Hi,
Firstly...lol, clarify you take two suppositories. You mean one at night and one in the morning?
5ASA is 5-aminosalicylate. It's a derivitive of ASA...but a separate molecule of it...not the same as aspirin, but an anti-inflammatory. The chemical name is mesalazine or mesalamine or olsalazine. Salofalk is 5ASA. I'm in Canada...Salofalk isn't available in the US..it's called Rowasa or Canasa there I believe.
Just for you to remember...with autoimmune diseases, boosting the immume system too much can trigger attacks. Many of the "big gun meds" for IBD are immunomodulators or immumoinhibitors. There's a fine line there.
I've never heard of Transfer Factor..I'll check it out. Is it a product or a philosopy of how the body works?
So far, the Omega 3 seems to be fine for me as well. I think the gas really is from foods and the fact that I'm in a small flare.
As far as flaring....blood always means flaring (unless it's from hemorrhoids or a fissure). With the membranes so inflamed, the stool passing over can cause some of the bleeding. But, it does mean you're inflamed.
For me, at this time..I know within a day or two for sure that I'm starting to flare. But, I do put it off on occasion for a few more days just to make sure. Some flares can hit quickly, depending on a person's situation.....stress/distress of a crisis situation may even postpone the flare from happening (my hypothesis) because of the excess adrenaline....but as soon as things have quieted down, the flare will hit. It could also be that the mind is elsewhere and not focussing on the body as well. Natural defenses can only carry us for so long.
For me, I will notice more gas and discomfort, especially after eating...not even offending foods. I will sometimes have a bit of mucous with stool, or even mucous alone with the urge for a bm. I also have anal/rectal sensations such as "crawlies" or like throbbing, but without pain. Nausea happens more often as well.
Within a day or two I'll probably have pain upon a bm and possibly more frequent bms. I'm normally one a day, sometimes two. But if above that, I'll suspect. The pain will be accompanied by vocal whimpers, some groans or cries and a white knuckling (for the benefit of others in the house possibly ;-) )
That's the positive sign and I start the rectal meds back to nightly. The rectal cramping and nausea will continue long after the bm. I take Bentylol for that and sometimes Gravol as well.
This time around, I didn't wait for the pain....I just started meds nightly because of the discomfort, rectal/anal sensations and SEVERE nausea. The flare before Christmas didn't get the usual care, I hurried the meds and tapered too fast and even missed a night or two. So, here I am, back to square one and feeling tons better.
Tired....I definitely forgot to put that down....YES, especially before a flare, with other symptoms I'm zonked, severely cold and needing a nap NOW!! I'm not into sports, but must get my butt exercising more.
As far as your competing...I would say that once your flares are controlled more closely you'll notice a severe increase in your stamina. Listen to your body and rest if you need to. Do sports that don't require much competitive physical input. Your excess fatigue could be compounded by mental distraction of trying to "keep well". It's not something that comes without a consequence...after it's adapted, life will be better. Ignoring the fatigue too many times can definitely lead to other problems...but maybe a short nap will revive you quickly.
Eating regularly, even using a power shake or protein shake or something that is OK with you to take can keep your body going and give you that extra energy. When fighting a flare, sometimes eating smaller meals but more often will help. Actually, it's a good idea anyway I think.
Rashes...I have eczema (asthma), and do on occasion use corticosteroid cream. This year is the best so far. I use 2 Lubriderm lotions (unscented and Sensitive) all over my body after shower and over the spots I put Neutrogena Norgegian Formula Body Moisture Lotion. I've rarely used the cortisone cream this winter.
I also don't use soap all over my body daily (just the important parts!). I also find that when I eat too much bread products or sugar (I have a sweet tooth but curbing it) they get worse.
The chronic spot could also be a yeast infection? Maybe try Triacomb (sp?).
Most of us with IBD have skin "manifestations". I have one on my face that I'm now having to go to the dermatologist. It's a bit wonky lately ..hmmm, not liking that. I've been using
Elidel but it's not cleared up at all in ages.
It all seems related to autoimmune responses. They definitely come and go....but always in the same spots. I guess we're lifers for that too.
The only thing I would strongly suggest is for you to enquire or better yet...request trying the Salofalk enemas. The goal for me as suggested by my doctor is to keep the areas that are not affected...not affected and clear from inflammation. As well...to keep the inflammation dealt with as quickly as possible. I personally don't think what you're using is quite enough....and you could suggest starting with the 2 gram bottles rather than the 4 gram.
They're to be used at night...and you could even use the suppositories in the morning.
I strongly remind you that the tapering is important, but I can explain that at another time if you enquire.
It still sounds as though you're doing really well...I hope your fatigue lessens soon.
Have a feeling well weekend!
quincy
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