UPDATE: My Ulcerative Colitis and Acupuncture

I thought I would update everyone on my progress since my last post on alternative treatments for Ulcerative Colitis.

ON THE MEDICAL INTUITIVE AND HOMEOPATHY

When I last wrote, I had just started on the herbal and homeopathic protocol prescribed by the medical intuitive, which turned out to be a huge mistake. Perhaps it was mere coincidence, but I took a major turn for the worse a short while after starting the regimen. Whereas I had no problems with urgency to go, beforehand, I suddenly had a terrible time controlling my bowel movements. I also became very nauseous, so I decided not to continue. My visit to the gastroenterologist was also disastrous. Had I not needed to have my health back on track by the beginning of June, when I was scheduled to start rehearsals for a play I had committed to last year, I would have said "bye-bye" and found another gastro; but pressed for time I opted to deal with him, anyway. He prescribed a new mesalamine drug called Lialda, and Canasa medicated suppositories, and scheduled my colonoscopy a week before I was due to start rehearsals. With no other choice, I waited the 3 weeks for the test. In the meantime, after taking the first Lialda, I suddenly developed a terrible pain in my left side. At first I thought it might be gas, but it got worse, and after 10 days, upon the docs approval, we switched to Apriso, another mesalamine drug. Miraculously, the pain ceased. Although the doctor was sceptical about the pain being caused by Lialda, I am convinced it was.

ON THE COLONOSCOPY:

In the meantime, because of the nausea, I started losing weight. Food became totally unappetizing to me, so I started seeing an acupuncturist, twice a week. It helped quite a bit, until my dreaded colonoscopy, which set me back even further. The doctor had prescribed MoviPrep, and as anyone who has ever had a colonoscopy knows, the prep is worse than the test itself. I've had colonoscopies before, but have never experienced anything like this. Because of the nausea I was having a very difficult time with the liquid. Scheduled to start drinking 4 - 8 ounce glasses (plus an additional 16 ounces of liquid) at 5 p.m. the day before the procedure, and then again at 5 a.m. the following morning, I was able to down all but the last 1/3 of my 4th glass, when I proceeded to vomit most of the liquid up. Several hours later, I was vomiting blood, so a call to the doctor saved me the torture of drinking another 4 glasses the following morning, but I was told to use fleet enemas (which were too painful to use) and Dulcolax which did nothing. So when I dragged myself to the facility, the following morning, I had to have a warm water enema, which took 3 times to finally be done with, since I was in such pain.

ON THE DIAGNOSIS

As expected, I was diagnosed with severe Ulcerative Colitis, and this time it was all the way up the left colon. I was also told I had mild gastritis, and the doctor prescribed 40 mg of prednisone, and Rowasa enemas, in addition to the Apriso. Again, had I not been had a show to rehearse, I would have refused the prednisone. I was to take it for 10 days and then decrease by 5 mg every week. Since I was to be out of town for 6 weeks, we also arranged to have a followup with a doctor in that city.

3 WEEKS OF HELL

I was able to arrange an appointment with the doctor a week after I arrived at my destination, but in the meantime I had a call from my gastro that my hemoglobin was 9.4 and that he wanted me to take 150 mg of iron a day, along with 500 mg of Vitamin C, and to have my blood monitored weekly. I decided I would continue with acupuncture and made appointments with 2 different acupuncturists. One was from China, the other was western trained. At first I wasn't sure which I preferred, but both had different techniques and the western AP utilized different modalities, so I chose to see them both. So for the first 3 weeks I was there, I went 4 times a week, before my 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. rehearsals.

By now, the nausea was terrible and I had to force myself to eat. Even a few bites of food was a challenge, and I was dropping pounds very rapidly. I actually wound up losing almost 30 pounds, during this whole episode, which was great for the play, since the description of the character is a slim, plain woman, but this was not the way I would have wanted to lose the weight, and I was starting to look anorexic.

When I finally had my appointment with the new gastro I was told I was one step from the hospital and that he would do his best to keep me out, but no guarantees. He upped the dosage of Apriso to 6 per day, for 4 weeks, extended the prednisone for another 10 days at 40 milligrams. I was to continue with the enemas for 4 weeks (or until I was done with the boxes I had). He also told me to take Reglan for 2 weeks (for the nausea- although I stopped after 1 week, because it made me dizzy) and also prescribed Kapidex for the gastritis, to be taken for 12 weeks.

