sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
My GI doctor called today with results from my capsule endoscopy and the serum antigen tests, apparently they came back positive for Ulcerative Colitis.
I feel shocked. I knew that something was very wrong, had been for a long time. The doctor suspected crohns but still it's hard for me to believe.
Thankfully they were able to work me in for a follow up appt on Friday to discuss treatment options and further testing.
What should I expect with this treatment?
Thank you friends for sharing your thoughts.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
I'm sorry to hear this sammy. Are you on any special diet? I'm about to start the GAPS diet which boasts big claims to healing all gut ailments. Are you familiar with it?
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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-------------------- RI Posts: 440 | From New York | Registered: Sep 2005
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Do NOT let them give you Remicade, 6MP (Mercaptopurine or Purinethol), Azathioprine or Methotrexate. These medications suppress the immune system and may potentially be very dangerous for those with Lyme if one is not under the care of a Lyme-Literate Gastroenterologist.
Clinical studies have shown Probiotics (VSL #3 specifically) to be as effective as the 5-ASA (Mesalamine) based medications for Ulcerative Colitis.
Mesalamine based medications are not dangerously immune-suppressing, and in fact may have some antibiotic activity because they are derived from Sulfasalazine, which is a sulfa-based antibiotic. Mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol, etc.) is not sulfa-based and is safe for those with sulfa drug allergy.
Also, Lyme/Coinfections are known to cause inflammation in the colon that may resemble Ulcerative Colitis.
And I know of at least one case of Ulcerative Colitis that went into remission after a strong dose of antibiotics (given via IM injection).
I encourage you to consult with a Lyme-Literate Gastroenterologist about this for a second opinion...
Take care,
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
I agree with Raz, VSL#3, but get the DS prescription grade if your Rx insurance covers it.
Also add Floristor - Saccharomyces Boulardii
Both of these have helped me immensely and hopely you will see improvements in a month.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
I had a horrible gut with crohn's symptoms but didn't stick around the GI long enough for any kind of diagnosis, so I don't have a name for what I had.
I would try to heal your gut naturally .... it took me two or three YEARS, but it can be done. Body Ecology Diet (book) is excellent.
VSL#3 was a must for me. I also ate tons and tons of fermented foods. I made my own kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut. You have to build up the bacteria. Ferments have even more bacteria than probiotics.
I also did the bone broth. I could not eat anything that was not heavily cooked, so most of my veggies were added to bone broth and cooked heavily. Now I can eat salads all day long. It takes time and patience, but you can heal it.
posted
Sorry Sammy. Have you looked into slippery elm. My acupuncturist recommended it for my colon. It coats it so it can heal. I have not tried it yet.
Hope you find some releif.
Posts: 253 | From CA | Registered: Jun 2011
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