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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/4/2014 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
I’m going through a really rough time right now, and I’m looking for suggestions on what I can eat that will cause me the least amount of discomfort as possible.

I’m currently taking Asacol HD and Rowasa, and I’ve had two Remicade infusions (10/9/14 and 10/22/14). Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any benefits from the Remicade yet...in fact, things have gotten quite a bit worse in the last two and a half weeks or so (since a few days before my second infusion). In addition to the urgency/frequency/gas problems I had been having, I’ve gone from mostly solid stools to all diarrhea, I’ve been bleeding significantly more, and I’m experiencing some terrible cramps and pain. I have some dicyclomine, but I don’t like using it during the work day because I get both blurry vision and sleepy. It only helps a little bit anyway.

I’ve spoken with my doc about going on something else to get me by until the Remicade starts working, and he spoke of both prednisone and methotrexate. First though, he ordered a bunch of stool and blood tests (I did them yesterday), and he scheduled me for a flex sig on Friday (he’s having me do a full prep, and he said he may go farther).

Anyway, I’ve lost 13 pounds since my infusion on the 22nd. I just don’t feel like eating. I’ve tried white rice, bread/toast, homemade applesauce, plain chicken breast, and scrambled eggs. All of them has caused painful cramps afterward. I need to start eating…does anyone have any suggestions for me? Anything that might not cause cramping and pain?

I really appreciate the advice.
Posted 11/4/2014 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
What helped me last time I flared up is home made chicken veg soup that simmered for quite a while; only thing in it I believe was chicken stock, small pieces of meat, carrots, and chicken broth. Family made it for me so not 100% sure. And then for the mornings I would eat home made banana pudding. Cashew milk (1 cup of non salted cashews + 2 cups of water blended) banana (both blended into the mix and sliced up in after) all natural vanilla flavoring and oat flour (natural oats blended up). It worked well for me maybe it will offer some relief for you.
Posted 11/4/2014 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I think the stool test was a good idea. You may have C-Diff. I would increase the VSL considerably, at least for a while anyway. It could not only help your UC but, if you do have C-Diff, it could also help with that too.
Posted 11/4/2014 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
hey dr.r -

i've never used it, but I think bentyl is an anti cramp med that a lot of folks here have - maybe that might help -

ya, it sucks cuz you do need to eat but when you feel like crap all the time ......

do you have someone that can help out in the meal prep department ?

I would second ctechs advice about broth - any kind of meat, preferably something organic/free range, but whatever,with some vegies might be helpful -

just keep trying -

if you have been using the vsl for a while, increasing wouldn't hurt - but if it's new, just go slow - some folks don't tolerate it -
Posted 11/4/2014 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
No, no doctor here! (Obviously!) tongue

Thanks very much for the replies, all of you. Luckily, I have a wonderful (and very concerned) wife who is a great cook. That's a good idea about the broth and soup. She's offered homemade chicken noodle a few times, I've just turned her down. And we have a freezer full of venison, about as organic and free range as you can get. She could make a soup with that as well.

I didn't even think of upping the VSL, I will definitely do that. Okay to add a multivitamin too? Will ask about bentyl.

Thanks again.
Posted 11/4/2014 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Bentyl is the brand name of dicyclomine which you said you are already on without too much success. Figured I'd save you a phone call to your doc.
Posted 11/4/2014 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you're having such a hard time. You're already on low residue by the sounds of it so most things seem to be problematic. If you plan on making broth, try bone broth if you can, it's meant to do wonders. Potatoes without skins seem to be easily tolerated by most. Good luck
Posted 11/4/2014 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'd get on prednisone. Bland foods are your friend avoid: spicy, high fiber, and caffeine or alcohol. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Good luck,
Posted 11/4/2014 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Smaller more frequent meals. Lots of liquid calories if you can. It's gross, but you've lost weight so you may want to consider a nutritional drink (something along the lines of Ensure, but there are specific ones for people with IBD)- your doctor may be able to recommend one. They have a ton of calories which may helps stop the weight loss.
Posted 11/4/2014 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
There are some people who think highly of Mercola shakes because they have less "junk" in them than run-of-the-mill protein shakes. I've never tried them but trust the people who said they were good.

Keep fiber low and chew everything thoroughly. Perhaps turn your ham into ground ham (which I love anyway), hamburger not steak, etc. Less work for an inflamed gut. Cook veggies until mushy. Look in the babyfood aisle for nutrition and small snacks.

Bone broth, turkey and chicken broth are soooo healthy. Add good oils (olive, coconut) into anything you can (like smoothies) for healthy calories to keep weight loss down.

Good luck.
Posted 11/4/2014 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately it's all trial and error and foods you eat now that don't seem bothersome can at some point become bothersome and visa-versa but here's a pretty good link that may be a helpful stepping stone....


http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14683/1/List-of-Easy-to-Digest-Foods.html
Posted 11/5/2014 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all of your advise. You've given me a lot of great ideas to try, and I'm going to try and hit the grocery store after work today. Thanks again!
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