Hi Ryverrat,

I have Crohn's disease. I have yet to find any medications that have really helped me. It seems that it is an individual thing, trying different medicines to see what might help you and what side effects you can tolerate. It is important to do your own research on any medicine you are going to try. I have never had a doctor tell me the whole story about anything. Scary, but true.

The worst thing about getting a colonoscopy is the cleanse.

I still eat spicy food now and then. It may help you to keep a food journal to see if you have any specific triggers.

Good luck.

Your GI will probably start off with the "lowest" level of medications (like Asacol, Lialda, Colozal, Pentasa, etc...there are various forms). These are pills that dissolve in your large intestines and are supposed to prevent inflammation. They act only on your intestines. If those don't work, she may give you the option to go on immunosuppresants (Imuran/Azathioprine or 6MP). If THAT doesn't work, then she may see if you want to go on biologics (Remicade or Humira). Each treatment I just outlined has increasingly severe potential side effects so as Hieroglyph mentioned, make sure you research things. At some point during this regime, if you are suffering, your GI may prescribe steroids. Steroids kick in within a few days but as with everything else, there are side effects. Some GI's throw in antibiotics, probiotics, etc. The kicker with alot of medications is that they take time to work. I've heard 6 weeks for the pills like Asacol, 3-6 months for the immunosuppresants, and three treatments (14 or so weeks) for Remicade, although sometimes effects are immediate.

On the non-medical end, people have found that various diets work. Two common ones I read about are the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and the Paleo diet. Other find relief with supplements (Turmeric, Aloe, Fish Oil, Vitamin D, probiotics). Unfortuantely everyone's UC is different so what works for one person might not work for another. This is for alternative treatments and medical treatments.

Not to freak you out, but sometimes people with UC end up getting surgery. That's after all other treatments have failed and doesn't happen to many people.

As for the colonoscopy - it's really not bad. Drinking whatever prep or taking the million pills is the worst part. People tend to find drinking the prep better if they drink it mixed with sprite (or similar) or white grape juice. Some people suck on hard candies between drink doses. I've found it easier if I drink the prep through a straw, that way you don't have to taste the liquid as much. Other people just straight shoot it. If you've had diarrhea for weeks, then actually expelling everything from your intestines hopefully won't be too bad. Just be prepared to sit in the bathroom for awhile and to be near it in between visits. Witch hazel wipes or bathroom wipes might relieve some potential irritation. The actual colonoscopy itself isn't bad at all if you are somewhat sedated. You arrive at the office/hospital, do your intake (answer what meds you are on, when you last ate, when you last drink, etc.), they hook you up to an IV and then eventually take you back to the scope room. Once there, they give you a mild sedative and you are out. You wake up in your recovery area. I remember a tiny bit from my first scope but nothing worth mentioning. After you wake up, they take your vitals for awhile. You may have some slight stomach discomfort because they pump air into your intestines so they can see the sides. Then you have somebody drive you home. Then you can use it as an excuse to chill out the rest of the day! You may have some biopsies so they can test for various things but if you are bleeding already you might not notice any difference.

I can't answer the hot foods question unfortunately. Some people have issues, some people don't. The only thing you can do is experiment and track, unfortunately.

Sorry, forgot to connect something. Biopsies can cause bleeding - but if you are bleeding already then the difference in blood volume the next few days might not even be noticeable.

Relax - Let your GI discover what's going on - Keep a food journal and eat healthy whole foods - My GI actually had me begin using Metamucil which really helped me... Remember getting a diagnose will help you focus more clearly on what you can do to to be the healthiest you! Wishing you wellness!

Colonoscopy is not that bad. the prep for it is not fun, but only one really bad day with the prep, and if you have UC, then you will be used to bowel distress anyway, so not a huge change from daily life - at least not for me.
the colonoscopy itself is no big deal, you are asleep for it, and wake up quickly after, there may be a little bleeding after from biopsies, but it is a very small amount. the risks with the procedure are fairly minimal, and there are rarely complications.

I have UC, and so far, no meds have helped, but i am on Imuran, and fingers crossed it will start helping soon.

Good luck with the scope!

Hi,

If you want to start educating yourself, check out CCFA's site: http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/. This site outlines the disease, what to expect, the treatment options, living with UC, etc. I

The colonoscopy/endoscopy aren't not nearly as dramatic as they are made out to be. The prep is the worst part and even that is manageable. It just not pleasant. I've had tons of colonoscopies and endoscopies and had no issues. In fact, the sedation drugs that they give you are awesome. I always call my procedures a "spa day." because I kind of feel pretty great after them. Seriously try not to psyche yourself out about the tests.

Your doc will examine your colon and take biopsies. He may suspect UC based on what he sees, but the biopsies will confirm. He'll likely talk to you after the procedure, and if not, a nurse will fill you in on next steps and when you need to see your GI again.

The majority of people who have UC live quite well. While the disease seems to affect people differently sometimes, usually people respond to medication, don't need surgery and just live their life. I have moderate UC throughout my entire colon. I take my maintenance meds and I go for my regular colonoscopies and that's pretty much it. I eat spicy foods. I eat whatever I want when I'm in remission. I've typically responded to meds right away it seems. There is a spectrum of medications to try and your doc will advise you on which to try first based on the extent of the disease. Sometimes diet helps some people, but for many it makes no difference.

So take a deep breath and try to relax, like Imneiss said. You need the diagnosis first before anything else. Otherwise all the anecdotal experiences of others (including my own), while well intended, I think can scare the crap out of people. For the majority of people who have UC, which extends far beyond this little support group, they are able to live happy, healthy lives.