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Is Remicade The Right Medicine For Ulcerative Colitis?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016
Question: I have a new diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (4 months). Im on remicade and another anti inflamatory. the past few days I have tightness, some cramping and nausea and fewer bowel movements. Im just starting a new job and cant take time off.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Probiotics and anti-spasmodics along with changes in diet...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.

Remicade is an immune suppressor medication that will help with inflammation during colitis.

While, as you have started a new job, I recommend to start taking probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora and anti-spasmodics to ease the cramping.

Do not forget to continue with the right diet for colitis as your GI specialist might have suggested to you since you have been diagnosed.

If they won't improve, then, it might be due to an acute illness, and should see your physician for further evaluation and treatment.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (7 hours later)
thanks. Im worried about the upper right quadrant tightness I am feeling. It is noticiable on palpation as opposed to the other quadrants, which are softer. I am also worried about the poor appetite. I can eat breakfast and lunch but too much nausea by dinner.
the other weird thing is that the frequency of my stools have decreased. usually I have 3 a day. One day before my symptoms came I had a day of loose stool but for the past 4 days I have had only one stool a day.
I am following a lactose free diet and eating probiotic yogurt.
is there anything to worry about regarding the right upper quadrant, the nausea, or the change in my stool pattern?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Following answers to your questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

To answer your questions:

- the pain you're having on right upper quadrant is due to colitis, or possible gas causing distention of bowels giving the feeling of tenderness.

Gallbladder and liver to consider and investigate further through abdominal ultrasound and liver blood tests.

- poor appetite could be partially related to colitis. Howe, as mentioned above, gallbladder issues to rule out. Another cause could be the medication you're taking for ulcerative colitis.

- reduction in bowel movement (bm) frequency is a good sign of betterment. As you've been used to more frequently bm , this reduction would explain the discomfort you're feeling on right quadrant.

If this will turn unbearable to you, report to your physician in order to make appropriate changes in your treatment.

Hope it answered to your questions.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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Is Remicade The Right Medicine For Ulcerative Colitis?

Brief Answer: Probiotics and anti-spasmodics along with changes in diet... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern. Remicade is an immune suppressor medication that will help with inflammation during colitis. While, as you have started a new job, I recommend to start taking probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora and anti-spasmodics to ease the cramping. Do not forget to continue with the right diet for colitis as your GI specialist might have suggested to you since you have been diagnosed. If they won't improve, then, it might be due to an acute illness, and should see your physician for further evaluation and treatment. All the best! Dr.Albana