Hi everyone,

I've got ulcerative colitis but i'm due to have j-pouch surgery in December. I've currently got a bad flare up of my colitis, and think I may need to have a course of steroids. I haven't yet talked to my consultant and I will be in touch tomorrow, but how would steroid treatment figure leading up to surgery?

Thanks

Faz

Welcome. I am kinda new too here. I know that when I had my surgery to have my colon removed I was really sick, bad flare. I was on steroids for a very long time, large amount in the hospital. It made my recovery just a little longer. But again I was steroids a long time. I do not regret this surgery at all. I live a better life now, than I did with uc.

Hi Faz,

I had the first step of 2 in July. My doctor wanted me off steriods as much as possible before surgery even though I was really sick. As I understand the steriods damage our tissue, so the longer you are on them and the higher the dose, the more difficult MIGHT be your recovery. She wanted me to go into surgery as fast as possible so that it was less time I had being on steriods. Her idea was that b/c I was having the surgery, I should have it soon so that I didn't have the extra steriod tissue damage.

Also, to improve my tissue health for a speedy recovery, I was told to increase my protein intake. Protein is nutrient that helps our cells regenerate.

Well, if you are in the mood to see some photos, here is a link to photo journal through surgery. All journeys are different so please consider that, but for me my life has been GREATLY improved. Pics are a bit graphic so open with caution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/markandmegan/sets/