crap that's swirling around in the air...I get a sore throat and sinus snotties from it. No pollen around here yet...

I'm bothered by allergies somewhat....allegra seems to help...but I don't take it continually.

I'm never ready for Spring...that would probably help a lot regarding some of my stress. Stress definitely has an impact on my flaring....but I always have stress and don't always flare.

Did I mention I HATE spring??

q

My first major flare late Feb./early April. Almost exactly a year later, I was back in the ER. Since then, I learned to manage my condition - the addition of a powerful probiotic was key - and I no longer flare in the early spring. My theory was it might be connected to seasonal affective disorder as well as allergies. I got a full spectrum light box and spend about a half hour in the morning and half hour in the evening in front of it during late fall, winter and early spring.