Introduction:
After trying to fight what I thought was a severe stomach virus actually turned into being Ulcerative Colitis. I’m coming up to my 1 year anniversary of my diagnosis in June.
Symptoms:
My normal: 1 to 3 times per day (all solid!)
My weight is finally back into my normal range for my height.
I also get my Remicade infusions every 8 weeks. I’ve noticed that there’s just 1 day out of that time period that I’ll have to go to the bathroom 5-6+ times in one day. Then the following day I go back to my normal & I’m keep that pace for the rest of the time.
Strange Visit:
I went to my GP for my 6 month check-up on Monday morning. While in the back, I told her about my symptoms & she didn’t know what to make of that one random day I have where I’ve got to be near a toliet. Other than that, she was pretty pleased with my overall results. She noticed that my thyroid was a little big (according to my mom, it’s always been big) & so she was going to check it. She asked me to wait while she went to get my lab orders & so that’s what I did.
So I’m sitting in the exam room & all of a sudden I hear, “MOTHER?! MOTHER?! SOMEONE DIAL 911!” Then I heard people rushing down the hallway. So, I waited for about 10 minutes & then one of the nurses came in. She apologized for my wait & gave me my lab orders. I made my 6 month appointment & proceeded into the waiting room so I could leave. Except, there was an older lady lying down on the floor near the exit. My doctor, a nurse, & 2 paramedics were hovering over her. I noticed the ambulance was blocking my car, so I sat down to wait. From what I gather, I think the lady had a seizure. The way her daughter was talking, she had never had one before. She was taken across the street to the hospital & I was able to leave about 30 minutes later.
Fast forward to Friday
On Friday morning, I went to see my GI doctor. I picked up one of the Digestion & Diet magazines in the waiting room. In it they had a website where you could go to get a medical card which gives you emergency access to bathrooms (even in places where customers aren’t normally allowed to use them). So I thought I’d pass along the website: http://www.myibd.org/RestroomMedAlert/index.php
I also read in that magazine that ginger is supposed to help dampen inflammation in the digestive tract. So, I went out after my appointment & bought some ginger tea. I’m going to try to drink 1 cup per day & hopefully that will help. Even if it doesn’t, it still tastes good. :)
My doctor came in & said that we needed to talk about my bowels again. Fun! I told him all of my symptoms, especially about the one day episode & asked him if I was supposed to be doing that. Ready for his response?
He said, “That’s not usual. In fact, I’ve never heard of anyone having that type of response. I don’t know what to make of it. My guess is that that’s how your body is responding to it.”
He then went on to tell me that he’d like to see me in 3 months & then we would schedule my one year colonoscopy. So now I’ve got something to look forward to around my birthday. Yay! :/
I then went to schedule my next appointment & the staff are really sweet. It’s like they make an effort to get to know you. Cheryl, the MA, told me she was so glad that I was doing much better. She went on to say that she was pretty concerned at how sick I was a few months ago. Very sweet! That really made me feel like they care, or that I was one of the sickest patients & so now I’m easy to remember. LOL :)
Where I’d Like to be in 1 Year:
Apriso
Nexium
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written by Lara
submitted in the Colitis Venting Area
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I was Just diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis(Summer 2011). I’ve had UC for three years. I’ve got a great job, great family support, and a man who adores me. I’ve also got two cats, whom I absolutely love and cherish.
