~AUBREY~

[Guest guest]

Aubrey,

We had another…. “incident” with

Ken this week. At first he became

VERY angry, yelling & swearing at me while on the phone. He even hung up on me! He called back within minutes crying

& sobbing. Said he didn’t

know why he was acting like he was…..didn’t want to live…no

one understood him, or what he was going through etc. etc. The next day he said he was convinced

that these behavior problems happen when he is constipated. Could that be? He is having problems in that

area. He has some Lactulose that

the doctor gave him a long time ago – but he refuses to take it - even in

small amounts. It causes him a lot

of gas and cramping. We could give

him some over the counter pills but I’d rather not and am wondering if “just”

a change in diet would do the trick.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance,

Barb

in Texas - Son Ken (29) UC 91 PSC 99

[Guest guest]

While I'm not an MD, I've just watched my father die due to cancer. He was on fairly strong pain medication, which brought about really sever constipation. In fact, he was hospitalized for constipation. It was so bad that he couldn't eat, could barely drink, was nauseated and vomited. He was given Colyte in the hospital, and that worked, but that is very strong stuff. Being very familiar with Colyte (same as golytly), I can barely stand to be in the same room with the stuff. Anyway, he got lactulose when he left the hospital, but that wasn't strong enough to keep him regular. He received another liquid laxative, among other things, and that got things moving again (but I don't recall the name of the next medication he received). A fleets enema may also get things moving, but I wouldn't suggest using enemas on a regular basis. I didn't notice a major mood swing with the constipation though. But I can imagine that it would or could cause extreme irritability if a person is inclined to being irritable to begin with. I'm not sure why he doesn't want to take anything for constipation, but perhaps he hasn't found the right combination of medication and/or food that works. But this problem should be dealt with, and preferably with his doctor and possibly with a nutritionist. As for gas and cramping, there are some enzymes that his body may no longer produce, such as lactase (to break down dairy sugars in milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, etc.). A lot of people with UC don't produce that enzyme, or their body stops producing the enzyme. Lactase pills are available (I buy them in bulk at Costco), and you take them before you eat. Beano is another enzyme that helps when you eat vegetables, such as beans, broccoli, etc. One pharmacist suggested taking it before every meal. When I remember, I've noticed it really helps with eliminating gas, which is embarrassing and uncomfortable. The most disturbing thing that you wrote however is that Ken said he doesn't want to live. This is serious. Will he see a mental health specialist? Many people with serious and chronic illnesses suffer from depression. It probably is true that few, if any, of his friends understand what he is going through (how can they?). Will he go to a live support group? CCFA has support groups in many cities. The American Liver Foundation has Liver support groups in many cities (although there will probably not be many in those groups with PSC, there will be people with very serious liver problems, some who may be facing liver transplants down the road). I wish you the best. ~AUBREY~ Aubrey, We had another…. “incident†with Ken this week. At first he became VERY angry, yelling & swearing at me while on the phone. He even hung up on me! He called back within minutes crying & sobbing. Said he didn’t know why he was acting like he was…..didn’t want to live…no one understood him, or what he was going through etc. etc. The next day he said he was convinced that these behavior problems happen when he is constipated. Could that be? He is having problems in that area. He has some Lactulose that the doctor gave him a long time ago – but he refuses to take it - even in small amounts. It causes him a lot of gas and cramping. We could give him some over the counter pills but I’d rather not and am wondering if “just†a change in diet would do the trick. What do you think? Thanks in advance, Barb in Texas - Son Ken (29) UC 91 PSC 99

[Guest guest]

Actually, you were right both times (as

always!) I sent in a lot of info disputing the Blood Type Diets the first time they

were discussed several months ago. Maureen did it this time. You backed us up

on both occasions. Glad you’re

here…..

Barb

in Texas - Son Ken (29) UC 91 PSC 99

-----Original Message-----

From: Caroline & Aubrey

I was a bit confused on who posted the info disputing

the benefits of the

blood type diets. It was you and not Barb as I stated.