ON THE MIRACLE OF ACUPUNCTURE

It took a tremendous effort to get through the rehearsal day, some days worse than others, but the acupuncture was my saving grace. If I had a stomach ache in the morning, it would be gone after an AP session, and finally by the Friday before we opened, the nausea had gone, I had my appetite back, and day by day I felt better and stronger. 1 1/2 weeks before I left, after an acupuncture session, I finally started having formed stools. Even though my hemoglobin kept getting lower (a blood test on June 30th indicated it was 7.7), I felt strong, and I attribute that to the acupuncture. Both acupuncturists were dealing with the U.C., the anemia and stress. The Chinese acupuncturist prescribe some Chinese herbs, but on the two occasions I took them I got very sick, so decided it would be best to wait until I am done with at least the prednisone, before I start taking them again.

I am back home now, and have set up an appointment with another acupuncturist because I had a bit of a set back, due to some stress, but I'm sure he will have me back on track again.

I saw my gastro here last week and took another blood test. The other doctor had upped my iron to 300 mg a day, and it seems it might be finally kicking in as my hemoglobin is up to 9.4. This doctor wants me to get an iron infusion, but I think I would like to wait another few weeks to see if it continues to rise. I am ever hopeful.


UPDATE 9/27/2104: I have been in remission since 2010

My U.C. story and what helped back then.

Help for U.C. bleeding with Chinese herb Yunnan Baiyao.

Ulcerative Colitis- Natural Alternatives To Healing

Other than a great way to lose weight, there is NOTHING about Ulcerative Colitis (UC) that is fun.

I was diagnosed with UC back in 1990, or so, when I was living in Minnesota. I had just gone through a very stressful period of time, and after several weeks of profuse rectal bleeding I reluctantly made my way to a gastroenterologist. I have never been fond of, nor had any faith in allopathic medicine. In fact, it had been years since I had even taken any vitamin or herbal remedy, let alone an aspirin; but a toilet bowl full of blood and other nasty looking liquids was enough to scare me into seeing a doctor.

I was treated to my first humiliating (and painful) sigmoidoscopy, and was told I had severe Ulcerative Colitis. The doc was actually amazed that I wasn't in more pain, considering the severity, but I knew the healthy, high fiber diet I had been on for years had held me in good stead. I went on western meds, and after a while went into remission. Since then I have had quite a few flare-ups, but long periods of remission. In fact, my last flareup (until a month or so ago) was in 2001.

Although most doctors will tell you it has nothing to do with diet, they are WRONG. Yes, stress is a huge factor but diet plays a major role in UC, at least in mine. Every single flare-up I have had has been a combination of stress and diet. I just can't eat cheese. A little cream cheese isn't problematic, but any kind of hard cheese from swiss to parmesan, from cow to goat, has contributed to a flare-up. I have learned the hard way that dairy is not my friend. Prior to one flare-up I had read that goat's cheese did not have lactose. Not true. I used a little goat cheese to add a little zest to my tasteless soy cheese, and within a short time, there I was bleeding again. Needless to say I stopped using dairy cheese altogether, because I realized that it was a major source of my UC. But, I didn't stop dairy altogether. I used a little parmesan very occasionally, and didn't worry about eating something that had milk in it, like a pudding, once in a while, but that was an enormous mistake. While my sister was visiting at the end of December last year, and then again in Feb, I overindulged in dairy-based desserts and used parmesan cheese too often, and after 8 years in remission, it came back with a vengeance.

Although I have used western meds in the past, for flare-ups, I have had much success, at times, with various herbal protocols, which I am going to share with you here. Although, please note, I am not giving medical advice, just sharing what has helped me in the past.

CARROT/SPINACH JUICE:

During one flare-up, I was able to go into remission after a few months of juicing. Juice fresh carrot and spinach, about half and half and drink 3 times daily. Sip slowly. I was not on allopathic meds, at the time. However, I did try this the following flare-up, and it didn't seem to help. But it's worth a try.

