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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/26/2016 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all I'm new here I have to say I've been reading posts for 5 years when I got diagnosed. It's really helpful to hear others going through this horrific journey. I still cry as to why I can't live a normal life. I'm having a mild flare now and trying to battle it. I just want to have control over my own body with out all these pharmaceuticals. I have 3 kids a job and husband who is a corrections officer and is never home. I'm entirely to busy to revolve my life around this. How do you guys help stop a flare and feel like you have control?
Posted 1/26/2016 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
welcome shell !

not sure I quite understand tho - are you saying you read posts on this forum 5 years PRIOR to being dx'd, or you've been reading 5 yrs SINCE being dx'd ??? not sure that it matters tho -

are you currently on medication ? what are your current symptoms ? when was the last time you were seen by a GI ?
Posted 1/26/2016 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and have been reading this forum since.

I was at the doctors about 2 months ago I am on Asacol HD, 4 pills a day, I am on uceris once a day since I saw my GI last.

Currently just pain when I have to go I am going maybe 10 times a day usual for me is like 2 times. It's bloody and just a little bit at a time. Also, is it weird that heat makes me feel better? Like a hot bath or shower makes me feel like the inflammation has gone down.
Posted 1/26/2016 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
try adding rectal meds -
Posted 1/26/2016 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you still have rectal inflammation (proctitis.) That's one of the last symptoms we get rid of, usually. I agree with JustStud that a rectal steroid such as Anucort will help faster than anything else. Try to avoid oral steroids because of their horrendous long-term side effects.

Untreated, this will only get worse, so give your GI a call.
Posted 1/26/2016 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome. Coping with lingering uc symptoms is tough. We all just want to be normal and rid of our awful uc symptoms. I'm currently in remission, no uc symptoms, so it's possible. Before, I had lingering/simmering symptoms for 2 years, it's awful but we all do our best; no other choice.

If you're struggling then it's time to get aggressive with your treatment and try something new and different to find some relief.

You are currently taking 4 asacol hd pills a day, which are 800mgs (4 x 800 = 3,200mgs). I'd ask about trying the maximum dosage 6 pills or 4,800 mgs per day.

Uc is best treated with anti-inflammatory mesalamine through both oral route (your asacol hd) and rectal routes (canasa suppository or rowasa enema). You should ask about suppositories or enemas.

If you take 4,800 mgs of asacol hd and one 4,000 mg rowasa enema a day and still don't improve then immunomodulators would be next (Imuran, 6mp, or aza). That's a little premature for where you are now, but just saying there's lots of treatment options available and you've barely scratched the surface at this point.

For the best quality of life, you've got to have your uc symptoms fully controlled by a strong enough treatment plan. If not, we struggle. So, get aggressive and find your solution.
Posted 1/26/2016 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
No one wants to take a boatload of meds, but they are your best chance of knocking your symptoms on the head relatively quickly. Especially as it sounds like you're currently flaring. Other stuff, like diet and supplements, usually takes months and months of experimenting. Some people on this forum have achieved good results, but it almost seems like a full-time job in itself to me. I admire them for having the energy (and in some cases the money) to pursue it, but I'm seriously lacking in both.

If you are still interested in that side of things, then something somewhat pretentiously called the Briggs Protocol is worth taking a look at. If you google it, it's contained in the first link.
Posted 1/26/2016 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
How to stop a flare is the million dollar question on this forum. I agree with others that rectal medications are your friend. I used the generic rowasa, a mesalamine retention enema with great results.

Also, alternative treatments have been helpful for some such as diet change (paleo/SCD/FODMAPS/GAPS) and a variety of supplements have been suggested on this forum as well. I recommend trying these because they are virtually zero risk with at least some chance of helping.

Also, don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help with the kids so you can give yourself a break every once in a while. Put some time aside for yourself every day or every week to do something relaxing and focus on feeling better.

Good luck and I hope you kick this flare.
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