Intro:
I have had UC for the last 32 of my 58 years. My last scope was in 2012. Even when I am assymptomatic the lining of my colon shows significant inflammation.
Some more about Cheryl:
I love to sew and garden.
Her Story:
I am 58 and have had ulcerative colitis for 32 years. I was diagnosed shortly after my first child was born and was found to have pan colitis on my first colonoscopy. I have several flares a year that have responded to a tapering dose of prednisone. My worst flare was 20 years ago after my third child was born. I had to be hospitalized for 10 days, on IV steroids, bowel rest and TPN. The doctors suggested I have a total colectomy but I did go into remission and have been fairly high functioning.
I am an RN and work part time on a very busy surgical unit. My husband of 36 years and I have raised 3 children. I am a good cook and house keeper. I also am a decent seamstress having made many of my own clothes and my children’s. Until recently, I shared my UC diagnosis with very few. On the occasion that I have told someone of the diagnosis, they are usually very surprised since I appear to be pretty healthy on the outside. My GI doctor has had me on several maintenance medications like Asacol but they never seemed to keep me from having a flare.
My body shows signs of long term steroid use sagging and crepe skin. I decided I needed a tune and had some elective plastic surgery last month. My plastic surgeon prescribed Clindamycin after surgery and I didn’t even think to question it. Two weeks after my surgery I thought I was having a UC flare. I started my prednisone but it didn’t wipe out my symptoms like usual. After talking to my GI doctor I realized I had created the perfect storm for a C dif infection. Sure enough my test was positive. I am now on Flagyl and scared to death that I am not going to recover from this. I asked my doctor about fecal transplant but he said it us to early to consider that. I have read that the fecal transplant is 90-100% effective for C dif and the mortality rate of people with UC and C dif is high. Anybody out there have a similar experience? If so, what treatment worked.
Medications:
Tapering prednisone dose,
Asacol
Cortisone enemas
written by Cheryl
submitted in the colitis venting area
I have had UC for the last 32 of my 58 years. My last scope was in 2012. Even when I am assymptomatic the lining of my colon shows significant inflammation.
