Is it possible to heal the colon?

 

This may be a dumb question...but has anyone seen an improvement in the inflammation of the colon from colonoscopy to colonoscopy? I have pancolitis and it seems all gloom and doom for me from what I have read since I was diagnosed.

ABSOLUTELY!!!! There are medications that should be able to heal your colon to the state of remission and ultimately for your future flares to be minimal.

One has to realise that not all medications do all for everyone, and there are some UCers who never get into a remission and have to ultimately have their colons removed before there is quality of life.

I've never had pancolitis, so my perspective is different from yours. My original diagnosis was rectum/sigmoid....but my flares are only limited now to the rectum and the amount and severity is pretty minimal.

I do only use 5-ASA meds, oral and rectal.

I do believe, however, that the success of some patients lies much on the GI one has initially as to the quality of treatment, meds given/suggested, interest in working WITH the patient rather than being the only one in charge, how he/she measures success..and the lost can go on and on.

UC doesn't go away unfortunately, and for some, they have had long remissions with mild flares, while others have had a varied severity of flares and are med dependent.

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

What is your med history and how are your flares/symptoms at this time?

Hang tough...it takes time for it all to get figured out.

quincy

Working out can exacerbate some of your symptoms....maybe consider something lighter.

How much water is a lot?

You should also be on rectal meds.

Eat often througout the day.

What are your symptoms at this time?

q

Exertion can trigger autoimmune symptoms.....so if one is working out like crazy, it might be something to reconsider. There are many different types of "working out" without doing it excessively.

Food can exacerbate symptoms, yes...but won't cause a flare.

Do make sure you eat...regularly.

q

She didn't say she was working out like crazy though, so based on what she said and your response is why I wrote what I did...and of course it's important to eat but with pred possibly causing weight gain (and for many we're talking 40lbs or even more) curbing the appetite with liquids is a good idea so you can try and avoid excessive weight gain.

As far as food causing a flare the jury is still out on that one (the jury being scientists/researchers) so no one can say for sure one way or the other, besides which, it can be a word game when you're talking flare vs exacerbation of symptoms.

Agreed that probiotics are a must, daily and indefinitely (flaring or not).


:)

Oh yes! My doc was happy to report that my last colonoscopy was clear with no ulcers, no polyps, and no inflammation.

Hey...I am in the same boat. I have pancolitis, I am guy and am desparatly trying to put on weight. I just had another colonoscopy which showed inflammation all the way through still...so I'm also back on prednisone.

My suggestion is to try to get as much healthy calories while you're on pred that you can, but try to avoid the junkfood binges (which trust me...everyone can vouch for how hard they are).

I also agree with Pb4 and quincy that a good probiotic is helpful. I take one...I think they help ...although I'm still looking for concrete evidence.

Try adding some flax oils or other healthy oils and nut butters or protein powders for weight gain. It's hard to gain weight with your body fighting inflammation. Keep working out, but listen to your body...don't overdo it and if you're having a rough week, month, year...just keep it light, enough to keep you active. (even if you have to downgrade to just stretching and yoga). Exercise is a huge stress reliever and it can help you feel better about yourself. I know when i'm at the gym, I just try to forget about it and just focus on being normal.

Keep fighting bud...and if you have tips you learn...pass em this way. I'm (along with many others) in the same boat.

Cheers