Misdiagnosis

Introduction:

64 year old retired banking executive born in Minnesota, raised in Northern California, lived in 7 states and now living in the Southern California desert.

Colitis Misdiagnosis:

Like many of you I was finally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis after tests for celiac disease and other maladies. What is particularly interesting is that I was diagnosed 9 months after a colonoscopy when I was given a clean bill of colon health. Only one doc finally suggested that I have a follow up colonoscopy just to make sure it wasn’t UC. Well, it was UC and I was not surprised but I was surprised that it was not found in my initial colonoscopy. Goes to show one that finding a good gastro doc is very very important. Now, after having UC for over a year and a half and suffering the multiple daily sprints to the bathroom my UC is somewhat more in control. That’s not to say there are no urgent sprints to the bathroom or accidents when I can’t get there in time but it is better and getting better every day. What made it better? I give credit to the medications I am taking and to my changed diet. Balsalazide Disodium (Colazal) and two weeks of enema treatment with Mesalamine finally got things more in control. As for the diet, I changed to mostly fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast and fresh vegetable salads with saflower oil for lunch and dinner. I am hoping to expand my choices with suggestions I am getting from other readers.

If I have any advice for those of you

newly diagnosed with UC

or suspect that you have UC,

that advice is don’t give up.

There is hope and there is treatment. Oh yeah, I really miss my cabernet that I had to give up a few months ago but do intend to sneak a few glasses now and then. I am curious from other readers what their experience was from the time of first UC symptoms to diagnosis. Hopefuly, not as bad as my experience.

written by “Zorro”

submitted in the Colitis Venting Area