Friend finally diagnosed with UC

[hoosier1]

Learned yesterday that a friend of mine, she is in her later 30's, who has been battling severe weight loss, liquid diarrhea, fatigue, etc, was finally diagnosed with "inactive ulcerative colitis." Not sure how UC can be diagnosed pathologically as inactive, especially with all her symptoms. Nevertheless, that is what she has. And unfortunately for her, her marriage has failed - in part - due to her problems.

She has been through the gamut of physicians who told her she had IBS and sent her on her way (this is criminal). Took about 3 years for a real diagnosis. I continued to tell her that there is no such disease as IBS and to keep pressing. The Cleveland Clinic missed it (how in the world is that possible?). Indiana University Medical School figured it out. They were also the school that confirmed my diagnosis following my local docs diagnosis.

I had been telling her for the last year to modify her diet but she never listened and continues to torture her body with fast food, etc. She is spinning out of control emotionally. I would have guessed she had MC, but apparently she has some bleeding too.

Seems like GI disease is everywhere I turn... Anyone want to venture a guess as to why it seems to be so prevalent?

[starfire]

So sorry about your friend but perhaps after she has a chance to adapt to the diagnosis she will be more receptive to diet changes. I know that probably won't be the entire answer for UC but could help, I imagine.

Love, Shirley

[Gabes-Apg]

Rich
i just posted an article in the new release area, regarding some parasites that were the result of using treated sewage as fertiliser.

IMO the reason for the higher prevelence of Autoimmune conditions and things like asthma etc is

- there are external/environmental influences that cause our immune systems to be overloaded
- the amount of additives, modified ingredients in food (and not just fast food) ie tea having 'additives' that are soy based, juices having soy based vegetable gums. This didnt happen 15 years ago.
- Access to travel, more people travelling, the amount of people travelling to third world countries one example - mine sites in countries that were not viable 15 years ago

[sarkin]

Rich,

I am seeing health issues everywhere that seem so clearly connected to what we know here. GI issues for sure (so many people have baskets full of Pepto, Imodium, Tums, Rolaids, Pepcid... and it's considered 'normal' to be a connoisseur of these things).

I'm sorry your friend had to suffer so long, and lose so much to reach a diagnosis. I hope she's on the way to recovery now, and is able to put together whatever is necessary to prioritize her health.

Whatever else 'inactive' means, I hope it means she gets a break in symptoms soon.

As to 'why so prevalent' - I think there's not a single answer here. I am seeing autoimmune stuff everywhere I look (ADHD, Type 1, migraines, asthma, thyroid stuff... plus stuff that's less clear, like refractory depression, joint pain, MS, and probably much more). I think we may be seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Crossing my fingers that your friend will reach for an easier way through her UC, including some thoughtful dietary intervention ASAP.

Love,
Sara

[klhale]

Hi, my doctor, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology at UT Southwestern, Dallas, said it is environmental. He said "only eat Organic foods". It is working for me.

Karen