Introduction:
I was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago.
What is interesting is that I was originally diagnosed with H Pylori infection. I was vomiting non stop, had diarrhea, cramping, and was completely worn out. Went through that treatment (2 weeks of mega doses of antibiotics and Prilosec), but continued to decline. I lost 25 pounds in less than a month.
My primary recommended a GI she had worked with in the past as the GI from their group was – to say the least – condescending and rude. So the new GI looked at the weight loss and H Pylori diagnosis and said you need and Endoscope and Colonoscopy NOW…yeah…because that won’t freak someone out! And was in the hospital in the morning being prepped for yet more tests.
When I woke up – the doctor came in and said you have UC. I was literally in recovery and my husband was googling it from his phone. He said “OMG this is everything that has been happening to you for nearly 2 years…we can treat it…you will get better”.
Questions I’m Having:
While the doctor answers any questions I have without hesitation and with what can only be described as “gentleman like candor”, I still don’t feel I understand what the heck is happening to my body.
Will I start to feel like a person again? Is there hope of not running to the bathroom like a child being potty trained?
When will the medication start to make a difference in the pain and stools?
At what point do I start to question if the medication is working?
Is there any place to start with regards to a diet? How do I know that one diet is better than another?
Should I see a nutrionist? Should I be concerned that I am still losing weight versus gaining back or at least maintaining?
What are some pointed questions I should be asking of my doctor? Should I seek a second opinion?
How do I find information that describes what to look for? I have had the cramping and diarrhea for so long off and on that I am curious as to what I should look for now. Are there other symptoms I have missed because I didn’t know what to look for?
What does my doctor mean by remission? Should I be concerned that he used that term or is this just a term to describe when I am not in the condition I am right now?
Are there specific types of foods to avoid while on the medications? Are there foods I should just plain avoid altogether?
Are there a variety of treatment options if the current course doesn’t give the desired results? I have been told I will be on this course for approximately 4 months – does it always take that long?
Will I eventually feel comfortable about this diagnosis?
Patti
Submitted in the Colitis Venting Area
I was diagnosed in in November 2011
