I Have Ulcerative Colitis.
Here is My Story:
I’m a 32 yr old woman. I’ve always loved food. All kinds. I’m Mexican so spicy food is a plus for me. Over a month ago I ate something that made me sick. It was Friday and started with diarrhea, when Sunday came along and my situation worsened (blood in my stool) I went to the ER. They suspected a bacteria and gave me medicine for it. No improvement. I started to have these attacks (cramps) and nausea. I would eat anything, or just drink plain water and my stomach would hurt. I went back to the ER the following Saturday and they suspected an ulcer caused by a bacteria. They gave me more medicine and sent me home. No improvement, on the contrary. My hemoglobin levels were decreasing. I went back the following Saturday (yes, always on Saturday because I didn’t want to miss work) and they decided to do an X-Ray Barium Enema. I had it done on Tuesday, it was so uncomfortable! According to the results it was either Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis. They ordered a colonoscopy. I finally had it done on July 9 and they confirmed UC. They couldn’t go all the way through my colon because it’s very inflamed. The damaged part is from the descending colon all the way to the rectum. They put me on Asacol (Mesalazine) 2-2-2 for a month, and if that doesn’t help me (which I don’t think it is) then they will have to put me on corticosteroids but I’m afraid of the side effects.
Now I have a severe case of hemorrhoids. I dread the moment I have to go to the washroom. I feel like I’m tearing inside out plus the colon pain plus the impulse to want to throw up right there. It’s horrible. The doctor prescribed cream to numb the anus area. But these attacks are so unexpected that I don’t always know when to apply the cream in advance.
Along with this treatment I started a homeopathic treatment as well. I know it takes longer but I’m really desperate. I’m watching my diet big time: no dairy, no spicy food, no legumes, no alcohol, no caffeine, no chocolate, no acidic fruits.
I just want my life back. I just want the remission to get here. I don’t want to leave the house because I need to be close to a washroom. I know a lot of people have had it worse than me, that’s why I don’t want to complain. I just wanted to share my experience because I know that out there, there are people who understand what I’m going through.
I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have the support of my family. And I try to stay calm because stress just makes it worse. But it’s not easy. I had to quit my job and move back to my parents’ house. I’ve always been very independent so this has been very hard on me.
Thanks for reading.
My Current Medications:
Mesalazine (Asacol) 2-2-2
Diosmin/Hesperidin (Daflon 500M) 2 per day.
Lidocaine + Hydrocortisone (Xyloproct) cream
*This story was submitted by Anieskassell in the Colitis Venting Area
