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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/30/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)

Hi

Just joined this forum, although I have been reading your comments all week. I feel better that there are other people who are experiencing the same conditions that I am, not that I wish that anyone should deal with these issues.

Diagnosed in 2005 with UC. On Colazal 3 pills 3 times a day, started fish oil 3 capsules daily just last week. Mostly I have been able to deal with it, but this year the condition has gotten worse. I have an increased frequency of BM and have had accidents. I have an appointment with my GI doctor in two weeks.

Any advice is welcome. I have been taking notes about the meds and supplements that are mentioned in this forum. I will be asking the GI many questions this time and taking a more proactive approach. Any additional information I obtain will help me in my quest for relief.

Thank you all for being open about this undignified condition. Just reading your communication to one another has made me feel better both mentally and physically.

Regards.

NABO

Posted 4/30/2010 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi..welcome to the forum.

Where in the colon is your UC...limited or throughout?

If you haven't had a c-scope since 2005, make sure you request one.

Have you had blood testing done since 2005?

The last but biggie on my list....request Rowasa retention enemas...they should be taken nightly until your symptoms have pretty much stopped...then tapered to every second night. Again if your symptoms remain quiet for maybe another month, then go to every third night...etc.

If the doc suggests prednisone without firstly the rectal meds...please reconsider.


quincy
Posted 4/30/2010 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for info and the welcome.

I believe that UC on left side but will clairify during visit.

Last c-scope in 2008, UC stable at that time.

Have blood test every year or so with familty doctor.

results - hypertension, under control with meds, slightly elvated glucose, just over 6, no meds for glucose and and of course slightly anemic.

Should I look for anything specific in blood test?

NABO
Posted 4/30/2010 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, welcome to HW Nabo. The blood tests are just to determine your WBC, maybe CRP and/or your iron level. There may be more tests in there somewhere but I've got me a brain fart at the moment! :)

I hope to see you around more and don't hesitate to ask any questions regardless of how gross you think it is. Trust me, we've heard it all and are experiencing it right along with you!
Posted 4/30/2010 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!
What struck me when I joined here was the wealth of info and all the things can and do help various of us! We all respond differently, so you need to find what helps you - but this group is wonderful for double-checking your info and response to all kinds of meds and supplements.
As Quincy said, do ask about rectal meds - the medication put directly on the problem helps more than many doctors know!
Posted 4/30/2010 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest starting probiotics since you can do that without a script while your waiting for your doc. Also a lot of people on here have complained that fish oil gives them 'slippery poo' or something to that effect.

Anyway since you have only been on oral 5-ASA there are a LOT of treatments available to you. I suggest you avoid steroids if you can, unless you're doing a lower dose and a quick taper. The side effects can be horrible. Try the rectal meds like quincy suggested, and if they don't work for you consider trying azathioprine or 6-mp. There are also the biologics like remi and humira. There are also many alternative treatments out there (I plan on trying whipworms if the azathioprine doesnt keep me in remission) so ask your doctor how he/she feels about these. Other alternatives include fecal transplantation and low dose naltrexone (LDN).
Posted 5/1/2010 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info.

I heard that you should consult with your doctor before taking probiotics because they may interfere with meds. Is this true or just a wise tail?

I also hear alot about prebiotics. Any info on these?

Fish oil is OK with me. I rather have slippery poo than a shooting fountain.

I will ask about rectal meds.

Blood test done in January by family doc. All within normal ranges except as stated above.
Posted 5/1/2010 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
I told my GI I take probiotics. He just asked which ones. At the time I was taking Natural Factors Protec. He responded that they were good ones to take.

Don't take them at the same time as meds...take them about 2 hours afterward or 2 hours before.

Prebiotics are basically carbs....they come in the form of fibres or sugars. Some choose to stop consuming both on the basis that they're bad for you. Most probiotics have a prebiotic in them, and many of us take fibre supplements. Seems both would be covered then.

When your glucose level was up...were you on pred at that time?

q
Posted 5/1/2010 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
If pred means Prednisone then no ( sorry I am just getting use to the terminology here). I ihave only been on Colazal for UC.

Thanks for the info, I will look into probiotics.
Posted 5/1/2010 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE....request rectal meds. Rowasa retention enemas....don't just accept the suppositories. They're not effective enough.

q
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