Is there any other way to help my ulcerative colitis without medications?
March 30, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under Crohns and Colitis
Can you answer Chikis26’s question about IBS?:
I have ulcerative colitis and i was going to the doctor, but the medicine was not doing me any good, it actually felt worst. I don’t kno what to do this is a horrible thing to have i feel like i can’t go out like normal people for a long time because im always going to the bathroom any advice would be very much appreciated thanks
IBS Tips
I have ulcerative colitis and i was going to the doctor, but the medicine was not doing me any good, it actually felt worst. I don’t kno what to do this is a horrible thing to have i feel like i can’t go out like normal people for a long time because im always going to the bathroom any advice would be very much appreciated thanks
IBS Tips
IBS Feedback: keep working on the meds… there are various options…
some people also find dietary changes help.. like gluten free eating, eating alkalized vs acidic foods to help not aggrivate the inflammation…
you can visit with a osteopath that works from a true holisitc approach… like in san diego, we have the osteopathic center for children which treats adults and kids with all kinds of illnesses and issues…. combining traditional and integrative approaches to treatment. You can always look for this clinic online and maybe ask them for a referral in your area??? Plus insurance will cover because they are D.O’s which is a medical degree ….
I know it’s a sucky illness but hopefully something wil get it under control. Im more familar with Crohns and it’s severe issues …so I assume these illnesses are similar… maybe contact the collitis association and look for support there to see what others are doing with treatments…
IBS Feedback: I have had ulcerative Colitis for 5+ years now. I know exactly how you feel so I’ll try and explain how I got healthy:
I tried a lot of different medications and had a hard time finding one that i liked and worked. I even went through THREE different docotor until I found one I liked. It is IMPORTANT that you find a doctor you are comfortable with. It’s your right to find one that works WITH you and respects you. You will be living with Colitis for the rest of your life and the docotor-patient relationship is crucial!!!
Colitis mediication can include the 5 asa’s. Two of which are saloflak and asacol. I am currently on asacol (2 pills three times a day) and it has been my saviour.
I have also been on predisone, immuran and remicade. There is a new treatment on the market called Remicade. Remicade is a intervenes (sp?) treatment that is given once a month to every few months. It was originally developed for crohns patients but can be used for colitis. It does not have major side effects like prednisone (asacol is side effect free as well). Remicade is very expensive but if you insurance covers it then it is a VERY good option to look into. Find a QUALIFIED and EXPETIENCE doctor who knows about Remicade if you are going to have it. It is a fickle medication so people who don’t know anything about it can screw up your treatment.
I have also tried acupuncture. Acupuncture is a great way to help MAINTAIN your remission. It works to relieve inflamation in your body (which causes the pain and dirarreha). In fact, if you put your hands over top of where the needles are you can FEEL the heat leaving your body. I didn’t belive it until I did it!!! The needles barely even feel like being poked with a pin and it is completely safe. Research homeopathic doctors in your area and find one your are comfortable with.
Depending on how old you are and where you live the Canadian Crohns and Colitis Foundation has started up a youth group called the Gutsy Generation (up to age 23-4). They also have great suports available for adults.
My last thought… when i couldn’t control my colitis i went on prednisone for about a year - and dealt with the side effects - it was hard but it worked very well for me. Prednisone is a quick fix for people like us, it really works. once the predisone has healed your intestines you can slowly move yourself onto a no-side-effect med like asacol. it will treat and help maintain the colitis.
If that doesn’t help there is always surgery. it sounds daunting but they have made great discoveries and can take out parts of the intestine now and the patients doesn’t even need a colostemy bag. its important to explore all your options with a doctor and that is why i really STRESS find one you like.
Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you.
IBS Feedback: I know exactly how you feel. The medicines my doctor prescribed actually made my symptoms worse and the Prednisone made me puff up like a balloon. At a certain point I began wondering what it was that had caused me to have UC in the first place, and I became a little wary of flooding my body with chemicals.
Unfortunately the dietary changes and even naturopathic treatment didn’t work for me either.
I eventually decided to see a therapist. I just went to my college’s counseling office–they weren’t even experienced with my condition. What my counselor was experienced with, though, was students coping with stress. It was in that office that I finally began to understand my condition as very (maybe even mostly) stress related and induced.
The act of talking to someone about everything I had going on in my life really helped. She was also able to suggest some things I could do to become less stressed, such as getting better at saying “no” to commitments my schedule couldn’t handle, even if I really wanted to be involved. I dropped a class and took more “me” time. And I haven’t had a flare-up since. I’m off meds and in remission, and so happy to have my body back.
I would suggest you find a counselor. If it doesn’t help manage your symptoms it will at least help manage your psychological health while coping with the condition.
Best of luck. I feel you.