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Has Anyone Tried Strict Diet For UC?


Sun, December 28, 2008 1:00 AM

I  was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis colitis a few years ago.  Being anti-drug all my life,  I was going to beat this thing without chemicals.  I tried 8 weeks of acupuncture with a strict diet & yoga. I still had flares but could function. The first time I could not make it to a bathroom in time, freaked me out and I decided to try Lialda.  I started with 2 pills a day and then the mesalamine enemas.  This worked for a while, but then I started to get worse.  I increased the Lialda to 4 pills a day, did the steroid enema once a day and then suppositories at night.  Everything stopped working.  I became housebound.  I am 57 and a fitness fanatic.   I love my Dr., she is caring and I trust her.  She wanted me to go on Pred.  I fought this for months.  Finally, I purchased a book on the internet which proclaimed a cure for Crohns and Colitis through diet.  I tried this for several days and dropped almost 10 lbs.  I am very thin anyway and this made me weak and depressed.   Also, my colitis got worse.  I called my Dr. and started on 40mg of the pred.  I stopped this diet.  I was terrified of the pred.   I had none of the horrific side effects and it helped but, I still had colitis issues.  I then started 6MP but a week into it, I got violently sick with vomiting and fever and my Dr. stopped me from taking these drugs.  I was then put on the Remicade program.  I found another diet on the internet which claims food mixing is the cause of many digestive diseases, so I tried this.  .  I am receiving my 3rd infusion of Remicade this week.  It has helped so far with no side effects.  I still have some colitis issues.  Has anyone tried any of these diets for Crohns and Colitis long term with any success????

Thanks! 

FPO clymer
Joined Nov 18, 2008

Tue, December 30, 2008 1:00 AM

 Reply posted for clymer.

Good luck, I scheduled another consultation with the surgeon and my husban in 3 weeks so that he could hear and ask questions.  Just remember according to everything the doctors have told us and the what the books say, there is no cure for UC, except colon removal.  So I guess unless one wants to reduce the symptoms (if they are not bad enough) the diets will work. I for one am done, I will reduce symptoms until they rip my gut out, I just want to enjoy my family and ride my horses this summer without having to scope out where the nearest port-a-john is!!!  Keep in touch and let me know what you decide.  My email is slillie@embarqmail.com.

Good luck - Pam

 

FPO qh lover
Joined Dec 29, 2008

Mon, December 29, 2008 5:17 PM

 Reply posted for QH lover.

Hi QH Lover.  Thanks so much for the response.  I own this book and have tried it.  I am currently trying Sherry Brescia's Pain-Free in 1 day, she claims a cure by combining and avoiding certain foods.  I too am almost at the end of my rope with this dreadful disease.  I receive my 3rd Remicade infusion tomorrow and if this does not work, colon removal is it.  I have a supportive husband but don't want to do this without fighting, though I know what you are saying, it is a tough row to hoe.

Thanks again and good luck to you!

Clymer (Valerie)

FPO clymer
Joined Nov 18, 2008

Mon, December 29, 2008 12:19 PM

 Reply posted for clymer.

I have UC, there is a book called Breaking the Vicious Cycle with a very strict Special Carbohydrate Diet.  I have an acquaintence who follows this diet and it works with medication.  However, she does not work outside the home.  I work and have teenages, I follow the diet moderately, I have my mother make the homemade yogurt and follow some of the guidelines as best as I can.  It does help reduce the symptoms.  I would suggest getting the book, it makes a lot of sense.  Currently, I am on Asacol, Imuran, a very low dose of Prednasone and other meds.  I am also working with my Chiropractor and using psyllium husk and and enzyme (vitamin).  These have reduced my trips to the bathroom and other symptoms, and I feel better a little more often.

Saying that my UC is so bad that I am tired of being feeling sick all of the time, so I am planning surgery to have my colon removed.

FPO qh lover
Joined Dec 29, 2008

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