My name is Riann. It’s pronounced Ryan, just like a boys. Just wanted to clarify straight out. I currently reside in sunny South Florida with my 2 young daughters. I have been in healthcare for 10 plus years and work for a medicaid provider process appeal requests from hospitals and doctors offices. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago but suffered with symptoms for about 3 years before that. I am truly grateful for my diagnosis. It may be strange to say but at least I know what it is and there are options for treatment.
Colitis Symptoms:
My symptoms are not that bad right now. I have the joint swelling and chronic fatigue. Sometimes my brain gets a little foggy but I have not had any cramping for about 3 weeks. Like I said before stress is the biggest factor for me. Certain people can trigger stress and then I will flare and thats never good.
The Chronic
I am currently taking a probiotic, iron, vitamin C & D, and tramadol for the joint swelling. Recently started taking Lialda again. Typically if I have a flare I am prescribed a metro dose pack. Since my diagnosis my diet has changed completely. I drink smoothies a lot. I add Almased powder to increase the nutrient value. Ulcerative Colitis has completely changed my life. Having a chronic illness means you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I struggle with my healthcare providers because they do not understand the amount of pain I am in everyday and how utterly exhausted I am after work. I am on the fence right now about working outside the house. I love working and enjoy what I do but my last flare was due to the fact we were short staffed and the work still needed to be done. I don’t care about the doctor checking out my bum. What I am unhappy with is how my body has changed… Losing the weight in the hospital, then gaining the prednisone weight and losing half my hair was rough… I am back to my normal weight but I lost all my strength. I am going to force myself to workout because I don’t know whose body this is. My family is one of the things that triggers a flare. I have a very intense Cuban family. Every time we have a family event or they come to town I get sick. I am most concerned for the future. I am not confident the doctors have my medication right. My other concern is for my kids. I already feel guilty that some days I am to tired to do much of anything. I am also concerned that they will end up suffering from UC as well. In the meantime, I will continue to be happy my health is mostly good and pray for a cure.
Medications Tried:
Prednisone..devils work… After taking that stuff I know what it means to be mental. It was so hard my the kids and my boyfriend.
Imuran–not sure how well it worked since I took it while I was on Prednisone. I broke out in a weird rash and had to stop.
written by Riann
submitted in the colitis venting area
The most interesting thing about me is I am Cuban and was raised in Kansas. My hobbies include referring my daughters, going to the pool, creating original recipes that are UC friendly, and just trying to get through my day with out my fatigue being an issue. To help relieve stress, a flare trigger for me, I listen to guided meditation. I have found that I sleep better and don’t wake so tired.
