UC and fear!

[Stephanie_munden1]

Feel so nervous this morning. I'm in a UC flare. High inflammation marker. Only 15 steroids because they upset me a bit. Double the dose of Mezavant and a weeks course of Metronidazole. I was sent a prescription for (can't remember the name) of stuff to put in at night but I just can't bring myself to do it! Any advice I would be grateful. My children are coming for Christmas. I have no appetite and I'm really tired. Sorry to go on so just feel very worried . I think just connecting will make a difference.

[Dalebury]

Hi Stephanie Really sorry to hear your having a flare up of UC, worrying about it makes it much harder to cope with it. I understand you want to do the best for your family but I'm sure they will all help you out and will probably tell you that your health and wellbeing is more important than a Christmas dinner!!

I expect the nightime medication is either an enema or suppository. I found the enema pretty hard to cope with myself. The main thing is for you to get plenty of rest and let your family take the strain

Your feelings are very understandable, I've been there myself we are our own worse enemy thinking's we should be able to do it all ourselves 🤔 but others will help if you let them just ask for help.

Take care.

[Stephanie_munden1 in reply to Dalebury]

Thank you for your reply it was so kind. It's that time of the year when we feel we should be able to just carry on. Hopefully the flare is receding somewhat and the IBD nurses have been very helpful. I guess even without UC the strain of the pandemic is getting stressful. I've taken a lot of comfort from your reply. Have a good Christmas and New Year, Stephanie.

[violetmycat]

Hi StephanieSorry to hear about your flare up as I've been going through a bad flare right through the lock down - so staying in hasn't made any difference to me because I couldn't leave the house! I'm on my 7th blocks of steroids this year starting with 8 tablets the first week then cutting down until I will be taking 1 (5mg) the last week. I hate them as I don't sleep and I'm hyperactive during the night. But it is the only way to calm it down and give me a rest from it.

I'm just worried that when I get to the last week I will go 'down' the same as before. Hope my specialists comes up with an answer soon. So keep you chin up we are thinking of you

Regards Kate

[Stephanie_munden1 in reply to violetmycat]

Hi Kate I've just been prescribed 40 by the IBD nurse. I KNOW I wont be able to sleep but it's a price to pay for the horrible churning feeling I have at the moment. That said I don't know whether an inflammation marker of 160 is bad or not so bad! I'm guessing we're all feeling the stress of Christmas and covid. It's not helpful is it. Thinking of you too. Stephanie.

[violetmycat]

Hi Stephanie

That is the same dose I'm on. Don't worry about the inflammation market as mine was 600 one time.

I will think of your during the night when your mind is going 19 to the dozen - but the amount goes down pretty quick.

Best wishes

Kate

[Frasina]

Hi Stephanie,I have UC (pancolitis) recently diagnosed (and 20 plus years IBS) and although I have not had a calprotectin test yet I believe that 160 is a not so bad inflammation marker (if this is what you had) as some with UC have markers in the 1000's!

I sympathise with you in terms of having a flare this time of year - I am still in mine. Your children will no doubt help you get food ready etc so do not be too hard on yourself. Tell them about your flare as I am sure they will all rally round. If tired, just sit somewhere cosy for a while, as they will understand.

Meds will at least help... the only advice I can offer is to only do what you feel you are capable of and try to enjoy it as best you can. x