M.H. asks from Arlington, WA on March 05, 2008
Is There Anyone Out There with Ulcerative Colitis? I Have Many Questions.
I am 28 and was diagnosed with IBD or more specific and not to be confused with IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, 5 years ago. I had never heard of it just like most people I know. After many trial and errors I have now been doing "pretty" well for the last 3 months. But I just want to know if there are people out there that would mind if I could pick there brain? Everytime I look online for answers to my symptoms I come to a dead end. I have a great doctor and am happy that way but I also don't think he can help me as much as someone who's been through this. So if you're out there and can help answer my questions, please let me know. Thanks!
I'm just looking for someone out there to share their knowledge, meaning real first hand experiences. Thanks again. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to help others on this web site, you all are wonderful.
Featured Answers
B.K. answers from Portland on March 13, 2008
I had a very severe case of Ulcerative colitis. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have and share the things that seemed to work better than others. You may email me at ____@____.com.
B.
A.B. answers from Portland on March 06, 2008
Docs don't know what I have. I have been told IBS,Ulcerative Colitis, celiac. So I have had lots of experience in this area.
I have had 3 endo/colonoscopies, tried several diets and meds. I have finally found a diet and meds that work for me. Although its not perfect it livable.
I would love to listen and help out.
A.
A little about me:
I am a mother of one little 3 yr. old boy and wife to a wonderful guy. I have many health issues since my pregnancy. I am very into cooking and trying new things.
More Answers
B.K. answers from Portland on March 13, 2008
I had a very severe case of Ulcerative colitis. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have and share the things that seemed to work better than others. You may email me at ____@____.com.
B.
E.M. answers from Portland on March 06, 2008
I have a couple of friends with Crohn's disease, both of whom have been living with it for more than 15 years. It is a close cousin to Ulcerative Colitis. I am a naturopath, and I have to agree that I've seen both in the clinic and with my two friends wondrous things come from natural medicine, both Chinese and Western. The regular medical world has a lot to offer once the disease has progressed in terms of surgery and medications, but does not have a lot to offer in terms of stopping the progression of the disease.
The friend that was able to use natural medicine and adhere to a specific diet is doing well, symptom-free for 10 years now. The one who does not adhere so well to the diet and natural medicines is still fighting the battle. The first one went on to study natural medicine because he was so moved by his own experience.
Best of luck in your thought process,
Dr. E. Mendenhall, ND
N.K. answers from Portland on March 06, 2008
My dad had ulcerative colitis for years when I was growing up 't and he found out that he was alergic to antihistamines. No doctor ever was able to tell him that it might be because he was taking something he was allergic to. As soon as he stopped taking them the colitis calmed way down.
My encouragement to you would be to just try things. Even if the doctor doesn't recommend it. If you have a feeling that something might help, try it. A naturalpath might be able to help you too. Auto-immune diseases like colitis and arthritis can be greatly helped by natualpathic medicine.
That's my two cents. J.K.
I.C. answers from Seattle on March 06, 2008
Hello pretty lady:
my name is I.. I wish i could help you answering your questions or be close to where you are to show you my support. Unfortunately i am in acapulco, mexico, but from this side of the world i want to tell you that i love you and i am going to pray the lord to help you with what you are going through. If you like to pray at night before you go to bed. Just tell god what you want, he is merciful and kind with the broken hearts. I wish i could know your name so i can mention it to the lord in my prayers. Cheer up!!!! God loves you, your kids love you, your husband loves you and me too. I send you a little bit of sunshine from acapulco, mexico. Your new friend. I.
R.S. answers from Seattle on March 06, 2008
My dad had Ulcerative Colitis when I was in Junior High. I have a cousin who was diagnosed and opted to have surgery last December. I was starting to show symptoms, but was able to stop them 3 years ago...although while pregnant with my second, the symptoms returned, but vanished within days of giving birth.
My dad ended up having surgery and has an ostomy bag, but as I understand it options today are different than they were for him. My cousin chose to be reconnected, so to speak, and has been doing fine adjusting.
My doctor told me to cut out caffeine, black tea, and ibuprofen. Aside from the relapse when I was pregnant, I have not had any symptoms since 2003.
I know there is good info out there, I'll ask my dad and cousin where the best is.
V.S. answers from Spokane on March 06, 2008
I have a friend who has battled this and has found what works for her. I can only imagine how awful this condition can be.
Would love to help,
V.
here's my email:
____@____.com
T.J. answers from Corvallis on March 06, 2008
Hi MH
I don't have Ulcerative Colitis myself, however my cousin's wife does, or did. She's been pretty ill for some years. Last winter she could hardly get out of the house, but she went to a natural type clinic in Mexico and this year she has been skiing and doing well. The clinic is called Missionmedicalcenter.com
and I'm sure Shelly would be glad to answer your questions. ____@____.com
Patty W
D.L. answers from Seattle on March 06, 2008
Hi M.H.,
I agree with Helen--explore the natural route first. Although I don't have Ulcerative Colitis, I have had a lot of issues with my digestive system and I was greatly helped by a naturopathic doctor after having had tests run by regular doctors and feeling like I was running up against dead ends. Regular doctors in general know little or nothing about nutrition. They just like to run a lot of tests, diagnose, and possibly prescribe medication. And medication often "masks" the condition and causes side effects as well. Good luck in your search. The information is out there, just maybe from alternative sources.
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