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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/16/2013 8:39 AM (GMT -5)
I am a 40 year old female diagnosed 3 years ago after 2 years of horror with UC. I still can't believe this is my reality. The doctor had me on 4 asocol 3x daily and mesaline enema at night when flare bad and suppository at other times. I lost my job and then my insurance and could not afford 1000 a month for medications (only able to get the bill down to 680 a mo with prescription drug plans) my doctor then decided to change me to 4 sulfasalazine 2x a day and vitamin supplements which comes to about $65. A month. It has worked great for the past year and a half. As a matter of fact it has worked far better than the first treatment. I have been unable to obtain affordable insurance due to my pre existing condition and anxiously waiting for that part of Obama care to kick in. Lol. My problem now is that I'm suffering constipation and heart burn. I am wondering if the heart burn is a sign that I'm having a flare much further up than usual. I've added fiber drinks to daily routine and its helping constipation but want to know if constant heart burn can also be related to UC or if this is a new problem. I can't afford to see a doctor to be told to eat tums. Thank you in advance for your insight.
Posted 4/16/2013 9:05 AM (GMT -5)
Welcome to the forum.

If you truly have UC, then the inflammation should be limited to the colon/retum area and not your esophagus, although flares may end up causing reflux. Are you bleeding and getting the typical UC symptoms?

For heartburn, try eliminating the offending foods and see if that helps - common ones are mints, tomatoes, spices, sodas, sugary foods, etc. If not, perhaps OTC PPI inhibitors like prilosec or prevacid might do the job.

For constipation, you might need more fiber in your diet. For some, metamucil and benefiber do the trick but it's really a matter of experimentation.

Hope this helps.

Post Edited (StealthGuardian) : 4/16/2013 9:02:35 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/16/2013 9:31 AM (GMT -5)
welcome to the butt house -

agree 100% with sg !
Posted 4/16/2013 11:19 AM (GMT -5)
Then maybe I'm having another issue on top of UC. My flare ups in the past involved blood and mucus along with lots of gurgling that could be heard across a room. The constipation and constant heart burn maybe something else. Sure wish I had insurance. I have decided to completely cut milk products out again and up the fiber and take antacids. Will see if this takes care of it. Thanks
Posted 4/16/2013 2:09 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome to the forum.
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