ALOE VERA JUICE, INTESTINEW, ROBERT'S FORMULA:

During my last flare-up, after 9 months of zero relief from the western medicine I was on (Asacol and Rowasa Suppositories) and my gastro basically giving up on me, I decided to experiment with some herbal protocols. I did some research on the Internet, and read a great book by Jini Patel Thompson entitled "Listen To Your Gut" that gives some great advice regarding a holistic approach to dealing with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I chose the following 3 products:

George's Road Runner Aloe Vera Juice - 1/3 cup, 3 times daily. Has great healing and antiviral properties and helps with the inflammation. Tastes like distilled water. Thompson recommends this particular brand because it has no additives, and the Aloin is removed, which is the component in Aloe Vera that has a laxative affect. Something, none of us needs.

Intestinew (by Renewlife)- 2 capfuls per day, upon rising and at bed time. Mix in glass of water. I use a small wire beater to mix the product in the water. Intestinew

Supports the integrity and healthy function of the intestinal lining.

Robert's Formula- I used the product made by Gaia Herbs, but they recently took it off the market for other than licensed practitioners. It was a liquid, that worked wonders. It is specifically for IBD sufferers. They do sell it in pill form, though some contain animal derivatives,whereas Gaia's did not. It isn't easy to find, however.

I immediately started the protocol, while weaning myself off the Asacol and Rowasa. Within several weeks I noticed a marked change. The symptoms started disappearing, and except for a setback after a month, because I started eating too much fiber too soon, within 3 months I was totally symptom free.

So when I started noticing problems a few months ago, I immediately started on the same regimen. This time, however, I did not have the results I expected. I also had to stop the Robert's Formula because the main ingredients are Echinacea/Goldenseal, and since they are immune boosters, they started kicking in the R.A. (Rheumatoid Arthritis), which started making me feel very achy.

So, I have chosen to go to a gastroenterologist, but in the meantime, consulted with a medical intuitive who has me on some homeopathic and herbal remedies. No improvement yet, but I will update this if I do.

Good luck with your path to healing. And remember, please research before you take any herbal remedies, and check with your doctor if you are on any western meds that might not sit well with the herbs.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover: Susan Boyle Wows on Britain's Got Talent

How often have you looked at someone and immediately formed an opinion or judgement about the person? I remember learning that lesson many years ago, when I met a construction worker who I automatically determined was a beer guzzling, hard-rock music loving, football-on-a-Monday night kind of guy. Not that there's anything whatsoever wrong with that, but it just seemed to fit the stereotype. How wrong I was! He was a very cultured man, loved classical music and wine and was, in other words, nothing I had imagined him to be, given his job and appearance.

We tend to do this, whether consciously or unconsciously- judging books by their covers, and though oftentimes we might be right, there are times when we can be woefully wrong.

Take Susan Boyle, an unemployed, single (never been kissed) singer on Britain's Got Talent 2009 who was initially dismissed, by audience and judges alike, because of her age and looks, until they heard her incredible voice.

Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

It's reminiscent of Paul Potts, who eventually won Britain's Got Talent several years ago.

Two immense, unforgettable talents in bodies that people would rarely look twice at.

You never know what lies beneath the outer packaging. There could be a gem beneath a piece of newspaper, and a piece of coal beneath a swath of shiny silk.

Look beyond outer appearances, you never know what lies beneath.

Happy Passover and Easter!

Just wanted to wish everyone a blessed Passover and Easter!!

Keys To Happiness: Giving During Times Of Need

"You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give."

The above quote is often attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, though there are those who would disagree. But regardless of who actually uttered those words, the sentiment is what matters most.

Generosity can be challenging, especially during these difficult economic times. When we have little for ourselves, we find it hard to justify giving to others, but giving doesn't necessarily require donating money to those less privileged than ourselves. There are many different ways to give, other than monetarily:

Time:

Help someone learn to read or to learn English.
Mentor an at-risk youth.
Drive someone to their doctor's appointment, or help them run errands.
Offer to help an elderly neighbour clean their house.
Volunteer at a Veteran's Hospital.

Possessions:

Give some old clothes to a homeless shelter.
Give away old toys and books to family in need.
Donate old glasses, cell phones, hotel soaps and shampoos to the various organizations that take them.

