If you haven’t already, please read first the previous story, “Oh Ulcerative Colitis…How I Underestimated You”
Hey guys…well you all couldn’t have been more right! Just to be clear, my wife is fantastic, and I am notorious for ignoring health problems. Plus, I don’t think either of us understood the severity of the situation. So to reiterate, I wouldn’t have made it to where I am right now without her, and when I go back and read this it makes me feel terrible for painting her in that light.
So, The morning after I sent my story, I had to pull over twice on the way to work to rest because I didn’t have enough energy to stay awake at the wheel. Once I finally made it to the office, I spent about 30 minutes in the bathroom and finally sat down at my desk. I felt like I was on my deathbed Tuesday….but I was somehow feeling much worse. After trying to sleep it off for an hour I finally broke down and asked my sister to come pick me up and take me to the ER. My doctor recommended a hospital, and I was getting an IV less than two hours after the phone call. I was severely dehydrated (despite all the freaking water I tried to choke down!) and slightly anemic.after a few hours in the ER, I was admitted into the hospital.
I have been at the hospital since last Wednesday, with the antibiotics, steroids, fluids, and rest I have gotten some slight relief from the volume and frequency of bowel movements. I began with Morphine, Cipro, Flagyl, and saline in the IV along with jello and water as I could stomach it. After a few days went by, I was able to reduce my bowel movements to 15ish times a day. When having these, there was less pain and significantly less blood. Taking
I had a consult with a surgeon this morning to discuss a possible ileostomy. He was very clear about not wanting to push it until we have explored all other options, but I was ready to jump on the opportunity given the level of suck this week has contained. Right now, the GI has increased my steroids as a last ditch effort to get things under control. Here I am, 330 AM on the toilet wincing in pain as I count down the seconds until my next round of pain meds.
My question now is this:
I have done plenty of research on the pros and cons of surgery, and told myself that I would be all for it if it were suggested. BUT, my dad and stepmom (who is also a doctor) were flabbergasted that I would even consider it without receiving a second opinion. I know this is my decision, but my stepmother is a very smart woman, and I can’t help but wonder if she has a point…
I will definitely be talking with my GI again, including anyone else I can think of that might be able to contribute. But what about other UC’ers? Do you think she might not just understand ALL of the benefits of surgery? Do I need to reitirate the impact my age has on the feasibility of the procedure? How can I approach this without feeling like I’m snubbing anyone?
Thanks again for everything. This means the world to me.
Hey Colitis People. It’s 2011 and I’m 26 years old. I was diagnosed May of 2010 with ulcerative colitis. It all happened just weeks before I moved back home before graduating college.