Is it necessary to stay on a restricted diet forever following an attack of colitis?

Question

I was recently hospitalized due to my very first severe attack with colitis. I have always suffered along with this ailment throughout my childhood and now well into my 50's. However, it has always subsided with a common sense diet etc but no medication. This time around I could do nothing to stop the pain and even had intestinal bleeding. The doctor released me from the hospital with a very restricted diet. I am on 2 courses of antibiotics and pain killers. I have been home for 3 days and am just beginning to feel better. I have just started eating solids like baby food, jello, toast, cottage cheese etc. Can I ever try chocolate or any of the other foods I so love again? I will be going for a colonoscopy soon and have made an appointment with another doctor. My sons have Crohn's desease. This seems to run in our family. What else can I expect from this illness?

Answer 1

No theories about the causes of ulcerative colitis have been proven. But researchers think the body’s immune system reacts to a virus or bacteria by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestinal wall. Although this is considered to be a problem with your immune system, some doctors think the immune system reaction may be a result, not the cause, of the disease. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products, but these factors may trigger symptoms in some people.

Answer 2

I think the first thing to do is get your colonoscopy and get diagnosed...because that will have a major impact on the treatment and if you need to be on a special diet. Check out the Yahoo Group 'crohnscolitis', for all sorts of great information about those diseases. I have Crohn's disease, was just diagnosed in May, and am struggling with the same questions about my diet. Of course, I love chocolate too, and potatoes and popcorn are my favorites (but hurt me too much), but living life without an ostomy bag is more important than having the foods I love.

Answer 3

you did not mention the type of colitis you have. if you have crohns disease, the course of treatment is different from other types of coltis.

as you improve your comdition of colitis, yor diet will be gradually adapted to what is comfortable for you. if you knowe something gives you pain then do not eat it. even if it is chocolate.
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unless you are a masochist with a death wish. colitis is not something to take lightly. it can kill. treat your guts with respect and theyu will not hurt as much.