Attention: MOMS!!!

Introduction:

Amanda, 31. Diagnosed with colitis in 2011 after a week long hospital stay. Symptoms for about 3 years prior, crescendoing into a maelstrom of blood transfusions and IV drips! Wow! At least the nurses were awesome :)

Some more about me:

Professional lounger :) If one could be paid to lounge, I would be filthy rich. The only thing I stop lounging for is cooking for my family and friends. I put all my energy and love into it. By far, it is my most favorite thing to do.

Symptoms:

My usual symptoms include PAINFUL gas, 5 or 6 trips to the bathroom most days. I’ve been in a mild flare for a few months now. Starting to have more great days (and poops) than not. This makes me feel hopeful and more in control.

Attention MOMS:

A few years ago I became aware that something was wrong with my body. I didn’t have insurance so it was extremely difficult for me to see a traditional good ‘ol USA doctor, even more so to see a specialist. My discomfort, pain and bathroom trips started to ramp up.

A year later I moved home to Atlanta to be with my family and marry a man who I thought would be “there for me” as much as I was for him. As I got sicker and sicker, I also became pretty depressed because I had no real grasp on what was happening to me. I ate clean, I exercised, I drank plenty of water. I collapsed twice at work in two months and finally my mother and father said enough was enough and purchased health insurance for me on the spot. Miraculously, the day after my policy was approved, I went to the hospital again. Unable to move, barely any blood in my body, my father scooped me up and took me to get patched up.

A week, 3 transfusions and a multitude of tests and anal probing, I was diagnosed. I didn’t have much support from the guy I married so I had to kick him out of my life. He was more hurtful than the UC, no bueno. I made a great recovery and I have had ups and downs since. Remind me to tell you about the time I pooped next to my neighbors house and blamed it shamelessly on homeless people…

Fast forward to now: I moved back to California and met an amazing man who accepts me, colitis and all. His support and love and nurturing nature is almost unbelievable. He is my best friend and we want to have a family together.

So, I have a couple questions,

for the mommies out there with UC:

I’m currently trying to conceive! I’m ready!
I am possibly pregnant right now, just waiting a bit longer to test. I wonder how you amazing mamas went through your pregnancies and what you experienced.

I have been finding that there is much conflicting information about how to treat UC while pregnant. Of course, I want to do everything I can to be proactive about my health and the health of my baby. What helped you? What are some of your concerns for future pregnancy? If there are any moms out there that work in a bar or a restaurant, how did you cope with the work load? How long did you work? How many massages did you have? Did your feet EVER RECOVER?!?!

I’m currently taking a full oral dose of mesalamine and suppositories. I take digestive enzymes, probiotics and a great prenatal vitamin. I think mostly that I’m looking for some words of wisdom and encouragement.

Thanks everybody! So much love to you all!!

written by Amanda Floyd

submitted in the colitis venting area