Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1     9/27/83; site hplabsb.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!seismo!hao!hplabsb!pc
From: pc@hplabsb.UUCP (Patricia Collins)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Colitis, Cortisone
Message-ID: <1937@hplabsb.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 8-Nov-83 16:21:01 EST
Article-I.D.: hplabsb.1937
Posted: Tue Nov  8 16:21:01 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 10-Nov-83 20:55:18 EST
References: <1928@hplabsb.UUCP>, <1964@allegra.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett Packard Labs, Palo Alto CA
Lines: 39


	Beware of Prednisone!  This drug can have nasty side effects.
	A friend of mine who took it for a spinal arthritis problem
	had severe side effects which (after much medical intervention)
	have left him blind in one eye (chronic iritis, partial retinal
	detachment, laser treatments ==> corneal surgery).

	After my question on colitis, I have received MUCH helpful (and
	consistent) advice for my friend (a different friend from the
	guy mentioned above).  To summarize:

		1. Most colitis lives in the bodies of "intense" people.
		Learning healthy ways of releasing pent up emotions and
		ways of relaxing is CRITICAL to GI heaalth.  The energy
		spent minimizing stress is well spent.  (Don't go looking
		for problems.)

		2.  Watch your diet.  An obvious culprit is any dairy
		product.  Go easy on simple sugars and avoid caffeine.
		Whole grains and cooked-but-not-killed vegetables are
		recommended.

	My own experience with a defective GI tract indicates that it is
	worth the effort to pay close attention to the signals your body
	gives!  It isn't easy to learn how to relax, but with the proper
	motivation (longer life, healthier life) one can surely change
	one's lifestyle to a more "laid back" style.  The only thing that
	no one mentioned to me, but which I know can make a difference is
	REGULAR AEROBIC EXERCISE.  Run; swim; bike--at a natural pace with
	no other purpose than to get in touch with your body.  Your body
	will thank you.  (Of course, all of these forms of exercise are
	opportunities for peace and quiet for those Type A's who can't
	conceive of "doing nothing.")

		Good luck...and watch out for Prednisone!

							Patricia Collins
							hplabs