Does anyone have ulcerative colitis and how to live with it? i am taking medicine but it doesnt seem to work?
970197
Hi.  im suffering from a ulcerative colitis at the moment.  I have been taking 40 mg. of prednizone, 9 colazal pills and 75 mg of mercaptopurine (6mp) and one rowasa enema at nights.  I have blood in my stool, my stool is very lose and cramping each and everytime.  I was doing really good for the last four years, until i had one alcholic beverage, which they tell you not to have, and the flairups started five weeks ago.  My dr. told me to stay away from fruits, vegtables, red meat, fried food,  dairy food, caffine, soda and juice.  he said to only eat white stuff like chicken, pasta, rice, white bread until i see some improvement.  so far im doing a little bit better then i was five weeks ago, but hopefully i'll see some changes soon. if you see no changes in your condition please talk to your gastro. dr. and see what other meds. he can give you.  you had not mentioned your meds. so dont be affraid, im 41 years old and i have been living with this conditon since i was 17.  Just make sure you get your yearly colonoscopy done in time to make sure things are ok and dont stress out cause stress can really affect the colitis, i know its hard, but until they find a cure for us this is the best we can do,  best wishes to you and i wish you a speady recovery.
694401
Hi Superbad\n\nHere are some ideas on how to better your condition.\n\nCauses\nIBS can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet and nutrition, food allergies, imbalanced levels of hydrochloric acid, impaired immunity, infections, lack of exercise, pharmaceutical drugs, and stress.\n\n\nQuick Action Plan for IBS\n\n1. Avoid all sugars, refined flour products, and carbohydrates, milk and dairy products, processed foods that contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners, alcohol, hydrogenated and trans-fatty oils, as well as foods that are common allergens. \n\n2. Emphasize organic, fresh vegetables and non-citrus fruits, organic grains, as well as organic, free-range meats and poultry and wild-caught fish. \n\n3. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day. \nCleansing and Detoxification therapy such as short fasts, elimination diets, and colonics. DO a Colon Cleanse.\n\n4. Enteric-coated peppermint oil and aloe vera juice. \n\n5. Soothing baths two to five nights a week, as well as alternating hot and cold water packs placed over the abdomen. \n\n6. Use Probiotics and soil-based organisms. \n\n7. Therapeutic juices include wheatgrass juice; cabbage, papaya, and carrot juice. \n\n8. Stress reduction techniques, such as biofeedback, hypnosis, and meditation. \n\n9. If you are a smoker, stop and refrain from taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. \n\n10. Examine the possibility of withheld emotions as the cause of your symptoms and get support through emotional and physical expression, especially movement therapies such as NIA, Qi gong, Yoga or Total Integration Therapy to name a few options. \n\nBest of health to you\n\nCheers
71359
Please find a gastroenterologist for an evaluation.  I have heard of many people having to have more than IV antibiotic.  But in some cases that is all that is needed.  Get at least one if not two more opinions.
859661
My daughter-in-law has ulcerative colitis and she's had two healthy baby boys - one is now 4 yrs old and the other is two.\n\nAlso, she started taking all-natural Optiflora which actually treats the cause and not just the symptoms of the colitis.  She had very successful results.\n\nHope this is helpful and feel free to contact me with questions.
588880
I have Crohn's (13 years of 20) and my gastro has always told me to eat whatever i can tolerate. excluding corn and other hulled veggies. smoothies are the best thing.you can put supplements and such. avoid lots of orange juice though. it'll really cause diarrhea. of everything i've tried, smoothies have been the easiest on my guts. like the last poster said, avoid lots of seeds(strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, black/blueberries)they do not digest. there are so many recipes and you can buy them pre-made. it's something easy that you won't get burnt out on. also, while having a flare up, don't eat raw fruits and vegetables, they are incredibly hard to digest. owww! if you want your 5 a day, cook them down to mush and then chew it very well. or if you can handle it try v8- although it's rather acidic, and your bowel movements will be red. just keep that in mind so you don't panic when you go to flush and see red. hope this helps.
1044455
If the ER didn't find anything obvious, I'd suggest you look into a other options - Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Chron's or Colitis, and allergies - especially any type of wheat or flour. The symptoms seem to match.\n\nHer family doc will help with this, and none of them can be determinied by blood test or xray (except colonoscopy (colon xray)- very unpleasant but if necessary they will sedate her.)\n\nMy son had IBD for quite a while before we knew what it was (5 Years?) .  He's 21 now and doing fine -mind you he must be careful what he eats - and that includes kids favourites like pop and fruit punch - pure juices only - and no canned crap like spaghetti-o's, alphabets, etc.\n\nTime for a full diet change and maybe she will begin to feel better - it can take months.\n\nGood luck!
