Diagnosed today

I had a colonoscopy today and the doctor said it looks like proctitis and will probably be a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis once the biopsy results come back. I am a 45 year old female and have been having symptoms for 1-2 year, but kept putting off the scope...dumb, I know. My doctor was supposed to call me in a script for steroid enemas? I haven't heard from the pharmacy yet though.

I have done a tiny bit of research this afternoon and have a few questions

So far my symptoms seem mild and I am thankful or that! My main concern is getting this current flare up under control and trying to keep it that way. I will take whatever meds the doctor recommends when I see her next week. Otherwise, can diet help at all? I am currently on a low carb diet and avoid all wheat as I think that is a trigger for me. I had eaten pretty bad for a few weeks when this flare up started...lesson learned.

I am also wondering about alternative treatments in addition to medicine? I do take a probiotic, although I don't think I am taking enough. I ordered digestive enzymes but haven't started those yet.

Any advice for me? I really appreciate the help and so thankful to found a place with others who are going through the same thing!

Jean

garylouisville said...
So far you seem like you are on the right track. What are your symptoms?

I can go months with being fine, then I have daily bouts of diarrhea, mucus and blood plus lots of gas and bloating. I also noticed joint pain and had seen a doctor for the joint pain, thinking maybe RA or Lupus. Never thought something like UC.

kazbern said...
Jean, the steroid enemas should help at first, but they are not a long term solution. I would request mesalamine enemas and use those from the get-go.

You might also be put on oral meds, depending on how high the inflammation was found in your scope. Talk to your GI about sulfasalazine as one of your meds - this is probably the best approach to dealing with your joint pain.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the information. I will talk to the GI. I noticed in your signature that you have been GF, do you feel this helped your symptoms?

Cavalier9 said...
What dose of probiotics do you take? Generally 50 billion+ daily is needed, some take in excess of 500 billion. VLS#3 is a very common probiotic for IBDers'. L-Glutamine also seems to be a popular choice for many. Good luck!

Not sure of the brand but I bought them at the health food store. I will look into VSL though, as well as the L-Glutamine. Thank you!

kazbern said...
I adopted a GF diet many years after my initial diagnosis. By that time I had cleared my proctitis. Going GF helped me resolve some annoying issues like soft stool and painful bowel spasms.

Good to hear!