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Weak Immune System

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/3/2010 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
I am 36 and was diagnosed with moderate pancolitis back in July of 2009. I seemed to have responded well with Lialda and take 6 a day, but have not required suppositories or enemas, or steroids.

I got a flu-like bug in August and again in October and didn't think much of it, but then on Christmas I broke out with shingles.

I have felt light-headed for the last couple weeks and have added a B complex vitamin in with my daily vitamin, but

clearly, my immune system is down... has anyone else experienced this? Any idea what I can do?

Posted 2/3/2010 10:45 PM (GMT 0)

Hi JC,

That's great that you are responding well to Lialda.  But just in case you are still bleeding internally, my 2 cents would be for you to keep an eye on your iron levels.  I have been filling "buckets of blood" (bright red toilet several times a day) for waaaay too long.  I was feeling light-headed and just weak.  Come to find out that my hemoglobin level was down to 7.8 (<12=anemic).  I'm increasing my iron now, but still can't walk from car to house without needing to rest.

Currently I have a small cold, menstrual cramps, cold sore, anemia, and of course, UC.  (whine whine!)

Please don't run yourself down!

Posted 2/4/2010 1:04 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the response.

Is it strange that I seem to be having exhaustion and immune system problems or is that just a part of the UC? Has anyone else gotten shingles?

I would think that with an over-active immune system that apparantly has nothing better to do than attack the colon, we wouldn't be more susceptible to things like shingles.

Posted 2/4/2010 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Shingles is a relative of chicken pox, caused by the same virus. I have always understood that if you have had chickenpox, then you can get shingles at any time......usually when you or your body is stressed. Rest and go get a blood work up and see if you are missing any essential vitamins or minerals. I sure hope you feel better soon.
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