Flare getting worse

[LNS87]

So i am apparently still in this flare that started back at the end of September. I went on Pred for 5 weeks and did great, but about a week after finishing my symptoms started coming back slowly. Now its been about 5 weeks since stopping pred and I feel like I am going downhill fast. However, I do have a colonoscopy scheduled for next week. When I last talked to GI, she doesn't want to add any new meds until we see what is going on with the scope. It would have been much sooner but between my big race in Vegas with Team Challenge, my work schedule, and honestly not feeling that bad, Dec 12th was the soonest date that worked out for me. She told me if I start feeling bad and get worse she wants to go ahead and do pred again before the scope. I do not agree with this because I think it will decrease the inflammation and she will not see what is truly going on when she goes in, so I am trying to hold off if I can. Symptoms right now are increasing BMs and getting looser but no blood, cramping and abdominal pain, and some minor nausea. I am taking Asacol HD as my only IBD med currently.

So, since it less than a week away now, I am willing to power through if I can but I need advice. I am able to work so I am not feeling bad enough to call in or stay home and miss out on stuff at least not yet. After tonight I only have 1 other shift to work before my scope. What are your favorite flare foods? Any tips/tricks for getting through flare symptoms? Right now I am having gatorade and ramen noodles for my dinner and have chicken soup for my lunch later tonight. I appreciate any advice you all can offer!

 

[mccindy]

Just my own personal opinion, and different things work for each person, but I'd avoid regular Gatorade, and ramen as well. Gatorade has a ton of HFCS in it, which is bad for you even if you don't have GI issues. Commercial ramen has a lot of sodium in it too. So do commercial soups. Making them homemade is a good idea, then you can control the sodium and put your own flavorings in there. I personally can't do gluten or dairy so I tend to stick to white rice and chicken for the most part, along with seafood and canned peas. Some people have a lot of luck with Kefir milk, which is Lactose free and has probiotics in it which can soothe the gut.
Hopefully this helps you a bit.

 

[Myhappyplace]

I know it's tough to cook anything when you're not feeling well. When I'm doing ok I try to make homemade soup and keep single serving containers in the freezer. When you're unwell, give yourself a break eat whatever is on hand that you can tolerate. Sometimes I do instant mashed potatoes with broth instead of water. I tolerate milk so I can do pudding cups, but sorbet or Italian ice are other options. And there are days when I live on mint tea! It works wonders for the nausea for me. Are you able to plug in a heating pad at work? That can really help with the nausea and cramping. I keep a bottle of mint extract at my bedside. Just smelling it can help when I'm nauseated.

Good luck! I hope you can make it through work and that your doc finds some useful info on your scope.