Introduction:
I actually have ulcerative proctitis which is very similar to colitis except that it only affects about 12 cm of my colon. I was diagnosed in 2009 during a time when I was under tremendous stress from divorce, bankruptcy, in between jobs. The list goes on and on so my assumption is that this disease was in someway a reaction to all the stress. I started with mild symptoms and the doctors had a good outlook for me. This year has not gone so well. I had a sigmoidoscopy that I failed miserably and have since been informed that my proctitis is very severe. I have completely changed medications (again).
Some more about me:
I am a 38 year old single mom who currently lives in Annapolis Md with my son. I get embarrassed and have trouble describing my illness because I want to be independent and not seem so fragile and needy. Then again the symptoms I’m experiencing make me feel gross and unappealing. Although I have dumped an earful of too much information on my boyfriend and he has not ran away yet, lol. I like to read when I have time. In the cooler weather I enjoy hiking.
Symptoms:
Bleeding with bowel movements. Going from constipation to bloody diarrhea depending on the day. Some urgency but I am still able to make it to the bathroom on time. Not as much gas since meds have changed. Some low energy and depression when I go thru a bad flare. I have never experienced remission in these 4 years I have had this.
In Someway a Reaction to All the Stress
I had always considered myself healthy until I had UC. I have tried very hard to keep this from changing my life, but it has been hard. I don’t want to be the person to mess up other peoples plans and I don’t want to miss out either. I’ve noticed alcohol aggravates my symptoms but haven’t completely given it up. I’m not much of a drinker anyway and like to have a glass of wine a few times a month. I am not embarrassed with the doctor checking my butt. I am probably more embarrassed trying to explain my illness to other people that don’t understand it. My family and boyfriend are very kind and supportive of me. I don’t think they know how to help me, but them being there to listen is comforting to me.
I am most concerned about keeping up with my 7 year old son. I do not want to drag him down with my low energy or not being able to be as active on some days. I worry that if I do not get my health under control that I could end up in the hospital at some point. I am too young to feel this old :(
Are there any medications, diet, etc that are helpful to people? Please share with me some of the positive outcomes so that I don’t get so gloomy. How can we help each other deal with the depression when having a bad day? Some day when I am old and grey I hope to look back on this and laugh. I want to have a positive attitude because life is not only full of problems but also blessings. We can’t forget the good parts right?
Medications:
I haven’t found the magic formula for myself yet. I know everyone is different.
My doctor has just switched all my medications. I am taking hydrocortizone rectal suspensions twice a day and 200 mg of Imuran.
It seems to help but still waiting for remission or at least the blood to go away. Does that happen or am I being unrealistic?
written by Maria
submitted in the colitis venting area
I actually have ulcerative proctitis which is very similar to colitis except that it only affects about 12 cm of my colon. I was diagnosed in 2009 during a time when I was under tremendous stress from divorce, bankruptcy, in between jobs.
