Hello, my name is Victoria, I live in the UK, I am 25 and have been suffering with Ulcerative Colitis since I was 18 . . . .
I am on medication which really helps me, I take Azathioprine (immunosuppressent) and Mezavent (mesalazine). I have on average suffered a flare up once a year. I’ve had two Iron infusions, one sigmoidoscopy and one colonoscopy 2 years ago that showed a completely healthy colon – so I stopped the meds and ended up having a 4 month long flare up! Ive only been hospitalised once (on diagnosis) and my last flare up was last February. I am currently suffering a ‘mini’ flare up now I decided to take the time to research the disease properly after someone suggested I should, which is how I ended up on this site….
Id firstly like to say how brave some of your stories are. Its made me realize I am actually very lucky with how my UC effects me and it could be so so much worse. How you have the courage to carry on with life is really inspiring. Reading the different treatments and diets that you are trying has really got me thinking that I need to make some drastic changes which may make me have even less flare ups. During this flare up I have been particularly more stressed and felt at points very low and lonely. Its difficult for my family and fiance to understand.
I am getting married this year and really want to stay well through the whole planning process and not be suffering the crippling symptoms on my big day! This current flare up is due to the stress of my wedding dress, when I collected it from the bridal shop it has been totally ruined and clearly worn before so I’m currently battling to get my money back! All very stressful, I also work full time as a staff nurse on a busy ward which obviously takes its toll.
However, all that aside my main worry at the moment is wanting to become pregnant as soon as we’re married. I have scared myself silly by reading all sorts on the net about not being able to conceive if I’m having a flare up and it can be difficult for UC sufferers to carry a baby normally?! Has anyone got any advice for me or any reassuring baby stories would be much appreciated! I’m trying hard not to worry and get stressed as that doesn’t help the symptoms – just a viscious cycle!
I have been reading all about this SCD diet everyone seems to be on. I originally ignored any dietry advice as my Doctor didnt seem to think it was related and I should eat what I like?! After reading your success stories I’m inclined to think he’s wrong. Any advice on how I should get started and which books I should buy? Also I came across another webpage that talks about a product ‘kefir’ meant to be a really good probiotic? Has anyone heard of this or uses it? I don’t actually take any probiotic (again my Doctor didn’t think it made much difference?!) would taking something like Yakult or Actimel work aswell? I am willing to try anything!
I really want to get stable before our wedding in December so I can be at my healthiest to conceive and start our new family. Any tips, advice and ideas would be much appreciated. However, after reading all your stories of success I already feel more positive so thank you.
x o x o x o x
-Victoria
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Response from Adam:
Hi Victoria, there are quite a few other people who have shared their stories on the site about pregnancy, and several who have asked very similar questions to the ones you present. The great news is quite a few people have had successful pregnancies while dealing with UC, which hopefully is a big relief to you.
As for your questions about diet, I follow the SCD diet, and there are details about getting started on this diet on the DIET PAGE.
It has become very popular as a treatment for people to use in addition to their medications, or as an alternative to medications. For me, when I follow the diet correctly and don’t break any of the rules, it has really helped me out and I plan on continuing to use it indefinitely at this point. As for your questions about kefir, I myself have not tried that for any length of time to give a great opinion on, but from many other people’s stories and responses, there is a large group of people who have had positive outcomes with VSL#3 which there is also some information on within this site.
Best of luck to you, I hope your wedding goes well, and the same with regards to you starting a family shortly thereafter.
-Adam
