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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/26/2007 10:13 AM (GMT -7)
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.

On a competely different note, I was a substitue teacher last week for music.  I was in front of  50 students in a junior high choir.  Of course, I felt the urgent need to go and had to leave the classroom and run upstairs to the bathroom.  I thought when I came back the kids would be hanging from the ceiling but they were all sitting quietly in their seats waiting for me to continue with the class.  I was so greatful but I hesitate to accept any more subbing jobs because I never know when I will have to go.  This is so frustrating!  I want to contribute to our family finances!  Thanks for letting me vent.

Posted 9/26/2007 10:23 AM (GMT -7)
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.
Posted 9/26/2007 10:46 AM (GMT -7)
I've heard some people use chiropractic assistance to help with their flares, and from others, accupuncture.

:)
Posted 9/26/2007 11:10 AM (GMT -7)
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.
Posted 9/26/2007 1:31 PM (GMT -7)
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.

A lot of people use acupuncture and chinese medicine. UC is related to the chinese element "Metal" which is governed by the lungs and the colon. I think they work to free up this meridian via treatment. I don't know too muc about it. You can read a lot more about the 5 element theory of acupuncture online.

I really liked the following website on natural therapies for colitis. The doctor doesnt try to forcefully claim that all UC is curable by therapy. But ho does talks sense

http://drbenkim.com/articles-ulcerative-colitis-treatment.htm

http://drbenkim.com/articles-ulcerative-colitis-diet.htm

I really like the paragraph where he says

"Emotional stress is such a significant contributor to the pathological process of ulcerative colitis that if I developed a moderate to advanced case of ulcerative colitis, one of the first steps that I would take would be to arrange to take time off from work so that I could give my mind and spirit time to rest and return to a state of harmony. I'm certain that to not take this step would be to markedly reduce my chances of experiencing a full recovery."

Posted 9/27/2007 5:32 AM (GMT -7)
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.

The mind can be a powerful healer so think positive and help yourself heal.

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