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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/9/2010 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. Just looking for some experience and advice from people who've been there . . .

I was in a UC flare, trying to get it under control using prednisone and asacol since December of 2008. Once I stopped eating gluten and wheat I was finally able to taper off of the prednisone and was in remission with totally normal bowel movements, like more normal than I had experienced in years!! Then, I started noticing bright red blood, just a little, with BMs. Wondered if it was just a fissure or hemorrhoids. Bleeding got worse plus mucus, especially when I was under stress, now I feel like I'm in a proctitis like flare. I only have 2 or three BMs a day, still somewhat formed, but bleeding and urgency. I have no abdominal pain, gas, or gurgling like before. My GI put me back on prednisone, but it hasn't really helped. They want me to think about immunologic or biologic drugs. I want to run in the other direction.

In the last week or two, I cut out most dairy, stopped drinking soda, added a tougher probiotic, and started iron supplements. The urgency is almost gone, but my butt hurts! I feel similar to the weeks after I gave birth, to be honest. I still have some bleeding, but it's getting better. I also started taking Canasa suppositories again and I'm not sure if it's helping.

I would like to see a homeopath before I sign my life away to remicade, humira, 6mp,and the like.

I just don't think I'm that bad, and wonder if anyone has any feedback or suggestions. Thanks!
Posted 4/9/2010 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
     I've had UP for over eleven years.  What dose did the doctor start the prednisone?  For the first two years, I was on Asacol but the doctor switched me to Colazal...actually Balsalazide (generic).  He said it is better for treating the rectal area.  I took 6MP for over seven years.  At first, I did enjoy a two year remission, but then started to flare yearly and then twice a year.  Off the 6MP in Nov, started Remicade, it failed after the 3rd infusion.  Started Humira injections two weeks ago and had my second round on Wednesday.  Noticing improvement in the past several days.  Haven't bled in over a week, urgency subsiding and more formed stools.

     I believe Canasa is helping me too.  I also try to do the cort enemas, but they just don't want to stay in....just ooze out.  Down to 25 mgm of prednisone today, but started last month at 40 mgm.  Fish oil seems to make my bowels a bit looser.

     Years ago I was tested for gluten intolerance but it was negative.  So that isn't a problem with me.  I stay away from spicy, greasy foods and red meat.  Eat a lot of baked salmon (get the wild), very gut friendly.  I bought sunflower butter upon reading some posts where people do well on it.  It tastes a lot like peanut butter and I enjoy it on crackers.   My doctor prescribed cholestryramine to add some bulk.  I mix it with oj and drink it mid morning.

     The prednisone has given me major heartburn and I have to take Nexium while on it.  My other problem is insomnia...ugh.  Hate taking sleeping pills and the insurance company, all of a sudden, seems to be cracking down on these prescription sleeping pills....probably thanks to all those celebrities OD'ing lately.

Posted 4/9/2010 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
little

First congrats on finding what stopped your bleeding in the first place. You have some info to start with.
I don't have answers but you seem to be getting better with diet control. I've gotten a juice/extractor and drink different veggie juices. Ginger is supposed to be an anti-inflammatory so I bought a hunk of that to add to other juices. I have to stay away from fruit and sugar so veggies and protein make up 90% of my food intake.

Keep going. You seem to be doing a good job.
Posted 4/9/2010 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
littlelolo,  You would definately get bright red blood with a fissure and hemmoroids.  Take a mirror and look down there for hemmeroids (blue swollen viens) and with a fissure you might feel a burning sensation after a BM.  It's important to keep the area clean if it is any of these problems.  Hot baths help for hemmeroids and adding a fibre like metamucil.  If it is a fissure take some vitamin e on your finger and apply it to the rectum on the inside.  ITs great for healing.
Posted 4/9/2010 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
The mucus makes me think this isn't just hemmies or a fissure. I understand your reluctance over Prednisone - I've sworn off it for life - but it does sound as if you're catching this flare early while it's still in your rectum. I'd suggest trying steroid enemas to help calm inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid before trying systemic steroids.
Posted 4/9/2010 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the great replies! When my flare finally went into remission, last time, the dr. had started me at 40 mg. prednisone. This time he only had me start at 30. I don't know why. I think he already sees me as steroid resistant and didn't what me to take more than necessary. Either that, or he doesn't remember and offered out a quick fix over the phone. I agree that a steroid enema/foam or 5ASA that treats the lowest part of the colon is the way to go. I meet with them on Tuesday and hope to discuss these things. Honestly, I think I've got both hemorrhoids and fissures going on plus the proctitis. I really do hope I can get this under control soon. Today I have some lower abdominal pain and my rectum area is throbbing. I would love to sit in the tub, but I'm also a busy mama and time rarely allows. Maybe tonight :)
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