I’m an artistic type person. I’m a photographer and makeup artist. I am now approaching fifty years old. I’m from Northern California. I don’t know if it makes a difference or if there’s a correlation but I suffered abuse as a child. Some studies indicate that it can lead to chronic illness. I have other health problems beyond UC that I manage mostly using holistic/alternative measures and diet. I’m gluten and dairy free. I don’t drink soda or eat fast or processed foods. I believe diet makes a huge difference in how well I’m doing regarding my UC management but I also rely on the pharmaceutical drugs- Lialda and CortiFoam.
Current Symptoms (Even though Doctor Says I don’t Have UC): Cramping, skinny stools, mucous and fatigue.
Amy’s Story
I need help.
Eight years ago I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis eleven inches into my colon. I saw the photos after my procedure which showed hundreds, if not thousands of bleeding ulcers. I had all of the typical symptoms- Bleeding, pus, mucous, cramping, urgency, diarrhea, skinny stools, fatigue and nausea. I even had joint pain. I was suffering a lot back then.
I finally had another colonoscopy last week and the results showed that I do not have UC?!?!
While I’m happy to know that things are looking good inside of me, I’m freaked out about not getting the treatment I need when I STILL HAVE PAINFUL FLARES. I’m trying to get a hold of the records from my first doctor to show my new doctor but I haven’t been able to get them yet. I’m working on that.
My new doctor told me I should be happy to be UC free. I’m like… I HAVE COLITIS!
I still get cramping, urgency, mucous, and super skinny stools and diarrhea when I’m in a flare. I have flares at least six times a year or more.
I don’t know what to do.
Should I just stop taking my meds and let my flare get severe and then show my new doctor when I’m at my worst? I eat super clean. I’m gluten and dairy free. I eat mostly organic and gmo free foods. I don’t drink soda or eat fast or processed foods. I take responsibility for how well I’m doing but I also feel like I’ve shot myself in the foot. Without my medications (Lialda and CortiFoam) I’d never be able to function during a flare. I don’t even know if I’d be able to get my flare under control without the CortiFoam, especially. Has this happened to anyone else? I welcome any and all advice. Thanks.
Medications & Treatment History: I have used prednisone in the past but it gave me an allergic reaction in the form of a horrible rash all over my body. I also tried Colocort enema and it put me into a neurological flare so I couldn’t continue taking that medication. The only medications I have used with success are Lialda and CortiFoam. The CortiFoam works like magic for me to get my flares under control. I manage my UC mostly with diet. I’m gluten and dairy free for ten years and I never eat processed or fast foods. No soda and no refined sugar for me. I take supplements and I try to focus on eating more alkaline foods. It really seems to help me.
written by Amy M
submitted in the colitis venting area
I’m a high strung, type A personality. I’m also a perfectionist. Additionally I can be fun loving and light hearted with a positive attitude. I love to laugh and I have a great sense of humor.
