Does this sound like a flare up? - Crohn's and Colit...

Crohn's and Colitis Support

5,460 members1,748 posts

Does this sound like a flare up?

PandaPop11 profile image
2 Replies

Hi all, my husband was diagnosed with colitis around 10 years ago, after a period of treatment etc he was considered to be in remission and discharged from the team at the hospital. I would say this was around 5 years ago now.

Last year, he fell over damaging his knee which became inflamed. After taking ibuprofen on and off to reduce the inflammation, it didn’t improve and he was prescribed naproxen. He has been taking this for 1 month when he started to notice a significant change in his bowel movements. He has had diarrhoea daily for the last week. He has also lack of appetite which in turn means he has lost quite a significant amount of weight. His iron levels are showing as being low and his GP has said he is very concerned.

He has been referred for an endoscopy and colonoscopy and he’s worried they’re going to tell him it’s the ‘c word’. Is it possible that this is a severe colitis flare? Can anyone with colitis share their stories of having a flare after so long or those who have had issues with naproxen.

Thank you in advance

Written by
PandaPop11 profile image
PandaPop11
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
2 Replies
bantam12 profile image
bantam12

Ibuprofen and Naproxen aren't recommended for colitis patients as they will cause a flare up especially if taken long term.

He should also be under continual care of a Gastro team for annual surveillance and be on maintenance meds to keep him in remission.

I was diagnosed 25 years ago and I'm still with the same gastro team, seen every year or more frequently if needs be and I have immediate access to my IBD nurse and Consultant which saves a lot of time !

I hope he gets better soon.

Maisywhippet profile image
Maisywhippet

All advice from bantam sounds spot on.I was diagnosed 2yrs ago with UC. Came completely from nowhere...after 6 weeks of running to the toilet and eventually being admitted to hospital it was confirmed. After hefty intravenous steroids for 5days I was sent home with regular meds ( octasa) to be taken for life, maintenance dose.

All was good for a year then it came back..advice from doc was “up the meds and catch it quick...it works and no probs since. Due a routine colonoscopy in3weeks as they do like to keep an eye on the colon.

I would say the anti inflammatories have cause a flare,

I have been told ibuprofen is a definite no no with UC.

He will lose weight fast with diarrhoea and iron is possible low due to passing blood in it?

Flares can come on very fast and you should have meds ready to be able to deal with it, get on to IBD nurse at your local hospital and please try not to worry! Good luck😊

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Flare up

Hi, I've been diagnosed with colitis since 2002. Ive has flare ups but not a major one until 7...

Please help? Does this sound like IBD?

In august I woke up with watery diarrhea for about 4 days with stomach cramps and stomach gurgling....
Amywoodx profile image

Does this sound like ibd or ibs?

Hello, if this is not allowed I'm fine for it to be deleted because I havent actually being...
Abi_97 profile image

Flare up

Hi everyone I started infusions infliximab 4 months ago for my chrons and it felt like a miracle...
webbs8 profile image

Nsaids and IBD

Hi everyone, last April I was diagnosed with Microscopic colitis. After a course of Budesonide, I...
jakelayla profile image

Moderation team

willow24 profile image
willow24Administrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.