Yourself:

Smile at strangers, you'll be amazed at how this can lift a person's spirits.
Compliment someone on how they look, or a job well done.
Give someone a hug.
Tell someone you love and appreciate them.


Giving, without conditions, makes us feel good. And seeing others help without expectations, inspires the rest of us. One of my favorite TV commercials is a Liberty Mutual ad that shows various people witnessing random acts of kindness by others; and, inspired by what they observe they, in turn, do the same for others. It's the whole pay-it-forward phenomenon. If we see someone being kind to another, it makes us want to do the same thing.

So, go out, give of your money, time or possessions- it's the right thing to do. Let's take care of each other.

"There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else."

By Peyton Conway March

Clean Up Your Air With Indoor House Plants

Not only do plants bring beauty to our homes and offices they are also useful in cleaning the air we breathe of pollutants.

A joint NASA and ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America) study proved that plants can actually remove harmful gases and pollutants from the air in buildings, including carbon monoxide. As part of the study, different plants were sealed in Plexiglas chambers with various chemicals.

Philodendron, spider plant and the golden pothos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were rated superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere. Other good performers are Dracaena Massangeana, Spathiphyllum, and Golden Pothos. “Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves,” Wolverton said. “But research in our laboratories has determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors”.

THE BEST POLLUTANT-REMOVING PLANTS ARE:

Bamboo Palm- absorbs the formaldehyde that furniture emits.

Chrysanthemum- can absorb the trichloroethylene from inks and benzene from any plastic product.

Corn Plant- is good at absorbing the formaldehyde from paper goods.

Gerbera Daisy- also absorbs benzene from ink

Philodendron- can also absorb formaldehyde from wood (particleboard).

Other useful plants include the Peace Lilly, English Ivy, Spider Plants, Chinese Evergreen, and Dracaena.

Any of these plants, or a combination of several or all, should do the trick.

Add some green to your environment and clean up your air at the same time. Your lungs will thank you.

Patience Is A Virtue

This is a beautiful, poignant little 5 minute short film about patience, and our lack of it, especially when it comes to our older parents.

Get Rid Of That Wart The Natural Way

When we think of warts, the first images that come to mind are those ugly bumps on the noses of witches. And no, you can't get them by touching frogs and toads, but they are contagious, if you happen to be susceptible. And they are actually quite common, mostly with children, though adults can get warts too.

Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), there are a variety of different warts including:

1. Plantar Warts- lumps on the sole of the feet, and are usually very painful.

2. Common Warts- elevated, granular bumps that are usually found on hands, elbows and knees.

3. Filiform/Digitate Warts- have a finger-like shape and can be found on the face, normally around the lips, eye-lids and nose.

4. Flat Warts- are cluster-type warts. Small, smooth, and can occur on the face, hands, knees, neck, wrists. They like company, so you can have as many as a 100 clustered together.

5. Genital Warts- are, obviously found on the genitalia. (I would check with your doctor before trying any of these remedies on these kinds of warts.)

SOLUTIONS:

The most common, popular and effective home-remedies are:

DUCT TAPE: Take a small piece of silver duct tape and place on wart. Leave for a few weeks and it should disappear.

LEMON JUICE: Put some lemon juice on the wart three or four times a day, until they fall off.

CASTOR OIL/LISTERINE/VINEGAR: Dab these individually or as a mixture on warts.

BANANA PEEL: Tape a piece of banana peel to the wart (flesh side to the skin) or rub it on wart every night before bed.

PREVENTION:

Like colds, some people are more apt to get warts than others. It's all about your immune system and how strong it's able to fight infections. But there are some things you can do to help. Because HPV thrives in warm, moist places

-Make sure you wash regularly and keep clean and dry, and do not touch or pick at your friend's wart, or your own, if you happen to have one. By picking, scratching etc. you can spread the virus.
-Don't share towels. You can pick up the virus from using infected towels.
-Don't walk barefoot in a gym, or in other public places. Use waterproof shoes or sandals.
-Keep feet and skin dry.
-Change socks daily.

For more natural wart remedies, check out health911.com

Hat Tip: Earth Clinic Folk Remedies