Azathrioprine
Long term medication is causing fast growing carcinoma 's, im having a large one cut out today, depending the results i may need to come off meds..... advice re other medication or dietary advice, I'm thinking I may need to make changes as this seems to keep happening on a regular basis now.
Honestly, I was a slow learner when it came to reading the "side effects" of medications. It was my husband who finally convinced me to research treatments more diligently when he noted that the biologic (Remicade) I was taking could result in numerous types of cancer. I wrote an article about the decision to come off it. Here's the link: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/remicade-ulcerative-colitis.
I've struggled with ulcerative colitis for more than 30 years. I've taken so many different medications for it. But...once I finally dug more into researching natural approaches to treating UC, I found a way to release my dependency on medication. Now, I always recommend consulting with a physician on whatever you choose to do. My GI is awesome about listening to my treatment desires. He doesn't laugh at me nor does he roll his eyes. This is my third GI in the thirty+ years I've lived with UC. Two other doctors were unwilling to listen to me. So, I kept changing doctors until I found one willing to not automatically put me on medication--especially those that might result in cancer. I'm not knocking anyone for taking what he/she needs for their body. I only know my body best. So, I researched and found ways to live more peacefully with this IBD.
You're welcome to dive into more articles in this forum. You'll see different paths we all take. In the hiking community, the phrase "hike your own hike" resonates with me. So, that's the approach I take--I hike my own IBD path.
Good luck with your search for new treatments. It can be done. I'm walking proof that better options exist. You just have to find the right options for your body.
Best Wishes in 2023! --Traci (UC-IBD Team Member)Traci, Thank you for you're post its interesting so I will do lots of research whilst waiting for my results from skin legion as feel even if a positive this time it was a very aggressive growth.I'm I a lot of pain with the recovery. Will see what i can find out with a more natural method as I'm worried for the future.
Happy new hear to you💫I'm so sorry you're experiencing pain. I genuinely hope you recover quickly. Definitely check out articles on making dietary changes for your gut. I started with removing gluten. Again, this community offers many articles about those with IBD eliminating gluten from their diets. Gluten is inflammatory. So, start by removing it. Then, research other inflammatory foods. When you see foods on this list that you regularly consume, remove them from your diet.
Also regarding diet, I would look into either the Mediterranean diet or vegetarian. I was reluctant, at first, to go vegetarian. But once my body adjusted, I noticed fewer ulcerative colitis flares, which led to fewer medications and trips to the GI.
Next, do some research on vitamins/supplements. My list of vitamins and supplements is lengthy, but I believe they help my body. For example, I wrote an article about turmeric because I saw someone ask about natural alternative suggestions. Here's the link if you're interested: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/turmeric-ulcerative-colitis
Again, some people swear by the effects of taking turmeric daily, and others say it doesn't help. That's because everyone's body reacts differently.
Many of our patient leaders have written about the effects of vitamin D. Here are a couple of their links: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/vitamin-d-crohns
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/enough-vitamin-d
Finally, I don't know about your exercise routine but definitely look into the effects of exercise on IBD. I can't go a day without either walking and strength training exercises or doing yoga. Exercise helps reduce inflammation and also helps mentally. I also incorporate meditation into my exercise routine. Personally, I end my workouts with meditation. It helps calm me before I get going the rest of the day. As you are recovering from your skin lesion, I think you should just start with deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing helps with cell growth. The body needs that for recovery.
I don't mean to write so much, but I'm quite passionate about feeling better. When the body feels good, the mind feels good, and vice versa. It's all reciprocal. As I stated in my first message, this forum offers so many helpful articles from people going through what you are going through.
I send you Air Hugs as you recover. Above all, be kind to your body. Rest and just go slow. Recovery doesn't happen immediately. So offer yourself GRACE as you replenish and renew your body. Take Care.--Traci (UC-IBD Team Member)
I just joined yesterday, Traci, and very new in this journey. I am so grateful for your input here and will read the articles you posted. I've been in a state of total fear of losing vital nutrients. And simply don't know which end is up as I have been thrown into lost control of body. I am soaking up all of this great info. Question...starting from nothing, what do you recommend I need to prioritize for rebuilding bone density? In my 60's and joints are suffering since my gastro struggles this year. Getting a bone density test in a week. Thank you.
Hi
, welcome to our community! If you’re looking for more information and personal experiences, you’ve come to the right place and I am glad you have found us! I hope you find some comfort from the experiences shared here. A new diagnosis can be so scary and there can be so many unknowns, but just know you aren't alone! We're all here for you, so please do reach out anytime. Keep us updated on how your bone density test goes, if you'd like! Sending well wishes - Pam (team member)
