John was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2012
A bit about John:
I am a 47 year old man returning to college for a Masters Degree in Psych, married with no children, and a new puppy that I will train to be a therapy dog to visit patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and aid in learning disability.
Symptoms:
bloody stool, cramps, frequency, fatigue, body aches, lower back pain and muscle spasm, and a very dry red scaly patch on my right hand.
John’s Colitis Story:
I suffered for months in early 2012 with my symptoms because I thought they were related to antibiotics I was prescribed for 3 sinus infections over 4 months. When I finally sought the Doctor’s help, I was miserable. He thought I had C-diff because of the antibiotics, ordered lab work with stool samples, and prescribed Flagyl. The stool sample came back negative for C-diff, so he sent me to a GI specialist. The GI did a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy two days later and confirmed Ulcerative Colitis. I was so happy to have a diagnosis and begin treatment. The GI prescribed Hydro Cortisone enemas daily. I have been on them for 2 and a half weeks with about 35 % relief of symptoms. I see him on Monday for my 3 week check up after the Flex Sig.
My Questions Are:
How long should I expect to wait for significant relief using the Cort enemas?
Does the dry Red scaly patch on my hand have anything to do with UC?
Is it possible that my low back pain is also a symptom of UC or other Auto Immune Disease?
My Doctor is very kind, and I trust him completely. I do plan to ask him the questions I have written here, but feel that I need feedback from those who share my disease.
I am most concerned with loss of freedom. I missed a family funeral because I am in a bad flare, and it hurt me deeply to have to stay home running to the toilet instead of grieving with my family for the loss of a loved one. I am headed into a Master’s level program in late August and that will entail 3 and 1/2 hour classes. I hate using public rest rooms. I feel that I will just have to get used to rest rooms and suck it up to keep my freedom. Thanks for all the info shared here on the website.
All the Best John in Pa.
Where I’d like to be in 1 year:
written by John
I am a 47 year old (in 2012) Man returning to college for a Masters Degree in Psych, married with no children, and a new puppy that I will train to be a therapy dog to visit patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and aid in learning disability.
