Hi All-I was wondering now that my colon's out and I'm free of UC is my immune system still compromised? Before the surgery while on prednisone, biologics and immunosuppressants my immune system was compromised. Are we still because we have no colon or are we at same risk of infection as any other coloned person? Info on this would be great. I'm also going to start a poll on flu vaccine.
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I had my colon out 2 years ago and since then I think I maybe have had one minor cold. And I have school age kids that bring home every germ under the sun. My immune system is a million times better now than when I was sick with UC and on all the meds....absolutely no doubt. Oh and I never get the flu vaccine.
I never get sick. My immune system is ratched up 5 notches higher than what it needs to be. It still attacks the bacteria in my pouch when it shouldn't. The down side is pouchitis, but I never even get a flu shot as I don't get the flu and if I catch something it gets hammered out of my system pretty quick and I never even miss work because of it.
I always thought most of us fall into this category. Biologics ratchet DOWN the immune system from its heightened state so as to stop the response that is causing the inflammation whether it be pouchitis, AS, cuffitis, whatever. Mine definitely needs to be dialed back some.
To the OP, UC is caused by your immune system's aggressive/inappropriate response to bacteria in the lining of your colon, not the lack of a response, which is what your post seemingly implies.
I always thought most of us fall into this category. Biologics ratchet DOWN the immune system from its heightened state so as to stop the response that is causing the inflammation whether it be pouchitis, AS, cuffitis, whatever. Mine definitely needs to be dialed back some.
To the OP, UC is caused by your immune system's aggressive/inappropriate response to bacteria in the lining of your colon, not the lack of a response, which is what your post seemingly implies.
Doc says that I am healthier than most of his 'normal' patients...I get sick about every other year and then it comes and goes quickly (but I do take a lot of suppliments).
Sharon
Sharon
From what I know, the colon doesn't have a whole lot to do with proper immune function. The small intestine plays a fairly significant role. If you're off all of the meds (especially biologics and immunosuppressants), then your immune system is going to be in much better shape than it was previously.