Introduction:
I am 25 yrs old and diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 20. I was on Asacol and suffered horribly then switched to Imuran and went into remission for about 4 years (no meds).
My Story:
I am experiencing my 1st flare after diagnosis. I started to notice random swelling of my eyes and joints before the GI symptoms started. I was in Chicago for business and I noticed that diarrhea and discomfort started. I immediately left Chicago and returned home (Houston) so that I could get treatment. Unfortunately, the GI doctor is horrible. She does not listen and often rushes me out of the office with a new medicine. Anyways, after a colonoscopy she said she couldn’t determine if it was Crohn’s or Colitis. My previous doctor told me it was Colitis so I don’t know why she is saying Crohn’s. Does anyone know the difference when diagnosising the two?
Also, I had high alkaline phosphotase in my blood work, which I am told is evident of liver damage. This really concerns me considering that this all hit so quickly. I was tested and it’s not hepatitis but my ANA levels were high (autoimmune antibodies). If anyone has experienced this please let me know what the outcome was because I am worried about this. I am scheduled for an ultrasound and biopsy soon.
Lastly, I am really frustrated because the prednisone is no longer working as well as it once did. I was put on 40 mgs and I was still having diarrhea and unbarable stomach pain at night. My primary doc increased the dose and told me to take a round at night for the belly pain. The GI prescribed some antibiotics but I refuse to take anything she prescribes because she’s a mess.
I would love a natural cure for all of this and I am particularly interested in JTP’s “Listen to your Gut” but I am a little apprehensive because I don’t know how trustworthy it is. If anyone has tried anything naturally and has had success let me know because I can’t continue with these meds long term. Until I find something that works prednisone and Imuran it is.
Down but not out,
Thanks
Submitted in the Colitis Venting Area by “Praying For Long Term Remission”
All of the posts from “Annonymous UC” are from ulcerative colitis people who anonymously submitted stories or Doctor Reviews, medication, supplement reviews etc… I post all these stories to the site, but they’re different from my own personal stories so hopefully this account makes more sense:) -Adam – founder of iHaveUC.com
