Alternative Therapies

I was having lunch with a couple of friends yesterday and shared my frustration with currently being in a flare and it doesn't seem to be getting worse but it isn't getting much better either.  I am on 12 asacol and 1 rowasa at night.  They suggested I try reflexology and other alternative therapies.  I have never even had a massage so I was wondering if any of you have tried anything besides meds that has helped you through a flare.

I too have just started subbing in the middle school (4 days down) and have been so scared of needing to run out of the room! I barely made it to the bathroom one day (i had an accident a few days before so i was very scared)

I do think that the kids would be fine. All of the kids I have had so far have been great kids!

The days I know i will be subbing I am up at 4am to be there by 8am. I worry about the day I get a call at 6am! Even waking up at 4 i am still running to the bathroom between classes. Block classes (two periods long) are the worst! The last 15 minutes I have to sit still or I know I would be running out of class.

Teaching has always been my dream, long before I was dx'd with UC. I know it can be done, it's good to know there are others out there in the same situation.

---

Kelly, 29

Left sided UC diagnosed 1/98 age 19, Pan colitis diagnosed 1/07
Currently on 4x3 Asacol, Rowasa every other night, down to 15 mg pred.
75mg Imuran starting 8/23/07---fingers crossed!
Prontonix once daily for acid reflux, zofran twice daily for nausea

I've heard some people use chiropractic assistance to help with their flares, and from others, accupuncture.

:)

---

My bum is broken....there's a big crack down the middle of it!  LOL  :)

The book "Listen to Your Gut" by Jini Patel Thompson covers all kinds of alternative approaches to managing IBD, including massage/bodywork, accupuncture and different forms of meditation.

---

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

I've started chiropractic trestment. My chiro doesnt claim to be able to heal UC but does claim to be able to minimise the stress your body is under my ensuring everything is structurally sound and that your nervous system is working efficiently. Reducing stress can only help UC.

The placebo affect is what it's called and everyone should try it in some form. Anything that makes you feel better "works". Whether it's aloe vera juice, bee propolis, flax seed oil, massage therapy, SCD...if you really believe in it then many times that's enough to give you a winning edge on some symptoms. My children need a kiss on the "boo, boo" to help it---it "works" for them but you probably won't find that "prescription" in any medical journal. Some parents have been known to use sugar pills to resolve their children's ills.