Introduction:
Happily married man with a beautiful wife and daughter. I’ve been a military man for 17 years and some. Living in Europe. Recently moved here from Asia.
My Colitis Experience:
I’m active duty military, and my story began in December 2010. Blood! To the doctor I went. Underwent a colonoscopy in January 2011 and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Proctitis. I wish I knew then how bad things would become. At that time, I didn’t have knowledge of the disease. If I had been more aware, I would have recognized the symptoms long before my blood showed up.
The time between my colonoscopy and biopsy results, I researched military regulations and discovered that this disease was a one way ticket out the door. I was about to lose the 20 year retirement I was working so hard for. My life was in disarray. I made the decision that I could not have that happen to me, and began my quest to treat myself without the need for medical oversight. No meds for me. My wife and daughter’s future were more important than my health, and if I could last just another few years and reach retirement eligibility it would all pan out.
During the following months, I spiraled downward in physical and mental condition. Mucous began to show, and I was hitting the bathroom constantly to let it out. All the while, I was researching alternative medicine because I needed it. Came across a book written a Mr. Mariana and started his regimen. Nothing against his protocol, but It failed. Blood and mucous never stopped. Constipation was a problem at times.
Bought Dr. Klein’s book, Self Healing Colitis & Crohns at the time I was on the previous regimen, so never started his method. During this period though, I had to move across the globe. Japan to Europe. Upon arrival in the UK, I began other methods to get my situation under control. At this point I had dropped 30 lbs and had bloody mucous and stools coming out of me frequently. The toilet water was fruit punch red. I was about to throw in the towel and head to the military hospital, but I began reading more…
I bought the SCD book and learned the Vitamin E enema routine. I also had a theory that I had a Candida issue. I started the SCD, Vitamin E enemas, and Threelac probiotic all at the same time in September 2011. Within a couple weeks, the mucous stopped completely. Praise Jesus. The bloody stools lessened. There was a significant reduction in blood, but not completely. I have gradually gotten better at the SCD as well, as I realized the many ways I was violating its protocol.
Here I sit now, end of January 2012,
quite depressed despite my improvements.
I still see blood. It is sometimes on the paper,
and mixed into the stool.
Bright red. Not much. Never enough to turn the water a different color, but still saddening nonetheless. I have just purchased Boswellia & VSL#3. It will be awhile before the Boswellia arrives. The VSL should be here soon. I am all normal except for the blood it seems. 1 – 3 bm’s per day. Sometimes blood. Sometimes not. No mucous. Rarely pain. Rarely bloating.
I go through one day at a time, following SCD to the best of my knowledge. My amazing wife is helping me the whole time. God I love her. Blood is minor, but haunting. I even bought a pack of cigarettes (former smoker 9 yrs ago) because of readings. By the way, the majority of my readings are published medical studies. That is what directed me toward Boswellia and smoking. No meds ever, all alternative treatments. It looks like there’s a deployment in my future. Who knows how I’ll manage that. I also have about 17 months before I can start actually getting seen by a military doctor without worry of losing my entire future.
I type this story in hopes that I can talk to other people, help them, express my feelings on this, learn, and hopefully feel some social support at a time when I need it most. This is totally out of character for me. A testament to my desperation.
written by “Desperate Husband”
submitted in the Colitis Venting Area
for more information on diet treatment, you can read more “ulcerative colitis diet” stories here
Happily married man with a beautiful wife and daughter. I’ve been a military man for 17 years and some. Living in Europe. Recently moved here from Asia.
