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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is a painful condition affecting the large bowel. Characterised by painful episodes of abdominal discomfort, frequent need to pass stools, it usually affects young people. Can result in bloody stools several times a day, with mucous and diarrhoea. Usually leads to weight loss, poor absorption of minerals and loss of protein. Usually treated with a variety of drugs including steroids. In severe cases can require surgery, possibly resulting in the need for a colostomy, either on a temporary basis or permanently. Sufferers can be either male or female. As well as drugs, a change in diet is often recommended. However, there has been disagreement on whether a low-residue diet or a high-fibre one is best. In my experience, once the acute phase is over, a high-fibre diet proved helpful. Avoiding certain foods such as citrus fruit and spicy food is recommended by some. My advice is avoid what makes symptoms worse and be moderate in everything else. Fish oils are thought to be of benefit if taken on a regular and long-term basis. Avoiding stress is often suggested and some view the condition as psycho-somatic in origin. I disagree as who wouldn't be anxious if you are going to the toilet thirty times a day, in severe pain and passing blood! However, a positive attitude is important and certainly stress can make things worse. Requires regular monitoring as risk of bowel cancer is increased. Colonoscopy is often recommended on an annual basis. However, the disease can 'burn-out' after several years and it is possible to overcome it with the right combination of drugs, diet and mental attitude.
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Contributor's Note
I am not a licensed physician but I did suffer from ulcerative colitis for many years, requiring years of medication, topical steroids, hospital interventions and IV steroids. I lost two stones in a week when the disease was at its most active but with the drugs, a change in diet (now a vegetarian) and a positive attitude I managed to beat the disease. I also believe that prayer played a part in my recovery. I was also a nurse for more than 15 years and knew many fellow sufferers, including a friend who died from it in the days when drugs were limited and surgery (in his case) was left too late. My advice is seek help if you have any bleeding rectally.
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