Ulcerative colitis/crohns sufferers/carers

[hellobellosback]

I've been put on a 6 week course of steroids to bring a new diagnosis of colitis under control. I had barely left hospital after a mastectomy when I became very ill, and was re-admitted to another hospital.

Are there any other MNers who live with these conditions? What is helpful or less helpful?

I've started taking a vit B complex and Evening Primrose Oil, but that's more on the reccommendation of the breast care nurse than anyone on the gastro team.

Oh you poor thing

I have crohn's so my advice may not apply for UC but I avoid anything with fibre in it while I am bad and that helps. You can get drinks (E028 I think htey are called) so you don't have to eat at all if it really bad.

I think they're related, but slightly different parts of the gut. One of my stepsons was diagnosed with crohns (I think) and pancreatitis when he was 14. His sister says that he is intolerant to quite a lot of foods. Since I am still on the steroids I don't know how this will affect me in the longer term.

Do you get frequent flare-ups, CountessDracula? How does it affect your day-to-day living?

I lost a lot of weight in the 2 weeks between starting to feel ill and diagnosis. The steroids are making me dribble. I don't know if this is something to do with increased appetite. The mood swings are horrible.