Meet Michaela:
My name is Michaela and i am 28 years old and live in a small town in rural Saskatchewan. I am married and have 2 beautiful daughters (10 months and 3.5 years). I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 8 years. Likely longer but 8 years since I was formally diagnosed. Currently on maternity leave but hoping to go back to work in mid March.
Some more about me:
I work as a physical therapist at our local hospital. I love my job and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. I like to always be on the go and be out and about. That is what has been most frustrating about this disease for me as being house bound make me kinda crazy.
Current Colitis Symptoms:
Currently I have been in a flareup since October 2012 and am not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel yet… Current symptoms are: urgency, 10-15 unpredictable bm a day (mornings used to be my worst time of day), abdominal pain, mucous, blood (although this is improving I think), abdominal pain and fatigue. Fatigue I think has been mostly due to side effects if prednisone and a lot if urgency in the night and not sure why???
Seriously Considering Colon Surgery
When I was first diagnosed in 2005 my symptoms were manageable and cleared up with Asacol and suppositories. I have had 3 really bad long lasting flares since my diagnosis and they seem to correspond to stressful times during my life mental and physical.
The first really bad flareup was when I was preparing to write my national exams for my license to practice physiotherapy in Canada. The only thing that got me through the exam was a narcotic anti-diarrheal. And my last 2 flareups have corresponded to pregnancy and postpartum. During my first pregnancy I was sick with colitis symptoms for most of the pregnancy and then again about 10 months after my daughter was born- flareup lasted 7 months and still I tried to continue to work full time with many sick days and many miserable days at work. I was changed from asacol to pentasa, went on prednisone, did the specific carbohydrate diet, was taking 2-4 Imodium a day while still at work and some enemas. Finally I went into remission.
During my second pregnancy I was healthy but 7 months post partum I am in another flare and am into my 5th miserable month. I have just recently switched from pentasa to mezavant, have tried enemas but they actually made me feel terribly bloated and gave me severe abdominal pains. Also finally finished prednisone even though I am not better my doctor said I am prednisone dependent and wanted me off plus I hate the side effects. Waiting for a bone mineral density test and hoping my bones are okay.
I have also seen 2 different homeopathy and have had iridology done, energy/muscle testing, live blood analysis and thermography plus supplement recommendations but nothing seems to be helping. I am beginning to feel like a terrible mother due to lack of energy to play with my kids let alone look after them (thank god I have a very supportive family and extended family). I have made the decision to be done having children basically due to this disease as I been at my worst during pregnancy and postpartum plus I fear adding to my family and not being able to look after them because I am ill.
Colitis Medications:
Mezavant 1.2 mg twice daily, probiotics, fish oil, vitamin d, mineral and multivitamin, slippery elm, aloe Vera juice, psyllium, liquid calcium, trying 3 tablespoons of olive oil per day as it has seemed to work for some, digestive enzymes, a supplement for bone health…likely others I am forgetting feels like I take pills all day long. Just finished prednisone today. Doctor pushing imuran but long term side effects scare me. Any advice would be appreciated. Likely will live on Imodium once back to work. Doctor won’t consider surgery until I have tried imuran and remicade and failed those treatments. Currently I am waiting on a second opinion.
written by Michaela
submitted in the colitis venting area
My name is Michaela and i am 28 years old and live in a small town in rural Saskatchewan. I am married and have 2 beautiful daughters (10 months and 3.5 years). I have had UC for 8 years. Likely longer but 8 years since I was formally diagnosed. Currently on maternity leave but hoping to go back to work in mid March.
