Colitis
 

I was dx with active colitis in July. At that point my symptoms were not too severe. After taking of five day dose of antibiotics for a tooth infection, I now better understand what colitis can be. I have been "running" to the bathroom about 8 -12 times a day since August 36ht (eleven days). I have mild stomach pain all of the time and severe stomach cramps every time I have to run to the bathroom. . I had a emergency CAT scan last Wednesday of my abdomen and pelvic area and other than some inflammation of lymph nodes it was ok. All other blood work and stool cultures have been negative. I missed classes all of last week and today I am once again at home. I am stressed out about missing so many days of school this early in the semester and I am sure that is hot helping me.

I am taking 2 ,400 mg of asacol three times per day. I am eating a low density, bland diet, with no dairy. I am drinking lots of water and occasional glass of Gatorade to try to stay hydrated. Does anyone have any experience with colitis? Any suggestions of how I can get into remission? I last say my doctor on Friday. She told me to call her in two weeks if I am not better or sooner if I get worse. Two weeks!:eek: I basically can't leave the house.

Barb, I've read that Coconut Milk is good for colitis. Also Aloe Vera Juice. I think both can be purchased at most any grocery. Coconut milk usually comes in a small can - it's not really "milk" just called that.

I don't have much experience with colitis but my sister did (years ago) and I remember her using Coconut Milk with good results. The medications her dr. gave her seemed to make it worse but the Coconut Milk gave her some relief and soothed her tummy.

I had a terrible time once years ago. Up to 30 bathroom visits per day.

I went to a Gastroenterologist and he recommended Psyllium seed to absorb the toxins from the bad bacteria causing the problem. Fixed it immediately!

You can do capsules or the powder. I do the capsules now for minor diarrhea attacks. One or two a day with lots of water.
You don't need the full dose recommended usually IMO.

After antibiotics a colitis may develop...due to C.difficle. If that is the case vancomycin is usually given orally.

But try the Psyllium solution. It is very effective.

C diff was negative.

So try the Psyllium seed. You may be very surprised how quick and easy it is.

Barb - :hug::hug: As I mentioned on Insights, I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I don't have many suggestions as I don't have UC, that I know of. I don't know if your testing included yeast but it is not uncommon to get a yeast infection after a round of abx. This may not be the case with you since you have UC. But, I would also try avoiding sugar. Bacteria and yeast love sugar. Instead of Gatorade, drink electrolyte water (I get mine at the grocery story). There is also something called Zico water. It is coconut water and is loaded with lots of good stuff. A friend of mine had a severe E. Coli infection and was in the hospital for a while. Since that time her digestive system is shot. She swears by her Zico water to replenish her electrolytes. I don't do well with a lot of coconut, hence the reason I drink plain electrolyte water. But it may be worth a try to see how you do.

In the meantime, I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you start feeling better soon.:hug::hug:

Oh yeah, forgot this . . .I agree with mrsD. Psyllium does work very well for bulking things up and evening bowel movements. It is what is in Metamucil.

I highly recommend yogurt, or any means by which you can increase the good bacteria in your gut. A course of antibiotics can clean all the good bacteria out of your gut, and replenishing them can help. And watch the sugary drinks; even Gatorade contains a lot of sugar which can increase frequency.

Do not let your symptoms continue too long. If your current gastroenterologist does not seem to have a plan, get a second opinion. I don't want to scare you, but I fired a whole gastro group when they neglected to treat my colitis, leading to the removal of everything from the appendix to the a.nal sphincter. (They wouldn't discuss probiotics, diet, or alternative treatments at all!) So I am serious when I say you want someone who will treat this aggressively. Asacol (mesalamine) does not work for everyone. I hated it. I now use Pentasa to try to suppress inflammation in my small intestine, which is all I have left. I had an ileostomy for a year, but have lived with a j-pouch for almost 9 years now.

I wish you healing. I know of many folks who have beat colitis and have gone on to live healthy lives without much trouble. I wish I could back up time and find a different doctor . . . :(

I found one can of Zico water at natural Food store. I also bought some smaller cans of pineapple favor coconut water. It does have some sugar in it but a lot less than gator aide. I think I will call the doctor and ask about yogurt. They had told me to stay away from all dairy.

I don't know that asacol is helping me, but I have not had any of the side effects with it.

Since I am on a low density (low fiber) diet, I am not sure I should try something that will result in bulking up my stool since my colon is so inflamed.

More recommendations:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2005/10/18/psyllium/ How this works is that is works like a sponge in the bowel to absorb toxins and excess bile salts that are inflaming the colon. When the cause of diarrhea is NOT C.difficile, it can bind the bacteria and bile salts so you eliminate them and the inflammation goes down. But Psyllium is not usually strong enough for C. difficile which you are negative on.

