Ulcerative colitis and Celiac Disease

[dbemann]

My daughter was diagnosed with UC in Sept. 2008, she started taking prednisone, asacol and aciphex.  She started to get better and had gained a little more than her 20 lbs that she had lost, within 2-3 months and at this time, she was off the prednisone.  In Feb. 2009, she started I assume having flare ups again, but not only was she going to the bathroom, she was also throwing up and not really able to eat.  She was throwing up the bile in her stomach and for almost 2 months, this was going on.  In the meantime, she had seen her regular dr. and also her gastro dr. and had numerous blood tests done as well, all coming up negative.  I couldn't take it anymore and it was finally getting to my husband.  As she is 21, I can't make her do anything, but I was at the point of if I had to take her to court or do whatever I had to, to say she was not capable of taking care of herself, I would have, but she decided the day after Easter to go to the hospital.  She ended up there for a week, tests came up with pancolitis (which some people thought was diverticulitis, but her gastro dr. said it's not) and also low iron and potassium.  She is now taking the prednisone, imuran, asacol, aciphex, an iron supplement, probiotics and a multi vitamin.  I hope this works, but now, someone today was telling me that she also has symptoms of celiac disease (they seem to be same as UC) and I dont' know if you can have both at the same time or not...if anyone knows or has any information, I would greatly appreciate it...Thanks

[TrudieC]

My son does get down when he is in the midst of a bad flare but has not talked to anyone or gone on anti-depressants.  He does have the benefit of a mother who had ulcerative colitis for 10 years so I have been able to help him a lot and he has been able to learn from my mistakes.  We tend to think we are invincible at that age.  I ended up with a perforated colon 16 years ago and had my entire large colon and rectum removed and a j-pouch built.  My son (he's 23) sees me cured and able to eat anything and wants that for himself.  He is not a good candidate for the operation due to the location of his disease.  He is much more positive now that he is on the Imuran.  He's been on it for about 7 months now and is free of disease.  His doctor has told him that many of his patients go 6 or more years in remission on it.  When I had UC I did take anti-depressants and went to a therapist but I was in a very bad marriage.  Stress is the worse thing for UC and perhaps if she could see someone to discuss stress reduction techniques it could work.  Attending a support group would be excellent.  Even if she does it on the internet it would be good.  Good luck with everything.

[dbemann]

Hi Trudie,

Thank you so much.  I did actually hear from someone else that she probably shouldn't change her diet, b/c it would probably come up negative, so I will wait.  I'm glad to hear that your son is doing well on the Imuran. This was the latest medicine given to my daughter, so I am hopeful that it helps.  I have to say, to date, since being out of the hospital a week, she has been doing ok and starting to regain her strength, which is most important.  Yes, it is very tough and I will do anything that I can to make sure that she gets the help that she needs, but I am so greatful that she finally saw the light.  It's heartbreaking, but again, I thank you and good luck with your son.  One question though, is your son depressed about the disease at all?  I would love my daughter to go to support group, which our whole family could go, so it could help all of us, but she thinks that she is just depressed b/c of the prednisone and doesn't want to get any help or talk to anyone.  The dr. had suggested that was a good idea as well, but still...she thinks that makes her look like she's crazy, as much as I and everyone else tell her differently.  Thank you again.

[TrudieC]

They can do a blood test to determine if she has Celiac.  However, many people with UC are sensitive to gluten as well and some improve considerably with a gluten free diet.  If she does choose to change her diet (my son has UC and refused to try) before being tested the test may come back negative due to the diet change.  The Imuran takes 3 - 4 months before it starts working.  She may want to wait until she has slowly gotten off the prednisone and given the Imuran a chance to work before she tries this.  She's now on a lot of good things that will help.  If she still has issues after the 4 months or so the gluten could be an issue.  My son is doing so well on the Imuran and is thrilled that he can eat what he wants and even drink alcohol.  I know how it feels when they are all grown up and you can't take care of them in the manner you want to.  Just be there for them.  They will usually listen to the doctors even if they don't listen to us.

[JJ307]

From my understanding, celiac disease is a reaction to certain types of foods...ie, glutens such as breads, pastas etc.  I know for a fact that a simple blood test can determine if you have this disease.  crohn's & colitis are harder to diagnosis and take a series of tests before concluding a diagnosis, usually requires a colonscopy.  Neither Crohns or Colitis are an "allergy" type reaction and they have no rhyme or reason sometimes when the cause an attack.  Many of the 3 diseases have similar symptoms, but they are each very different conditions.  I am 35 yr old female and I would be offended if my parents tried to take me to court to control my medical situation.  At that age, she can decide for herself.  You can offer to drive her to appointments and help assist with solutions and caretaking of her, but not such a good idea to take over.  You may just push her away when she needs you most.