Introduction:
I was diagnosed with severe left sided Ulcerative Colitis in 2008. I have been on Colazal 3×3 with no complete remission over the 3 years. Prednisone seems to have little to no effect on my UC. I have used Rowasa and cort enemas with no improvement. My symptoms are exacerbated by asacol and I am allergic to sulfasalazine.
The Story Right Now:
My ulcerative colitis has been in a flare for 2 months. Doc put me on 40mg of prednisone that has not helped this time or in the past. I went in for my 5th colonoscopy last Friday and was told that my UC had spread throughout my entire colon. My options given at that time were Humira, Remicade, or colectomy. I did not like any of these options. I had read a few studies on the relationship between smoking and UC. Being a previous smoker I could see how this could work. Having quit 11 years ago I had absolutely no desire to start again. What I did do was buy some nicotine gum. After 3 days of 2X4mg nicotine gum my bowel movement’s have reduced to 1 yesterday and 2 today. Very encouraging results so far.
Submitted by Jaime
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