HAs anyone any experience of ulcerative colitis please?

[Peachy]

My BIL is 30 and 4 years ago ahd tests for problems which ruled out ulcerative colitis. He's been getting steadily worse since, and had another test- seems the first missed the signs, and it is. Only it is now so severe they can at best buy him 6 months on meds until an colostomy has to be done, maybe reversible, maybe not.

He's in hospital atm, for goodness knows how long. Dsis has a 3 year old, is 5 montsh pg trying to hold down shift work and verys tressed.

HAs anyone any useful info / experiences please?

thanks

[MegBusset]

Hi

I was diagnosed with UC about 4 years ago. So sorry for your BIL, it is a horrid illness. Luckily mine seemed to be relatively mild, I have not had a flare-up in about 2 years.

Can't offer too much advice on dealing with a more severe outbreak, or surgery, but my experiences were:

• My symptoms got much, much worse when stressed, tired or run down, so perhaps your BIL can look into some relaxation techniques (yoga, reflexology, whatever works for him).
  
  
• I found that steroids didn't help my symptoms and made me feel terribly stressed due to unpleasant way you have to take them. I went to a naturopath (recommended by a friend who has Crohn's) and they suggested giving my digestive system as easy a time as poss to help healing, this meant cutting out wheat and dairy, and caffeine, which I believe did make a difference in the reduction of my symptoms - might not work for everyone but might be worth a shot. I also took lots of multivits and omega-3 oils (in liquid form so easy to digest).
  
  
• There has apparently been some research to say that probiotics can really help with UC, so might be worth a try. There is more about this in the book The Good Gut Guide by Stephanie Zinser, which is a really, really helpful book packed with info on dealing with IC, Crohn's etc.
  
  
• I was fortunate not to need surgery but did look into it just in case, and it seems that these days it's really not as bad as you might fear - surgery does cure UC altogether and these days most colostomies can leave you with an internal 'pouch' rather than needing a stoma & bag, so you can basically carry on a normal life as before, better than dealing with all the pain and indignity UC can bring.
  
  Hope that helps, and feel free to ask if you have any more Qs...

[MegBusset]

Also you can get lots of info and support from the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease - www.nacc.org.uk

[jinxed]

I was just about to add the website for NACC, my mum died of chrons in 2004 so am very wary of tummy trouble symptoms.

Best wishes for BIL x

[Peachy]

Thanks for all the info guys, will forward my sister a copy of the link- thanks. She's on caompassionate leave now but theyc an't afford it for long.

Thanks again

[4jen]

Sorry just noticed this thread. There is a website forum called Ostomyland (sorry don't know how to paste link). Many members on there with UC and have had or undergoing J Pouch surgery, they would be happy to answer any questions your BIL may have.