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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/20/2008 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I was recently diagnosed with colitis...currently awaiting the results of a Prometheus IBD test.  I have a question for the knowledgeable folks on this board.  After diagnosis, I began taking antibiotics and asucol (sp?).  They worked perfectly for a week causing my symptoms to stop (mucus and blood).  Wednesday night we had a personal event that has caused a lot of stress.  The symptoms have returned and are even a little worse than before.  Does stress lead to a flare up or would that be coincedental?
Posted 6/20/2008 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
I always feel worse when I'm under stress and flaring. Even if it's a momentary thing, like say I'm driving down the road and some car almost hits me and I get freaked out for a second, my stomach almost instantly starts to hurt. Stress [[they say]] won't CAUSE a flare, but it can certainly make things worse.
Posted 6/20/2008 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
when coming out of a flare, I seem to take a couple of steps ahead then a step back, but at the end of a week or two period looking back I can tell I was better than the week or two before that.

I just started getting normal bm's once a day though still have several bathroom trips a day w/just the sediment, it's slowly getting better, that is great that you responded so well!
Posted 6/20/2008 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe the antibiotics are the culprit?? They work well while you take them, but they may have initiated a yeast overgrowth as your good bacteria was being killed off as well as the bad. Antibiotics wipe out everything. I suggest some probiotics to restore your bowel flora. As well, the stress could be a trigger, as you said. UC symptoms are definitely like a roller coaster ride.
Posted 6/20/2008 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Kim could be right as well, for some people antibiotics alone can trigger a flare even while in remission. Some types are prescribed for UC though, but I've never actually had a doctor give me antibiotics for my UC
Posted 6/20/2008 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Even though medications can be working, it may take a few weeks for your inflammation to subside and your colon to heal, so you don't always see results right away. If you're still having problems at 2-3 weeks, talk to your doctor.

And yes, stress can trigger D. and queasiness in anyone, even worse so in those of us who have IBD.
Posted 6/21/2008 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Stress has caused a lot of issues for me and is the reason I came out of remission late last year. I had a flare while going through fertility treatments and even got Shingles. I think everyone is different but stress definitely affects my IBD. I tried relaxation techniques but my anxiety was contributing too much to my IBD acting up. I got on Lexapro and I've noticed a huge difference. I'm not saying that everyone should get on Lexapro of course, just that I am a big believer that stress will affect your IBD. I'm sorry about your diagnosis - this is a great place for support and advice!
Posted 6/24/2008 1:38 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for all the advice everyone.  Sorry for the delayed response, but my wife is just getting out of the hospital now.

I spoke with my doctor last week and he changed my perscription to an 8 wk dose of prednisone.  Three days now, and still having sypmtoms.  I'm hopeful that the medicine kicks in soon.

I'm so grateful to have a forum like this to vent and learn from others with shared experiences.  Thanks to all!

Posted 6/24/2008 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Disbooner - welcome to HealingWell! We're glad to have you - but sorry you had to find us :) Knowing there are others out there who UNDERSTAND is huge emotional blessing.

I hope your pred kick in quickly.

Sorry to hear your wife was hospitalized. I hope she is well!
Posted 6/24/2008 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

Hi

I've found that under stress I put a lot of tension on my stomach area. In the same way someone might clench their fists perhaps others clench their guts. Maybe this can aggrevate UC. I've been working on becoming more aware of this when I'm doing it and then trying to let that tension go.

Good luck

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