Introduction:
I am a male 45 years old. I was diagnosed 9 years ago, with a Colonoscopy. The first flare was really bad, not sure if I was going to live or die. Took 3 months to get to see a good GI doctor (was stuck on a really poor HMO). I have been somewhat lucky, only 3 flares since getting it under control, 2 mild, currently into 8 weeks of an extreme flare. Now on Prednisone only day 8 some improvement but still bad.
I have a stressful job with lots of travel, which is not easy with this condition.
Some more about me:
I am originally from the UK but now leave in California. Have been here now for the last 9 years. Hobbies include Golf, Running and Mountain Biking.
Symptoms:
Blood and Mucus every bathroom visit. Before Prednisone I was in the bathroom 25 times a day. Currently down to 8 times but my stomach aches all the time. Not sure if this is due to the UC or the meds.
Help with Meds and Food
I was diagnosed 9 years ago, with a Colonoscopy. The first flare was really bad, not sure if I was going to live or die. Took 3 months to get to see a good GI doctor (was stuck on a really poor HMO). I have been somewhat lucky, only 3 flares since getting it under control, 2 mild, currently into 8 weeks of an extreme flare. Now on Prednisone only day 8 some improvement but still bad.
I have a stressful job with lots of worldwide travel, which is not easy with this condition. I also have to attend many meetings and it is somewhat embarrsiing to have to keep leaving to use the bathroom.
I have a few questions that I am hoping I can get some inputs on from others on this website with more knowledge on this illness.
1) I currently do not take a maintenance course of drugs between flares but I have read that many others on this website do. If you do recommend a maintenance course of drugs what do you recommend.
2) During a flare my doctor told me that food has no influence on my symptoms, I was wondering if other users agree with this as it seems strange to me.
3) I read that smoking helps to reduce the amount of bathroom visits. I used to smoke many years ago so I tried this and it had a really good effect. Helped reduce the number of bathroom visits in half. I smoke 3-5 cigarettes a day currently. I really don’t like doing this due to the other risks associated with smoking but I had to try something. Does anyone have advise on whether an E cigarette will work.
Any advise on any of these questions would really help me. I am currently trying to stay positive but this flare is really slowing me down and I am concerned that if I don’t get hold of this now it may get even worse.
My family and close friends are very supportive but it is still difficult at work etc.
Medications:
I am currently on day 8 of a 90 course of Prednisone
written by SimonB
submitted in the colitis venting area
I am a male 45 years old. I was diagnosed 9 years ago, with a Colonoscopy. The first flare was really bad, not sure if I was going to live or die. Took 3 months to get to see a good GI doctor (was stuck on a really poor HMO). I have been somewhat lucky, only 3 flares since getting it under control, 2 mild, currently into 8 weeks of an extreme flare.
