New in team UC
Hello, fellow colon brothers and sisters. Four years before yesterday I was wrongly diagnosed with IBS. Until now I have had around one flare-up per year. This September was my last flare-up, but this time didn't go away completely, and after a colonoscopy yesterday I have a new diagnosis of Left Ulcerative Colitis. I completely understand that my condition isn't severe but my body doesn't get it. I'm anxious especially in the mornings. (I had the same thing with my first flare-ups from IBS diagnosis) This makes it hard to take meds, eat, and work.
I'm a champ at taking meds when I'm calm but now it is a struggle, and in the next 2 months I have to take around 10 pills a day. I'm looking for advice or strategy on how to deal with this anxiety if there is someone like me.
Thanks, Siso
Hi
. Anxiety around the new diagnosis and treatment is certainly understandable. I want to share with you this article from our patient leader Eshani on how she manages anxiety with UC: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/ulcerative-colitis-and-anxiety. Also, I want to note that our contributors have written a number of articles for the newly diagnosed ( a quick search on the topic using the search button, top left, brings up a number of them). This one from Kelly J offers helpful hints: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/hints-newly-diagnosed. You will notice at the bottom that you can click on the part two. Hope this information is helpful and that others chime in with their thoughts. Please know that this community is here for you. Richard (Team Member)
Thank you for the information. I read everything that I could find about anxiety here, and it definitely helped. I have a friend who is a psychologist, and they gave me a book to read. Furthermore, I may start therapy after the holidays. I also found a local Facebook group, which is also helpful.So, yeah, feeling better today. Thank you, Richard.
This is great news. Do keep us posted! -Elizabeth (team member)
Getting an "official" diagnosis was so helpful for me so that I could figure out and avoid the specific foods that caused a flare-up. It was a great relief to name the IBD - collagenous colitis, and make a game plan.
getting a diagnosis can definitely bring some relief for some people (as you mention) as it validates the symptoms and experiences they've been having, as well as gives a starting point for treatment ideas. I'm so glad to hear your diagnosis helped you figure out what foods to avoid. How are you managing currently? Can I ask what foods you find cause flare-ups? And if you are on any medication or what your treatment game plan is? Thanks so much for joining the conversation and sharing! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
I'm lactose intolerant, but lactase pills really help - when I remember them. Sadly, raw foods often cause problems. For lunch I used to enjoy yogurt with chopped apples and any other fruit I had on hand. I still often have yogurt, but I now add canned fruit. Sometimes I can get away with a finely chopped peeled apple. Another thing that I've learned is that eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can also help if I'm eating something raw. When I feel a flare-up starting I hit the loperamide hard and probably 3/4 of the time I can stave off an attack.
Ashaganda and GABA helps with stress and anxiety. Proteolytic enzymes for inflammation and pain
