My husband was diagnosed with UC in July 2015. Although he had mild symptoms prior to the official diagnosis (minor blood in stool), it was until he underwent a biopsy to rule out prostate cancer and they put him on multiple antibiotics prior to the procedure that set things in motion.
We are from New Jersey, close to the Philadelphia area. My husband is an electrical designer / engineer. His hobbies include some pretty sophisticated wood working, specializing in music equipment. He has built multiple custom guitars and a violin. He is currently working on a 3-guitar project.
His symptoms:
He currently is diagnosed with cdif, marked by frequent loose bowel movements and gas. He experiences at least one accident per day, which is probably the most frustrating, embarrassing and discouraging aspect of the whole illness.he was initially placed on Flagly, and then once the labs confirmed the cdif, he was placed on vancomycin. As soon as the 10 day dose was done, the cdif came right back. He is now on another course of vanco, which he will slowly transition off of.
He is able to work, mainly because his supervisors are really understanding and he has easy access to a bathroom. He works flexible hours, which is great because he has some any doctor appts. and lab studies to do.
UC and C-Diff
My husband was diagnosed at the age of 60 with IBD / UC in July 2015. It came about after going on multiple antibiotics for a biopsy procedure for prostate cancer. He was very, very sick, lost 60 lbs in about 2 months, was weak and lethargic and very anemic. He underwent surgery for prostate cancer and came out of it with good results, but the UC continued. He was out of work for 3 months and then went back on month #4. It’s been tough on him going back, due to all the medical appts., lab work, and sometimes just not feeling well. But mentally, it was good for him to have something else in his life besides UC.
He started on Humira in month #4 and is still on it, one injection every two weeks. However, when his GI symptoms started to return, he was. He led for cdif and sure enough it was positive. He started on vancomycin for 10 days. Once the meds stopped, the cdif returned and he is now back on the vanco.
The UC has completely changed our lives. We no longer go out much, I.e., dinner, movies, friends / family members’ homes, parties, vacations, etc. it is just too stressful for both of us. I often feel like we are trapped in our home. It has been very stressful on me as the caregiver, because no matter what I seem to do to help him, it’s not enough. We eat a very controlled diet, we try to keep stress to a minimum, we see back up specialists at the U. of Penn, and he takes multiple supplements and high dose probiotics.
Right now, I would love some encouragement that there is some hope for a more normal life. I know he will forevere deal with UC, but some semblance of normalcy would be great.
Medications / Supplements:
He is following a low residue, soluable fiber diet, with no dairy, alcohol or caffeine. We see a nutritionist for guidance.
He is on Humira, one injection every two weeks. He is on prednisone 20 mg. daily. He is currently on vancomycin for cdif, 4 pills per day.
Supplements include: VSL#3, 4 capsules per day, multi vitamin, vitamin D, and turmeric.
written by Terry D
submitted in the colitis venting area
My husband was diagnosed with UC in July 2015.
