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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/19/2009 6:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all.  I'm in the midst of a flare and I have a few questions.  I'm into my 4th day of prednisone 40mg daily for two weeks then taper down. I have experienced very little relief so far.  How long does it typically take to kick in?  I've also been on the usual two Asacol 400mg three times daily for the last five years. 

I'm suspect that dairy products may be bringing on my flare-ups, but this is fairly new to me as this is only my 2nd flare in five + years since diagnosis.  My previous flare-up was last November and lasted about seven weeks.  Basically I can't leave home unless I take a couple of Amodium AD, then maybe one more to get me through the day.  I was prescribed hydrocortisone enemas last time and they worked well, but are too expensive for me to handle as I have no insurance at this point.  Once I started the hydrocotisone I had relief within a week.  I'm hoping the 40mg pred will do the same trick.

I guess I'd like to hear how we try to keep flares at bay.  I understand that this disease affects all of us in different ways.  Should I be taking probiotics?  If so, what products do you suggest?  I'm staying away from the dairy products, caffeine, acidic fruits, veggies and sauces etc.  What else should I be aware of?  My GI said he didn't think spicey food like green chilis have proven to affects UC.  I find this hard to believe.  What are your experiences?  Thanks in advance. 

Durango Kid

Posted 7/19/2009 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
     Where is your UC located?  If it is in the rectum, ask your GI doctor if he has some Cort enema samples he can give you as you have no insurance at this point.  Chances are, he will be glad to help you out.  I know my GI will gladly give out samples to patients in need of these meds.

     I was on 40 mgm of prednisone for a week and tapering by 5 mgm weekly.  Presently taking 35 mgm along with 100 mgm of 6MP, Cort enemas nightly, Canasa suppository in the morning and nine Colazal capsules per day.  My nutritionist recommended Power-Dophilus probiotic by Country Life.  I think I order it through Vitacost.com.  Look through the sites and try to find one with free shipping.  I believe it cost something like $12 for 200 capsules.  I take 2 daily and one fish oil capsule too.

     Baloney on what your GI said about spicy.  I learned the hard way.  We were camping up in PA for a few weeks the end of May, enjoying too much of the "good life", going out to Italian restaurants, etc.  Well...a bit too much pizza and ravioli at one of the BEST Italian places we could find and WHAMMO...two days later...MAJOR FLARE.  I also have to stay away from caffeine while flaring and I love my cup of coffee in the morning.  So right now, I am being very good.  Eating low residue foods, lots of fish, soft vegetables, yogurt.  I put Silk in my rice cereal with 1T of Red Mill ground MEAL flaxseed and a T of honey (breakfast).

     A word to the wise...stay away from green chilis..lololol.

Posted 7/19/2009 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Christine.  I believe my UC is in my rectum.  When I was diagnosed over five years ago they gave me some pictures etc. of the clonoscopy with a summary of my condition.  At that time I was put on asacol and it also gave me an excuse to start smoking again.  The UC remained in remission for five+ years so I didn't consider it an issue.  I quit smoking three years ago and the UC flared last November.  I don't know if I still have the GIs summation.  This time around I'm dealing with my primary care physician.  When the last flare came on it took three weeks to get an appointment with the GI and by then it seemed that the flare was full blown.  The GI won't prescribe without seeing me first so he can be positive I'm flarring.  What a bunch of bunk!  It seems pretty obvious to me.

I'll check into the probiotic.  When I was at the GIs office last flare they didn't have any Cort enema samples.  As I recall the enemas cost around $125.00 a week.  OUCH!

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