Introduction to Trisha:
I am a 46 year old female diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 10 years ago. I have had many small flares ups since 2008 and just recently I have had the worst major and long running flare-ups. 2008 was total denial and the recent was due to incredible stress from child’s illness. Poop and poop jokes are the way we get through – this website is right up my UC alley!
My Symptoms:
I am just wrapping up the second worst episode since 2008. My daughter had four surgeries in one day, including a brain surgery all while going through a divorce. Top that off with an executive level job and let’s say the episode was inevitable. I had bleeding, pain, vomiting from the spasms, exhaustion, dehydration, fatigue, joint pain, etc. with the most humiliating experience of pooping my pants in the middle of Panera bread. I have been close before but this was the real deal and humiliating beyond belief. Today I am down to 1 1/2 of the Pred and 3200 mil of Asacol HD. Reacting well to the HD. The Pred just beats up my body and seems to be less and less effective during even my minor flare ups.
My Story:
Symptoms started in 2006 but was told I had IBS. 2008 I went four months in agony, bleeding, stomach spasms, vomiting, dehydration, you name it I had it. Raising a pre-teen and trying to maintain my job was nearly impossible. Finally found a great doctor that put me on meds and a suggested diet and I found sweet relief immediately. Through trial and error along with food journaling (of course my Asacol) I have been doing well from 2008 until six weeks ago. Prior to this episode – eight months with no flare ups and limited minor flare ups previous to that.
I really felt like my life was “normal”.
I have cut out all dairy (this has been key-using Almond Milk), caffeine, almost all sugar (not going to lie) and limiting the green veggies and using a greens powder to get the nutrition. I have found eating four to five small meals a day has helped. Taking my Asacol daily and the Prednisone only during minor flare ups. Overall my nutrition and iron is holding strong and I am in great shape. I do have an occasional glass of red wine or a beer but only if I have no existing symptoms. I may have a small amount of organic red meat (4 oz) when my body tells me but cut out all other forms of red meat. Eating green veggies daily is not possible for me as I can not process them. I have to space them out.
I have read varies opinions on alternative remedies but hesitant to try anything as to not get false hope or make things worse. However, the Aloe Vera has perked my attention. I would love some feedback from folks that have used it for 6 months or more-both positive and negative. Is it worth trying?
Where I’d Like to be in 1 Year:
I would love to be off all prescriptions and living a life not centered around locating the nearest bathroom “just in case”. Going to professional sport events, taking long hikes with the dogs, being free of pain and having a care free sex life with my mate. Let’s face it, UC does interrupt that at times.
Colitis Medications I’ve tried/taking:
written by Trisha
I am a 46 year old(in 2012) female diagnosed 10 years ago.
