Intro:
I was diagnosed October 2012, after months of symptoms that were strange to me. I had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, anemia, and internal hemorrhoids. This was in the middle of a very bitter divorce from an abusive spouse.
Some more about me:
I survived an abusive 10 year relationship and a subsequent 22 month divorce. I am a very independent single mother to two sweet kids. The kids and I love the outdoors and spend as much time as we can at our local park. I am an artist but have not painted in years for various reasons. Instead, my creativity comes out with daily experiences with my kids, such as napkin doodles in lunches or food pictures for dinner.
Symptoms:
Frequent, urgent bathroom trips (up to 30 times per day), tired, headaches, knee pain, blood in stool, stomach cramps, lots of bloating and gas. I also have almost daily headaches and I get dizzy spells.
It’s All So New To Me
I don’t have health insurance and am self-employed without the ability to pay for personal health insurance. I cannot afford the medicine my doctor prescribed at $2300 per month. I can only afford once per year doctor visits. I am very concerned about this. I am also concerned for the future; mine and my children’s; I’m scared of what will happen if I get worse. I’m scared of being sent to the hospital and not having health insurance I’m lucky that I can work from home but have had to seriously restrict any life out of my house because I am constantly in the bathroom. I fluctuate between acceptance and depression and am desperate for relief. I’ve had to turn down camping trips, concerts, etc. Most people don’t know I have UC and those that do, don’t understand. My family have been great listeners. I am afraid of new friendships and relationships because this seems to be a very consuming illness and I am reluctant to talk about it; I feel very embarrassed about it. I want to change GI doctors but without health insurance, no other specialist will see me. My current doctor is not available for anything! The day he gave me my diagnosis, all he said was “you have Ulcerative Colitis and here is a pamphlet”. I’ve come about most of my information via internet. He has given me no advice on supplements, diet, etc to help stave my symptoms, only telling me that I have a “rich man’s disease”. I am certain my UC was triggered by my leaving an abusive marriage and the long divorce which followed. As a single parent of two young kids, I am constantly busy and worried, which does not help my symptoms. I have no idea what to eat and am scared to eat anything. I’m a vegetarian, do not eat dairy. but I do eat eggs. I miss eating salads, beans, nuts, apples and other fruits and vegetables. I need help trying to figure out a good diet for myself.
Medications:
Canasa – I can’t tell if it is working or not
I take a ton of supplements – Probiotic (66 billion), Integra, Gas Relief pills, Multi-vitamin, Vitamin D (2,000 IU), Calcium, Folic Acid.
written by Susan R
submitted in the colitis venting area
I was diagnosed October 2012, after months of symptoms that were strange to me. I had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with UC, anemia, and internal hemorrhoids. This was in the middle of a very bitter divorce from an abusive spouse.
