Immunotherapy and colitis

Hi Lj56, I am so sorry to hear this. When you previously had colitis before, did you manage it with loperamide? Or did you have antibiotics for this as well? I don’t think I would want to wait 3 to 4 days to see if it settles. I would give the oncology nurse another ring and tell her you are no better. 

Hi Chelle  thanks for your reply when I had colitis before I was given antibiotics I rang the oncology nurse again yesterday and she sent me back to the hospital I was given a prescription for steroids 6 every morning for 7 days I have started to feel better already thanks again Lj56 

That is good, I am glad the steroids are working. X 

Hi Lj56,

Have you eaten anything different to your usual diet?

Quite possibly it might be that or some slightly infected food. Either causing it or making it worse.

When I started Pembrolizumab I got the "runs" quite often, badly enough to concern me for dehydration. (I think that enough detail!) I had already analysed my diet to work out how much protein I was getting (because my oncologist had told me to eat plenty of protein to help with white blood cell production) so removing one item at a time to test the effect was pretty easy. I just ticked each item off as it was cleared of blame and eventually found the culprits. It took quite a while to work all the way through my diet but it was worth it.

Now I know what I can eat (almost) safely and what to avoid.

I also subscribe to the Government Food Standards Agency emails so that I can be alerted to any foods that might be contaminated even before the supermarket knows. Be aware, these emails can make you slightly paranoid - it's quite scary how much bad food gets out there. Best to know, though.

Also, one of my immuno side effects is a runny nose (common, apparently.) Long term that can reduce the sense of smell making it hard to tell if food has gone off. If this is like you then be extra careful with your food storage.

kind regards,
Steve

Thanks for your reply Steve I will look into what you have told me I’m on steroids now for 7days and they seem to be helping thanks again Lj56