Introduction:
I was diagnosed almost 25 years ago (at the age of 9) with ulcerative colitis. For the majority of those years, I was symptom free, able to eat what I wanted, and had an active lifestyle.
Some more about me:
I love the outdoors and love to run. I teach elementary students and love what I do.
Symptoms I’m Dealing With:
I have currently been in the worse flare of my life! For 3 months, I have been unable to calm my flare, resulting in lack of energy, weight loss, bleeding, etc.
Bride on Steroids
Although I’ve had colitis most of my 34 years (diagnosed at age 9), I feel like a “new” patient in many regards. I always felt like such a lucky colitis patient. After my initial diagnosis, my treatment was effective and I lived my live without any restrictions. In fact, I rarely told anyone about having colitis due to its complete lack of impact on my life. I truly had no idea how lucky I really was until I had a flare in the fall of 2011.
After a few weeks of a bad flare and thinking something was horribly wrong, after an endoscopy, just “mild to moderate” active colitis was found. It turns out the Asacol I was taking was making me quite sick. As soon as I discontinued it, all better! I was fine until January 2013. This flare has been the worst and longest-lasting. I was taking Lialda, but again, it seemed this medication was now also making me sicker. Usually a quick round of enemas would cure any issues I had, but not this time. UC has now taken hold of my life.
I miss my old life of being able to eat what I wanted and more importantly, do what I wanted. I miss running most of all and just having the general energy to complete everyday tasks. I cannot believe how quickly my life has changed. I am getting married this summer and instead of this being the happiest time of my life, it’s been one of the most challenging. Some days I feel so bad for myself and can’t understand why now? and why me, after all of those year of great health? My fiance has been wonderfully supportive, but still, I worry about the toll this may take on our relationship. We are an active, outdoorsy couple, and I have pretty much had to stay in mostly, which has been hard. I have just started taking prednisone and have been trying to follow the SCD diet. I’ve noticed a definite connection between what I eat and how I feel, but think after 3 months, my body needs a break, which is why I finally started the prednisone. I am very concerned about possible side effects, especially with my upcoming wedding. I am wondering how long it will take the side effects to go away once off the prednisone?
Medications:
I am taking Uceris, which I like so far (it is Entocort for UC…releases in colon).
I just started taking prednisone and am not happy about it! I am very concerned about side effects and want to taper off as soon as possible.
For years I was on Azsulfadine, then Asacol, then Lialda, and at times Rowasa enemas. I believe I am now allergic to all ASA meds. My body has a horrible reaction and increase in symptoms.
I have ordered the VSL Probiotic
, but haven’t taken it consistently.
My doctor wants me to eventually take Imuran, but I would rather be off all meds and try to control symptoms with diet.
written by Jessica
submitted in the colitis venting area
I was diagnosed almost 25 years ago (at the age of 9) with ulcerative colitis. For the majority of those years, I was symptom free, able to eat what I wanted, and had an active lifestyle.
