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My GI totally discounts anything but western medicine

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/23/2010 12:40 PM (GMT -7)
I just came back from seeing my GI. I had a sigmoidoscopy. Apparently, my second flare did involve the whole colon. I thought it had just involved the left side, because that's where I thought I saw the ulcer. Anyway, this time, I just have a very, very mild flare, which is restricted to the rectum. In fact, it's right at the bottom of the rectum. My GI prescribed Canasa suppositories in addition to the bottle of lialda he had given me about a week ago. He says the inflammation should be gone in about a week or two.

Anyway, my GI wants me to keep taking the lialda owing to the fact that the previous inflammation affected the whole colon. He totally discounted the fact that I was taking antibiotics, solely because the antibiotics were topical. However, I have read that topical antibiotics can cause antibiotic-associated colitis. Moreover, asacol might have made my last flare worse, and colazol stopped working. It's possible that lialda will loose its effectiveness too if I take it every day. I figure I'll keep using turmeric as my anti-inflammatory and add boswellia and lialda if I notice any signs of inflammation--such as my poo becoming thinner and smaller. Plus, I'll stop with the topical antibiotics. I seem to be handling this mini flare very well. I do believe that using turmeric and bowellia has made the difference in keeping the flare in check before I saw my GI. In the past, I would have been in a bad flare after three days of seeing the first sign of blood.
Flaring very, very slightly.

 

Figuring out how to reduce a flare or get into remission is a trial and error experience. Don't expect your GI to have all the answers. He was trained in making diagnoses, prescribing medications, and surgically removing the colon. He was not trained in alternative treatments. That's why they are called alternative treatments.

What works for me: Fecal transplantation, Probiotics, Anti-inflammatory foods, No HFCS, No crystalline fructose, No foods high in fructose, No artificial sweeteners, No pro-inflammatory foods when flaring, Vitamins, Lexapro (for stress).

Posted 2/23/2010 2:05 PM (GMT -7)
People forget that at one time the use of probiotics for UC was once considered alternative medicine.
Posted 2/23/2010 2:15 PM (GMT -7)
Remember that your GI is trained in Western medicine, as are almost all MD's. That is their specialty and what they are trained for. They don't do chiropractic manipulation, or homeopathic treatment, or Santería or any other discipline. In theory, that's what we go to them for - Western medicine treatment and diagnosis. If we choose to augment that with other disciplines, we can, but expecting them to do naturopathic, homeopathic or other treatment is like asking your dog to be a cat.
Posted 2/23/2010 2:20 PM (GMT -7)
I guess I'm kind of confused as to why you're complaining about it, given what you have written in your signature.
Co-Moderator, UC Forum

Status: Remission since May 2009!

Symptoms began in November 2008, ~4 weeks after giving birth to my son

Diagnosed with pancolitis on 1/30/09

Meds: Apriso (4 0.375g pills ONCE!! daily), mesalamine enema twice weekly, Natural Factors Ultimate probiotic 12/12 Formula, multivitamin.  Used prednisone (starting dose 40 mg) to get into remission.

 

Posted 2/23/2010 2:46 PM (GMT -7)
I agree with fruitgirl.
22/Female/NJ
Ulcerative colitis from rectum to mid transverse colon, diagnosed 3/6/2009, symptoms for 2 years beforehand
Currently on lialda 4x/day, Prednisone 40 mg taper, rowasa 1x nightly, calcium and d, B12, yogurt, fish oil
Allergies: penicillin, sulfa, bee stings, environmental (especially ragweed!), OTC meds as needed

Posted 2/23/2010 3:17 PM (GMT -7)
I'm complaining about it, because it would be nice to get some support from my GI for not taking lialda every day for the rest of my life. Plus, others see him. I'm sure his disregard for alternative medicines results in an overuse of western medication. As for probiotics, he's never even mentioned them to me. I found out about them from this board.

Yes. I know his training is in western treatments. That's why I see him, to get diagnosed, to get prescription medicine such as lialda and canasa if I need them, and eventually to get surgery if I need that to.
Flaring very, very slightly.

 

Figuring out how to reduce a flare or get into remission is a trial and error experience. Don't expect your GI to have all the answers. He was trained in making diagnoses, prescribing medications, and surgically removing the colon. He was not trained in alternative treatments. That's why they are called alternative treatments.

What works for me: Fecal transplantation, Probiotics, Anti-inflammatory foods, No HFCS, No crystalline fructose, No foods high in fructose, No artificial sweeteners, No pro-inflammatory foods when flaring, Vitamins, Lexapro (for stress).

Posted 2/23/2010 3:30 PM (GMT -7)
I think you are expecting too much if you ever think your GI will be supportive of you dropping the western anti inflammatory drugs for herbs/supplements/holistic treatments. I think you are at a crossroads as to whether to continue seeing a western doctor or changing your care over to an eastern/holistic/naturopath. A GI is going to expect his/her patients to stay on maintenance doses of western meds for the duration of the illness, that is life or if surgery is selected.

