New Member.

Hi White Sox,

Welcome....yes, it is hard to come to terms with this and it has been great place for me to come. For me changing taking my Imuran to night time from the am has helped the fogginess for me that and I am getting better day by day, I have a low red blood count right now so I think that is contributing to it, but in general not feeling well and not sleeping took it's toll on me.

How are your symptoms now?

I try to tell myself it could be worse, though a few weeks ago I was in a horrible flare and at that time, I couldn't imagine anything worse......I am doing much better now but sorry that was not uplifting.

Do all the reasearch you can on your meds, on your docs everything!!

I wish you the best.

Beth

Yeah the Imuran will cause the headaches, no doubt.  And many of the other side effects you listed (sweats, insomnia, over-eating) are likely from the Prednisone.  In my case the Pred. also causes achy joints, especially my hips, shoulders.  Mood swings as well, especially after being on it over a month.  Glad to hear you're doing better though.  When I started flaring last year, I also lost about 25 lbs (I was thin to begin with), and got down to 107 lbs (5'8 31 year old male).  I'm now 140 consistantly, though I'm sure some of it has to do with the Pred. and not working a physical job anymore.  That's one good effect of the Pred...the weight gain...when we need it most.

WhiteSox, Pred will definitely mess with your head. Other factors are sometimes anemia from blood loss, loss of sleep and plain old depression. As my doctor said, you have good reason to be depressed.

Yes, it's really tough to go from our self-concept of healthy and invincible to being someone with a chronic disease. Take your time and give yourself a break. Discuss your feelings with your doctor; most of the GI's I've known do depression screenings on IBD patients for just this reason, and you'll find a lot of us are taking antidepressants.

None of us asked for this disease, and nothing we did caused it, so we have no real reason to feel ashamed and dirty, and yet we often do. I also found that letting my family, friends and certain co-workers in on what was happening to me was very helpful because I no longer felt like I had a big dirty secret.

Hope you feel better soon. Don't let this darn disease get you down!

Tips on coping with UC... Hmmm... Well, it's good to realize that this is a chronic condition and you have to deal with it. Don't stop your meds - even when you're feeling better. Been there done that - learn from my mistakes! Some times a good cry or scream can help too. Venting to us helps - usually you can find someone who's been through what you have and can offer advice or just lend an ear.

Being diagnosed with a chronic condition is very difficult. You'll go through a grief process. Sometimes, when you've been ill for a while without a diagnosis, it's almost a relief to know what's wrong with you. Knowledge is power - learn all you can about your disease and it's care. Make sure you can be a partner in your care. Make sure you have doctors you feel comfortable with. Educate your family and support system! Send them here if necessary :)

Judy's advice is awesome! Because this disease deals with the bowels most people feel weird talking about it. After a while - questions about poo don't phase a person anymore!

Chronic illness and depression can go hand in hand. If you find yourself feeling down and blue and just don't know why - talk to your GP and ask about meds. Thank goodness for my anti-depressant!

Yes - the pred can cause brain fog!

I think I've rambled enough - let us know if you have any more questions!

Hello WhiteSox1! Welcome to the forum. Its a hard thing getting used to having a chronic disease and making the life adjustments, but we all have, and you will too! Just keep your head up, and keep coming here for support.....we all are in this together, and the emotional support is as important as the information on handling the disease. Once again, WELCOME! :)