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How to fix urgency?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/28/2014 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
I've been struggling with colitis for nearly 10 years. about 2 years before my symptoms began I was hit with depression, stopped going out, lost touch with my friends and really haven't had a normal social life since then. When colitis came it just made things worse and for years I've not gone out and lived life out of fear of having an accident. Suddenly, I find myself 28 and thinking, my gosh what have I done with my life these last 10 years!? I have completely missed out on everything due to my colitis and depression. Feeling that number 30 getting closer, realizing life is short and that I have a lot of living to make up for I have this strong desire to get rid of my urgency which holds me back. I NEED TO LIVE! I'm also pushing myself to get out and live too despite my fears of an accident, even wearing a depends just to be safe. I'm so frustrated with what has become of my life that I need to change. I miss having friends! I spend so much time alone....

If you have any experience with getting rid of urgency please let me know how. I know diet is important. I'm currently looking into vitamin e enemas and fecal transplants. I am also wondering how much stress and depression has contributed to my colitis.

Hopefully someone can offer some encouraging words...
Posted 6/28/2014 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah man, 31 here. I also sacrificed a lot of social activity due to my constant worry. Not sure where you live but there are bathrooms everywhere. I've almost become a master at walking into random places and using the toilet. Don't let fear hold you back. Recently engaged, I find myself asking questions like "what the hell am I going to do when I have kids?" I really stepped up my effort to make some changes this past year. I started taking Zoloft and Klonopin which have significantly reduced my fear of accidents. When I am most fearful, I would just bring an extra pair of underwear and wetwipes in a backpack or messenger bag. I would also remind myself that I have had accidents only 1-5% of the time at most, considering I leave the house 365 days a year. It also helps if you just tell yourself, "if I have an accident, what happens next? I go home, it's not the end of the world. Even normal people crap their pants sometimes."

I also started doing this program through UNC (they lead the country in gastro research) http://www.ibshypnosis.com/ Don't let the old website fool you. Find a doctor on that list in your area and contact them. This has helped me significantly. A lot of my urgency is related to stress and fear. I have developed trauma based on previous accidents/stomach aches. Especially on my commute to work (MTA NYC).

You take immodium? I take 2 a day, some fiber too. Just load up on immodium and you'll be good to go. A lot of it has to do with confidence. I'll take a dump anywhere if it makes me feel better, I don't let it stop me from enjoying my life.

Hope this helps
Posted 6/28/2014 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
What is or has been your treatment plan in general?
Posted 6/28/2014 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to mention (like I always do), check with your doctor before just taking Immodium or any other anti-diarrheal. Long term use can lead to toxic megacolon in UC patients, so talk to your doctor first
Posted 6/28/2014 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
the ONLY thing that has helped my urgency is nicotine- any way, shape, or form!! and it helps me within minutes of ingesting it or using the patch.

i know it's a controversial treatment and some people get side effects from it, but it's helped me more than any drug i've tried (well, pred is my savior, too).
Posted 6/28/2014 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I've been considering the Patch, too. I am a former smoker who developed UC after quitting smoking and having a baby. (Pregnancy can cause flares, apparently.)
Posted 6/30/2014 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Suppositories helped my urgency. I guess the inflammation closest to my butt hole wasn't getting treated by the oral asacol or enemas. The suppositories treated that end bit and it helped. Like max power said, fear/stress/anxiety about accidents can actually increase urgency. Your body goes into fight/flight mode and that often leads to urgent dedicating. Gross comparison, but think about a scared dog that gets cornered and craps itself immediately. It's a natural instinct, when you stress yourself out about it it gets worse. I know this is a big issue for me. I'm seeing a psychologist to help me through this.
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