Sister of an Ulcerative Colitis Patient

[sisterofaUCpatient]

hi, I have a 21 year old sister who was diagnosed with UC about 5 years ago. She was off of meds for about 2 years, It was THAT bad until this year around May. She was hospitalized for 2 weeks. The doctors could not get her flare up under control. She lost about 15 pounds. She could not eat one thing without having BAD cramps and having to use the bathroom. After coming home after a few days she was rushed back to the ER because her whole face was swollen and hurting, her joints were hurting and she could not walk. Doctors said that arthritis is common with UC and is a symptom of a flare up. She is on prednisone and is not happy about it. She has gained weight and is starting to have more facial hair. She thinks there is nothing she can do other than take the medicine and I just dont think that is true! i have read many forums and stories and think she could change a lot of things, BUT she doesnt want to do the research and when i try to talk to her about it she screams, yells and gets defensive. I understand its a touchy subject, but i love my sister and want her to get better. Any suggestions?? THANKS!

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

You may find our diets and sups forum a place worth checking out: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17, bare in mind we are all different with how our IBD's behave so it may be that you sister does need meds to help keep the tum settled.

We also have a forum for UC if you would like to chat with others who have this and get their thoughts: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=69.

Will be keeping fingers crossed that she can be feeling better soon.

AB
xx

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome You're obviously a great sister to reach out like this and your sister is lucky to have you. She's obviously going through a lot of emotional turmoil in addition to her physical problems which must be so hard on both of you Hopefully once she is off the prednisone that will mostly abate.

How long after she would eat would the cramping start out of curiosity? And where specifically in her abdominal region would it hurt?

In addition to the prednisone, is she on any medication? What medications has she tried in the past?