smoking and UC

[Medsport, LPN]

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about 12 years ago. It was pretty bad for awhile, mostly the bloody diarrhea. The local, small town doctors put me on high doses of prednisone for too long and I think that caused some joint problems I'm still dealing with. Then I was on some other medications that seemed to put it in remission. From time-to-time I'll notice a little blood in my stool, but I have'nt had a bad flare since my first outbreak. I have'nt had insurance for years and kind of do my own treatment as I've found probiotics, high protein diet and glucosamine seem to help keep it from getting bad. Although the small amount of blood never seems to go away. I recently have heard that smokers rarely if ever get UC. Do you think it would be worth it to take up smoking or try the nicotine patches? I know smoking has its own risks, esp. since I was told I have asthma, though have'nt had an attack in over 30 years. The patches can be expensive, but I wonder how much you would have to smoke to do any good? Since I don't like smoke and live a healthy lifestyle, I wonder if 1 cigarette a day or so would do it? I know getting a job with insurance would be ideal, but nobody has been calling me about the few resumes or emails I've been sending. I had one call out of Cleveland, but did'nt go as it was just too far. Any advice?

[Up2nogood RN, RN]

I honestly don't think there is any chance that smoking would have any sort of health benefit that would outweigh the risks.