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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/22/2010 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everybody. Newly diagnosed here, ulcerative colitis. Suffered almost a year before diagnosis. I am having trouble getting into remission. Nothing seems to bulk up my stool. I am not on any medication.I have been taking VSL3, psyllium husk pills, bromelain, flaxseed oil. Only the turmeric seems to help. I drink raw cows milk every morning with cheerios, and I am drinking kefir all day long ( the only thing that calms my stomache) I am running out of ideas, the probiotics just dont seem to get any traction. Im not eating crazy, just tired of the urgency and diarrhea. Does anyone have any suggestions? They would be much appreciated. Im trying to hold onto a job here. Im afraid of any meds, or if anyone could reccommend one, at this point im more willing to try. Life is hell. Thanks in advance.
Posted 12/22/2010 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Here are just a few ideas, feel free to disregard.

D can be caused by a food/liquid intolerance and no amount of psyllium can bulk it up. Have you ever tried an elimination diet? You can google it. Common intolerances are: dairy, gluten and fruit. Some probiotics can also cause looseness. Have you tried a different brand? Flaxseed oil can also lead to D (many oils can unless colon is stable).

Urgency can be caused by inflammation of course but caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate) should be avoided.

Since you aren't on meds (and they never did much for me either) using diet modification is about all you can do.
If you have access to a doc who'll write an RX I highly recc. using a mesalamine enema. Worth the money.
Posted 12/22/2010 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
I personally think you need to be on medication if you want to get into remission. The mesalamine-based drugs are quite safe, and many UCers do quite well on them (in terms of getting into and staying in remission).
Posted 12/22/2010 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
I got desperate (before I was diagnosed and on meds) and went on the old fashioned low residue diet. I also went on a liquid diet for a while but that is probably not a good idea for any length of time. It definitely helped. Any form of fiber made me worse. It did not work as well as oral and rectal 5ASAs. I will go on a low residue the moment I start bleeding again but will also increase the meds.

Like everything it might not work for you
Posted 12/22/2010 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Your diet makes no sense to me...can you not eat any actual food?

You do need to be on meds...I strongly  suggest the 5ASA oral/rectal route.

But...there are some who are med-phobic...are you in that category?

Where exactly is your UC...throughout or limited?
What are your symptoms at this time?

q

Posted 12/23/2010 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
In my case diet does nothing at all. You need to speak to a GI and possibly get on meds.
Posted 12/23/2010 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Soluable fiber ie Benefiber, oatmeal, rice are all good to bulk up your stool. Feel better :)
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