I don't, but my aunt does. She has suffered with it for years, probably doesn't heed the proper diet as much as she should tho. She gets pain sometimes.

I've had it on and off throughout my entire adult life. My attacks have always been triggered by unbearable stress in my life which I now find I'm more capable of controlling. I don't envy you one iota, Baby. It's a very painful malady...followed only by individual ulcers themselves...which I've also had.

I'm a diabetic and my diet is more high fibre today than it's ever been. Your doctor has given you very good advice. The high fibre has a miraculous curative effect on this particular condition.

Good luck and I hope you get it under control quickly.

Anne

My granddaughter has this, she is only 13...it took many months before she was diagnosed. It does mean some changes in lifestyle. As my daughter (her Mom) tells her you have the disease..the disease does't have you ! Keeping a good attitude and your stress levels under control is key..

My 25 year old son has had it for several years and stress plays a big part. He is on 3 prescription meds, plus a high fiber diet and probiotics. Often times anti-depressants are prescribed because our gut is similar to our brain regarding seratonin. Exercise, meditation, yoga, and biofeedback are also helpful in managing the disease.

Fiber One cereal is an excellent source of fiber (14 grams). Fiber One bars are also a quick way to add 9 grams. It is important to add fiber slowly so as not to cause more distress to an already distressed situation.

Take care!

I appreciate the encouraging words very much. I don't have pain, thankfully just wattery diarrhea and fatigue. Doesn't everything seem to be stress related anymore? Hahahah!!

How much fiber do you consider "high?" I think the recommended amount is around 20 grams. Big Baby, Anne, do you think you eat more than that? I was just wondering how to get more fiber into the diet.

I don't know how much in grams I eat, Socks. I eat a ton of veggies, though. I only eat 100% whole wheat bread and pasta. I don't eat any white flour or sugar. I think they thing that I seem to react to are dairy products. Since my colonoscopy last week it has been much better because I switched from 1/2 and 1/2 in my coffee to soy creamer.

I forgot to mention in my post that often times a lactose intolerance will make colitis symptoms worse or be the acutal cause of it. Eliminating it for 2 weeks is helpful in determining if you are intolerant. Also a gluten intolerance can be suspect.

35 grams of fiber is the recommended daily amount. My son eats more than that for his colitis. I'm sure your doctor will fill you in on what he thinks is best for you. Sometimes its a trial and error kind of thing until you figure it out.

My daughter got it when she was 17, she is now 25. For the past 3 years she has been involved in a study drug program which is helping her a lot. The drug has been approved here in Canada for Crohen's but not for Ulcerative Colitis. Every 3 weeks, she has to give herself a needle in her stomach and goes to the hospital once every three months for a scope. Her last scope was in July and everything was clear and healthy, no reddness, swelling.

Be sure it is colitis. How was it diganosed - with a biopsy? Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes a range of similar symptoms, but treated very differently.

I was diagnosed for 2 years as Ulcerative Colitis but not responding to medication or any diet changes.

I went for a second opinion at Cedars Sinai, they reviewed the UCLA doctor's notes, did a second colonscopy and biopsy and said the diagnosis was wrong - I had Chron's Disese. They switched my meds and within 4 weeks I was feeling better. 2 years later, I'm in total remission. No drastic changes to diet and no other changes needed in my life. 6-MP was the magic - that, and the correct diagnosis.

Colitis/IBD can be a catchall diagnosis if they can't figure anything else out, or don't do the right testing. So if you don't respond to the first recommendations, I strongly urge you to seek a second opinion. The wrong diagnosis can lead to continuing symptoms and needless discomfort.

One other thing your doctor should have checked is bacterial overgrowth, which 70% of patients with the IBD disorders have hand-in-hand with the bowel inflammation. You should have been tested for that as well. Treatment is a specific type of antibiotic and that usually does the trick.

Making radical diet changes is amazing! I am controlling all my conditions with diet. No more meds, high energy, change in overall health. Oh, do I miss my old diet but the medications I was taking were really messing me up and probably would have caused more damage in the end than my condition so that keeps me from the dairy, gluten, etc. I had to play with my diet and research a lot to figure it all out - for me.

Good luck!

I'm sorry, BB.. I hope that it is kept in check easily for you.

Tally, I'm sorry to hear about your Chron's I know someone that has it and it's been a horrible ride. I'm glad that you have had yours in remission.