Excess bile salts in the GI tract also cause diarrhea.
This condition may occur following a removal of the gall bladder or it may occur by itself. The treatment involves using stronger than Psyllium complexing agents. But the principle remains the same.
In your case, you need to nip this in the bud, before it really gets inflamed IMO.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile_acid_sequestrant

Diarrhea following antibiotics is common....these drugs upset the good bacteria in the bowel, leaving problems.

Gatorade is NOT a good electrolyte replenisher. 30mg of potassium/ serving is nothing and it is full of SUGAR which will make diarrhea worse.

What antibiotic did you use?

Mrs. D.

Thanks for the additional information. I was on a z pac.

You can at least take acidophillus tablets instead of yogurt...

I knew a young man with UC...he was not following his strict diet & ruined his digestive tract...same surgery as posted above...He feels great now, and compliant in his eating...

I hope that you get this cleared up...:hug:

Zithromax can be difficult on the liver/gallbladder in some people.
It is not so likely to cause diarrhea like other antibiotics...say Clindamycin which is used in dental treatments often.

So I wonder if you are having a bile acid/gall bladder issue?

Call your doctor if you have concerns. But if your doctor is not acquainted with Psyllium use in these situations, he/she may not know the correct answer for you.

Mystery diagnosis had an interesting story about an overactive gall bladder issue that caused terrible diarrhea. Incapacitating diarrhea. The answer was using a sequesterant like the link I gave you.

This is the subject....http://ibs.about.com/od/causesofibs/...a-Syndrome.htm
And I suspect it is more common than suspected.
Zithromax has liver complications associated with it... and it may be your problem. If you get sicker when you eat, and feel better fasting... that is one sign. When you eat those bile acids come raging down, and if there is nothing to digest, then move into the bowel and digest IT.

Since the meds for colitis are not doing much for you...please consider this.

My son and h have Crohn's disease. I'm going to use the dreaded S word. Steroids. They have really helped my son and h get into remission. Oral prednisone is what is normally used for Crohn's. Maybe your GI doc should consider switching you to a different med other than asacol? Talk to your GI doc, Barb. I have IBS. I sometimes 'go' up to 20 times a day it is awful. This sounds like utter misery for you, hon :hug:

Once the inflammation takes hold....from the initial trigger, both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis...become self sustaining. There is a cytokine response, that is not understood well, that continues in the mucosa.

That is why it is important to nip it early with common sense things first.

Steroids are one alternate therapy. But now there are the injectable biologicals being tried as well.

This page of a good link lists the immune suppressing treatments.
http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-dise...verview?page=2

Once this immune cascade is in place (certain people react to triggers this way and others do not) the sequesterants will no longer work. The Psyllium seed OTC and the RX ones are for removing irritating substances from the colon that are irritating it.

C. difficile is the most common bacterial assault following oral antibiotics. It is more likely in hospitalized patients, and those who receive certain antibiotics and less so with others. Amoxicillin and Clindamycin...the latter very much so... are more likely to cause overgrowth, and Candida in the bowel.

Steroids were the next thing to try on my doctor's list. I am going to call and see if I can just start the **** things. I hate steroids, but this is worse.

Barb - :hug::hug: Still keeping you in my prayers and hoping they find something to help you, even if it means steroids. Let us know how you are doing.:hug:

Deep prayers for you continue, dear...:hug:

Awwwwww Barb, I am so sorry for your pain.:(
I will pray that the steroids work without the carpy sides..:hug::hug:

Still waiting to hear from the doctor about the steroids.

IBD is like MS in the way that it is different for every person. My h has had very good results and minimal side effects from Remicade, a biologic. It's an infusion type drug, not an injectable. Remicade is used in patients with Crohn's or colitis.

My son has been on 6-mp for 5 years and is doing very well. It's not a biologic. My h tried 6-mp and developed pancreatitis from it.

I hope you hear from your doc soon, Barb :hug:. It's hard enough dealing with one crazy disease. I'll be thinking about you.

Started taking prednisone yesterday. They put me on 20 mg, twice a day for five days. Still taking the asacol too. Things are improving already. Seeing specialist on Monday. I will ask him about a taper of the prednisone. Really thirsty (drinking lots of water) and hungry. Trying to keep that in check.

Things are gradually improving. Still experiencing pain but no longer constantly running to the bathroom. Saw the specialist today. Did more blood work to check for Crohn's disease. Gave me a prescription for a different steroid that is used to treat Crohn's (Entocort EC). I have to see him again next week. I am planning on going back to school tomorrow.

I don't think you can take Remicaide if you have MS.

My gf has Crohns...leafy greens and cruciferous veggies really set her off, as well as stress:(
Take care, Barb, and keep us up to date...:hug:

I have had UC for years, they put me in Ascol and it didn't work a lick. I tried fiber...no help either, anti-diarehea meds are a joke. The only thing that helps me get out of an "attack" is Flagyl. (an antiboitic that works for bowels) I don't understand why your doc is telling you to wait so long before coming back..you will end up weak and dehydrated if you are not careful. Maybe another doc? Good Luck. :hug: