I have had ulcerative colitis for almost 6 years now with flare ups consistently 2x a year requiring steroids each time (and as a result of steroids, I now have osteoporosis and I am only 31 yrs old..but it could be much worse, so I am thankful its not).
I was initially diagnosed 2 months after my brother passed away..in 2005..lost about 12 lbs in 1 week… I have tried many different diets over the years, supplements, vitamins, nutritionists, as well as going to a couple different GI specialists; (both of them insisting diet has no role in the symptoms) in which I always thought was insane, since diet plays a role in diabetics, kidney disorders, etc… however nothing really changed all that much in my condition. The last flare up I had lasted almost 7 months..started in December 2009 and did not experience much relief until the end of may 2010. I was hospitalized 2x..That was when I had my first dose of remicade. Remicade has given me its own set of side effects; but in my case the benefit surely outweighed the risk. I was able to return to work in August.. I had lost 20lbs and was down to 87lbs (not pretty!). Remicade started working quickly, though now I am finding that I am having slight allergic reactions with the infusions and shortly after and flu symptoms with every infusion. My sister called me up about 2 weeks ago and told me I must try the SCD diet. I read the book Breaking the vicious cycle
and thought I’d be stupid not to at least give it a try. So… two weeks ago, I had flare symptoms-bleeding, cramping, nausea and weightloss..and I’m only about 100lbs as it is-and about day 4 of the diet-no real traces of blood and cramping pretty much non existent; I noticed that I had energy that I had not had in a FREAKING long time! Since It has only been 3 weeks since my last Remicade tx – I can’t make conclusive decision on the diet yet-I am usually symptomatic around week 6 after Remicade so that will be more of an accurate test as to how good this diet works for me. All I can say is that I am VERY thankful to have some life back in me. I feel more alive-and friends and family have actually commented to me that I look so alive and seem so energetic :) I have for the most part been asymptomatic for 2 weeks…I am loving life :) Before I was diagnosed I had endurance to play soccer, rock climb, go hiking,etc…I have already been exercising more and not getting worn out!! I am going to continue to follow the SCD diet strictly..Its not easy, but well worth it if it continues to heal this uncooperative bod of mine.
Questions of Mine:
Is it possible to add back any “illegal” foods once you are asymptomatic..periodically? I feel like it is impossible to go out to eat anymore? Any restaurants that you know are compliant with this diet?
Medications Hx: Prednisone up to 60mg IV in the hospital.. usual dose was 40mg PO, asacol, Rowasa, Canasa, Colazal, 6MP, and Remicade; currently only taking Remicade-at present keeping symptoms at bay.
This story was submitted by Pacuchic in the Colitis Venting Area
If you would like to read more about the diet mentioned in this post, you can visit the diet page
