Ulcerative Colitis in the Military

I’m a newly diagnosed UC’er in the military beginning a medical board (military maybe kicking me out). Possible Crohn’s?

My Story:

(I just have to get this all out)

So I began having issues about 18 months ago, and never really paid much attention to it. I had PT in the early mornings and began having a lot of movements interrupting me as I was running on the track. Really tough running in formations by the way!
So I deployed to the Middle East unaware of what was going on and began having slimy bowel movements about 5+ times a day and still never really thought much of it. I had talked w/ some friends and figured I was just lactose intolerant. I couldn’t ever really get rid of the symptoms. It was tough over there having to walk so long to a bathroom. At work at times having to walk a mile and at night having to get dressed and wake up to a mile away to the head. So it never seemed to go away for the 6 months that I was in the desert.
I never saw a Dr. until I was back in the states for about 4 months. It took me about 4 Dr. visits for them to take me seriously. (Did a stool sample and sent me along) I started getting up to 10x a day w/ abdominal pain. They finally referred me to a GI who performed a colonoscopy and confirmed UC. My wife had been doing research throughout my absence and thought it was Crohn’s.
I had to go to the ER a couple of times so far w/ severe pains and constipation. I’ve gotten prednisone those times and it seemed to work.
Now I recently had another scope, he decided to explore my stomach and small intestine this time. After the procedure he told me he found “lots more” and said to see him again in 3 months What does this mean? That’s such b.s!
Now I’ve been having pain in my left side of the abdomen for a while but have been feeling it in the lower right as well. I’m a little confused right now. So this means Crohn’s, right? But I’ve still got bloody stool, so that should be ulcerative colitis…
So they also decided to initiate a medical evaluation board on me as well. So I’ve got the doctors deciding my fate and my future. I may be out of a job in 3-4 months :(
I recently just had the med staff at the base hospital refer me to another GI. I’ll be getting a second opinion and another doctor. I’ve had so many problems w/ my current dr.

sumitted by “Lab Rat”

My Medications:

1123mg Apriso (mesalamine)
40mg Prednisone (temporarily)