159967
I got rid of my colon problems and can help you get rid of yours. There are a few things that can stop this problem but it would be much better to talk than to type. It is up to you. I am easily reachable.
22789
IBS is similar to ulcarative colitis in that you may have periods of constipation and bouts of bloody diarrhea. Sometimes diet can affect it, sometimes lactose can aggravate it. IT can be cyclical in nature. THe best way to manage this condition is by lifestyle changes. If you are having constipation, increase the amount of fiber you are eating. If you are having diarrhea, eat low fiber foots like meat and potatoes. Sometimes medications like Asacol or Sulfasalazine can help. THese are anti-inflammatory drugs specifically made for GI problems. I hope this helps you. A GOOD gastroenterologist and a sympathetic friend will get you through this condition. It may improve with age.
948840
try to clean out your colon.  Like medamucill, something that has psylluim husk.  could be someting that you ate a while ago, and is stuck inside your colon walls. drink plenty of distilled water,  you can take 1 tsp. of cider vinegar and drink water.  This is what has help me.
1060579
The first link below is very informative, the second has a forum that should link you with others dealing with this disease, although it is based in the UK.  The third is listed because your disease seems to occur frequently with ulcerative colitis, and the Crohn's Colitis organizations are widespread and quite effective ... perhaps your local branch can connect you with a support group in your area.  You might also find information at your nearest transplant center.\n\nGood for you!!! that you are proactive and getting yourself educated.  Best wishes for your journey.
139140
there are no alternatives to meds that i know of. if your meds help you mentally then you need them. the problem with you stomach is possibly due to the fact that the dosage is to high. or maybe you have developed a stomach ulcer that your medication is a irritant to. i would suggest consulting you dr. asap because it can only get worse. ask him to possible give you a sample of previcid it is a med. for all sorts of stomach irritants. or ask him to switch you to another brand of meds.
783622
I'm so sorry to hear you (or someone you love) has Crohn's disease.  I just read webmd.com about it.  Doesn't sound good, though it does appear to make a turn: "Abdominal pain may turn to a dull, constant ache as the condition progresses".  I can't begin to give comfort or advice to such a horrible scenario other than perhaps some lame sentiment like... you might learn from it...\n\nConsider this:  America is one of the biggest meat-eating countries and also one of the countries with the largest population of digestive-track difficulties.  It's easy for me to advise more fiber and no meat or chicken knowing that relief is not in sight.  But just know that there is someone in the universe who feels for you, has heartrending empathy because I too have some digestive tract problems that must be addressed.   But I don't think I have anything that serious, maybe stress bloating and cramping.\n\nWrite me if you need a hug morphola@hotmail.com
142002
There is no cure for the inflammatory bowel diseases.  Nobody is even really sure what causes them.  The treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms and avoiding make it worse.  There is plenty of research underway to crack the cause of the disease, but they're taking all kinds of different directions.  Some people think an overactive immune system is to blame.  A more recent theory is that an underactive immune system is the cause.  See what I mean?
314111
Boy this one is right up my alley! LOL...I am a 44 yr old female and was diagnosed with junvenile arthritis,now I have osteoarthritis and its very painful. There is no cure for arthritis but if you can take them anti-inflammatories help alot of people. I have ulcers therefore I cant take them,if you have any kind of stomach problems like ulcers,GERD's,or nervous stomach they usually will make you very sick,check with your doctor.There are a few things that work with arthur as I lovingly (NOT) call it,it depends on how severely you have it. If you are in the first stages and dont have too serious of pain you can try massage,physical therapy,whirlpools and hot tubs,Water aerobics,there's alot you can try but like I said it depends on how far along and how much pain.I have to take pain meds for mine because Ive tried everything else and nothing works anymore when youve had it almost 30 years.Good luck to you and God bless.
1156888
It is not really necessary to have a "bowel cleansing." I had IBS as a child and know exactly all the problems your are talking about. You need to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. My doctor placed me on Citrucel powder and I took it three times a day before my meals. Try this and see what happens. You may also need to remove caffeine from your diet. My doctor placed me on strictly water to drink. Also make sure you are not taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aleve, etc.). If you have frequent diarrhea, you also need to make sure that you are staying hydrated well.
991972
Give it a go and stick with it for results. Forget the naysayers and listen to your gut.\n\nhttp://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=478\nhttp://curezone.com/cleanse/bowel/master_cleanse.asp
287345
Try using cucumbers, a natural anti-inflammitory.  Otherwise, try preperation-H