Sue
dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

Posted 2/23/2010 6:29 PM (GMT -7)

suebear said...
I think you are expecting too much if you ever think your GI will be supportive of you dropping the western anti inflammatory drugs for herbs/supplements/holistic treatments. I think you are at a crossroads as to whether to continue seeing a western doctor or changing your care over to an eastern/holistic/naturopath. A GI is going to expect his/her patients to stay on maintenance doses of western meds for the duration of the illness, that is life or if surgery is selected.

Sue

I think I just needed to post something on the board to get it out of my system. I know I should be happy that I'm doing so well. I just had a bad day. My GI kept insisting that he felt I should be taking lialda even though I have only a tiny flare, so tiny that it is only at the bottom of the rectum and should be gone in one to two weeks. I got tons of gas from the sigmoidoscopy, and someone parked her car in such a way that I couldn't get into mine to drive home. I had to wait in pain for her to show up and move her car. When I did get home, I had to get on the phone to join a conference call for a phone interview. I was supposed to talk with three people from eTrade. No one ever showed up. I called my recruiter, and he called eTrade to find out what was going on. Then he called me back and said that the people at eTrade said they already talked with me back in October and disqualified me back then. They had no need to talk with me again. I wasn't looking for a job back in October. August, yes. October, no. Anyway, if they haven't hired anyone for the position and they've been looking since August, or even October, then they aren't very serious about filling the role.
Flaring very, very slightly.

 

Figuring out how to reduce a flare or get into remission is a trial and error experience. Don't expect your GI to have all the answers. He was trained in making diagnoses, prescribing medications, and surgically removing the colon. He was not trained in alternative treatments. That's why they are called alternative treatments.

What works for me: Fecal transplantation, Probiotics, Anti-inflammatory foods, No HFCS, No crystalline fructose, No foods high in fructose, No artificial sweeteners, No pro-inflammatory foods when flaring, Vitamins, Lexapro (for stress).

Posted 2/23/2010 6:41 PM (GMT -7)

Well we all have bad days, I hear you!  I hope tomorrow is better :)

Sue

dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

Posted 2/23/2010 7:57 PM (GMT -7)
Well, I hear ya', Subdued.  I went through 3 GI specialists and when I found one who at least HEARD of the alternatives that are out there, I knew I found one I could work with.  He was willing to talk to me about probiotics, anti-inflammatory foods, and food allergies.  Though ultimately, he puts his faith in Western Medicine, I was able to give more credence to his suggestions just by knowing that he had considered alternatives.  Just a confidence thing on my end, I guess.

diagnosed with UC in Feb 2007

taking 12 Asacol/day since then

take Rowasa enema as needed

Mega-dosing on iron due to anemia

Have tried dozens of alternate remedies: 

glutamine, sunflower/spinach, omega3, Ayurveda, reflexology, herbal prescriptions, blood allergy testing (avoiding dairy and eggwhites), tried no nightshades, tried SCD (not very strict to be honest), tried Guts to Glory program, briefly tried David Klein diet, mega-probiotics, probiotic enemas, slippery elm enemas, etc. etc. 

I know that the right combination for what my tender tummy needs is out there!

Posted 2/23/2010 9:36 PM (GMT -7)
Just remember a teeny flare can end up worse....and it probably won't be totally gone in 2 weeks. I hope you use your meds, and definitely double up the supps by taking 2 a day.

Of course, the enemas would be better.

Yes, life always gets in the way and it can exacerbate any situation tenfold.
Hope you feel better soon.

Venting is good.
q
Posted 3/2/2010 1:11 PM (GMT -7)
Gentle Now, is your doctor in NY? I'm looking for a western doctor open to all different kinds of treatments.
Posted 3/2/2010 2:29 PM (GMT -7)
NicoleB, if you're in NYC, there're Ron Hoffman and Leo Galland - both are "integrative" doctors, MDs who use diet, supplements etc as well in their treatment protocols.
Posted 3/2/2010 2:32 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Nicole,
No, I'm in California. Anyway, I don't want to give the wrong impression... he's heard of alternative medicines - and will discuss them with me more-or-less open-mindedly and he won't discourage things that I hope will help even when he thinks they won't make much difference. But ultimately, he wants me on western meds.
diagnosed with UC in Feb 2007

taking 12 Asacol/day since then

take Rowasa enema as needed

Mega-dosing on iron due to anemia

Have tried dozens of alternate remedies: 

glutamine, sunflower/spinach, omega3, Ayurveda, reflexology, herbal prescriptions, blood allergy testing (avoiding dairy and eggwhites), tried no nightshades, tried SCD (not very strict to be honest), tried Guts to Glory program, briefly tried David Klein diet, mega-probiotics, probiotic enemas, slippery elm enemas, etc. etc. 

I know that the right combination for what my tender tummy needs is out there!

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