Are Drugs Really Bad?

Meet Donna:

Married woman, 52, two kids, wonderful hubby and UC since 2008. Also, diagnosed with Polymyalsia Rheumatica. I have sleep apnia too. Gluten and dairy free. I take lots of supplements too!

More details:

I’m from the Chicago area but ended up near Seattle. Love to craft. We are buying a cabin by a lake and I am going to journal the experience with decorating it on a dime and life away from ‘home’.

Symptoms:

I am in remission. But, I still have pain in my joints maybe still from Polymyalsia Rhumatica. Seem to be getting some arthritis. Wow, hope I spelled that ok!

Are Drugs Really Bad?

I really have one big question. I am gluten and dairy free. I am on an elimination diet right now. I take lots of supplements. I’m thinking soy, sugar and coffee could be some of my problems. My problems right now are painful joints. One of my docs says that the UC can affect my knees…pain and swelling. Does anyone out there have that problem. I feel good on the diet but it is still quite limited. I crave sugar and wonder if that is a side effect from something else in my body. I have a much better gut doc and he wants info. from my naturalist, that’s good news! But, my biggest help has been from Humira! I feel a little like a failure. I also take Lialda. When do you risk going off meds? I have no side effects that I know of from these drugs. Some thoughts would be great.

I like my doctors now. I got rid of my other digestive specialist when all he did was order more drugs. He never took even a stool sample. That really mad me angry. That was the time I was really sick and had a hard time advocating for myself. I was making 14 + trips a night to the bathroom. Sometimes making it, sometimes not!! We have canceled a trip to Canada because I wasn’t sure I could be on a sea plane with out pooping my pants. My kids are pretty good, 16 and 19 but they still think it’s gross. I am not the type to hold back and keep secret what is going on with me. I wish this wasn’t my story, but I do think I am eating much better and when I’m doing well I try to do as much as I can. If I’m in a flare-up…I go on the UC ‘Adam’ diet and hunker down and try not to beat myself up and say too many sorry’s to my family.

Well, I hope someone can speak to my med use. Thanks for reading.

written by Donna D

submitted in the colitis venting area