Introduction to Annette:
My name is Annette, I’m 45 and a mother of 3 girls. I started a degree prior to my UC diagnosis and am about to start my 3rd and final year. I
live in Sheffield, UK
My Colitis Symptoms:
Enlarged stomach, Constant Blood loss. Stomach cramps and gassy diarrhea. Fatigue. Feeling isolated. Diagnosed in April 2011 and still not had a day without UC symptoms.
My UC Story:
I am a 45 year old woman with 3 young daughters. I’m a full time student and started uni prior to being diagnosed but am determined to complete the course, even if it’s from the toilet! Since being diagnosed 14 months ago, I have never met anyone else with the disease and feel very isolated. I have an enlarged stomach which makes me look pregnant (which my Dr puts down to IBS) and constant blood loss. I have bouts of painful cramps and fear of leaving the house in-case of accidents. I also have swollen knees which restricts exercise. Despite the frequency of bm’s, I struggle with my weight and even avoiding wheat/dairy etc doesn’t help me lose any weight. I have tried several UC diets and use anything recommended I.e slippery elm, but have never had a day without UC symptoms. I feel fat, disgusting and very unattractive. My family don’t appear to understand the devastation this disease causes and I know it upsets my young daughters when they see me upset and in pain.
My doctor advises me to have a less stressful life but dismisses any link between diet and UC and I feel I have 5 minutes of his very precious time but always leave his surgery feeling no further forward. Fortunately, I have now met the bowel nurse who seems a bit more helpful.
I would really love to hear
if anyone else has a swollen stomach
or can’t lose weight.
Are we all just struggling with a disease which will ultimately result in surgery or can we control it and live a relatively healthy life. I would really love to hear from others, especially if they have any advice on my enlarged stomach or inability to lose weight. Just hearing from others would be a relief and any advice on how to take back some control over my life would be great.
Where I’d like to be in 1 year:
I would like to control my UC instead of it controlling me.
I’d also like to have completed my degree – hopefully giving me a slightly less stressful life.
Colitis Medications:
8 x Pentasa daily. Doesn’t appeato be doing it’s job.
Enemas and suppositries
I’m afraid of using steroids incase I put on even more weight
written by Annette
submitted in the colitis venting area
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My name is Annette, I’m 45 and a mother of 3 girls. I started a degree prior to my UC diagnosis and am about to start my 3rd and final year. I
live in Sheffield, UK
