Re: Need some support with flare and stress

[Guest guest]

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I haven't been through something exactly like that, but I do have UC and was in the hospital for a short while and I've been through some rough times. It would be nice to think that IBD can be controlled solely through diet, but it seems that more often than not that isn't the case. We need to keep in mind that our mind and spirit are parts of our body too, and if they aren't in optimal health, neither is our body. With that, have you ever tried relaxation tecniques such as meditation or yoga? I've also found accupuncture to be extremely helpful in getting over a flare. Exercise is important too, and even if it's just a quick walk, you get your blood pumping and some fresh air, which can also improve your mood. I know I always feel better after a walk outside, especially on a nice day. I would feel distressed too if I was on SCD faithfully and still getting flares! The only thing I can figure is that a food or foods that are 'legal' on the diet still may not work for you. You may be allergic to something, or just sensitive. I would recommend keeping a food log (I know it's annoying and a lot of work, but it may be worth is) with your foods and symptoms. Some common offenders when dealing with UC that are legal on SCD are all forms of dairy, cruciferous veggies, nightshades, citrus, and legumes. You can looks on this site for more info on some of these suggestions: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remediesI hope some of this helps! =)AlyssaAll,I've had UC since 2004, and have followed the SCD very strictly since May 2007 after a three day hospital visit that marked the worst flare I've experienced. Unfortunately, for the past 5-6 weeks I've been in a flare, which rowasa initially helped, until a major episode of stress caused the flare to worsen. On the urging of my GI, I had a colonoscopy yesterday. Apparently he wanted to rule out IBS symptoms from IBD.As it turns out, my colitis has spread to the entire colon. This doesn't surprise me, as I'm fairly sure that was the case in May 2007, though the hospital did not perform a colonoscopy at that time. Instead, they observed the colon inflammation via an MRI scan. My current GI wants to start me on prednisone, but wants to taper it extremely quickly (over a 5 week course) and then put me on Imuran, which apparently only has a 60% success rate and is an immuno- suppressant drug to boot.I'm completely against taking the Imuran, since it's an unknown and may cause more problems. He stated that I may lose my colon if I don't take it. What's more, I want to stay on the prednisone longer, just as I did the first (and only) time I was on it, back in 2007 for my flare, to guarantee that the flare doesn't return.What distresses me is that I entered a flare after complying with SCD. I keep reviewing in my mind the possible illegals I ingested, and restaurants come to mind, as do one dubious source of apple cider, guacamole, etc.I'm seeking some encouragement and advice. I certainly intend to stay on the SCD, and I'm hoping that by being extra vigilant and not eating out as much (used to be 1x per week), I will avoid illegals and therefore avoid a flare. Stress definitely plays a role in triggering my IBD symptoms, and now that I'm so worried about my health, I'm entering a stress-based vicious cycle. Butting heads with my doctor is also increasing my stress and fear.Has anyone else ever been through something similar? Have you found that if you follow the SCD religiously, stress won't trigger a flare? I'm scared and concerned and want to believe that after prednisone helps me out of my current flare, the SCD can contain any future flares.Thanks in advance,JillUC 2004SCD 5/2007lialda, soon prednisone

[Guest guest]

> I'm so sorry you're going through this! I haven't been through

> something exactly like that, but I do have UC and was in the

> hospital for a short while and I've been through some rough times.

> It would be nice to think that IBD can be controlled solely through

> diet, but it seems that more often than not that isn't the case. We

> need to keep in mind that our mind and spirit are parts of our body

> too, and if they aren't in optimal health, neither is our body. With

> that, have you ever tried relaxation tecniques such as meditation or

> yoga? I've also found accupuncture to be extremely helpful in

> getting over a flare. Exercise is important too, and even if it's

> just a quick walk, you get your blood pumping and some fresh air,

> which can also improve your mood. I know I always feel better after

> a walk outside, especially on a nice day.

It's because exercise of any sort creates endorphins and there are

endorphin receptors all over

the intestines - and this helps to modulate the intestines and make

you feel better. this is the

same reason why LDN works so well.

Mara