Ulcerative Colitis

As some of you may know, I have been struggling with an undiagnosed GI condition (bloody diarrhea) for many months. Within the last two months it became much worse, causing me to lose up to 10% of my body weight and be fatigued often. After months of trying to manage it on my own I went to my doctor last week. She ordered labs and when those came back she ordered me to the hospital.

At the hospital they admitted me, took their own labs (which showed a very low hemoglobin count), and gave me a CT scan and colonoscopy. Ultimately I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It's very strange, as I am outside the age range for when it usually presents, and no one in my family has any history of intestinal disorders.

I'm still in the hospital but may be released later today. I'm definitely feeling better - most certainly a result of the steroids and iron they've been giving me.

Sorry for the downer post, but I wanted to let everyone know why I haven't been around recently. And [MENTION=83342]DoctorShavegood[/MENTION], I don't think I'll make the cookout.

Sorry to hear about this, Stephen. Even though it stinks to find out what the problem is, at least you know and can work with the docs to manage it. I'm glad you're feeling better and hope it continues.

Asacol. Three 800mg tabs a day works for me.

Bill

okie bill said:

Asacol. Three 800mg tabs a day works for me.

Click to expand...

That's what they have me on.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Stephen, if I was in Jacksonville I'd come and visit you in the hospital and bring a big pot of chili....

Get better my friend.

Thanks for all the support, guys. Aaron - I look forward to the day when we can sit down together over a big pot of chili.

So sorry to read your post, Mr. Speedy. Glad you have a definite diagnosis and prayers for a smooth recuperation.

BSAGuy said:

So sorry to read your post, Mr. Speedy. Glad you have a definite diagnosis and prayers for a smooth recuperation.

Click to expand...

Thanks, BSAGuy.

Good luck to you. I had a child afflicted with UC a few years ago. All is good now, and all can be for you soon!

Look into the idea of a fecal transplant to restock the flora of your digestive system. Best of luck to you!

My Dad's GI Specialist at Kaiser included a recommendation of Align as one of the best probiotics on the market. Although FT is supposed to be very effective. So, look at the probiotic after you get out of jail as preventive maintenance if your body tolerates it.

Glad to hear they found it, passing out due to low blood hemo could have been the next step - and that always happens at the worst possible time. Get better soon!

I am a UC sufferer as well, came "this close" to needing surgery before they figured out what it was (30 years ago). If you are lucky, like I have been, you can eventually be meds free except for when it flares up. Usual manifestations are a post puberty onset with a strong recurrence possible in and around age 50 (where I am at now). Also, you will have the fun of regular colonoscopies to make sure you do not end up with some form of colorectal cancer.

I am sure you have heard all of this from your specialist, but sometimes hearing from a fellow patient makes it more real. you do NOT have to let this rule your life. With luck, and a few small adjustments, you'll be fine. Good luck to you.


Oh, and that bit about lack of history in your family? What about Ankylosing Spondylitis? Or Rheumatoid Arthritis? Both are things in parents which can lead to UC in the kids. My Dad has AS.

Here's to a speedy recovery or at least getting well enough to leave the hospital..my lovely wife has been dealing with this for 26years..

I'm a crohns guy myself. Believe it or not blood and diarrhea become normal. How exciting right? Asacol didn't cut it for me. Humira injections are my friend. You will be fine just not the sexiest of diseases.

The best probiotic available, is non-pasteurized, homemade yogurt. Let me know if you want help with this. Good luck to you.

Orville said:

I am a UC sufferer as well, came "this close" to needing surgery before they figured out what it was (30 years ago). If you are lucky, like I have been, you can eventually be meds free except for when it flares up. Usual manifestations are a post puberty onset with a strong recurrence possible in and around age 50 (where I am at now). Also, you will have the fun of regular colonoscopies to make sure you do not end up with some form of colorectal cancer.

I am sure you have heard all of this from your specialist, but sometimes hearing from a fellow patient makes it more real. you do NOT have to let this rule your life. With luck, and a few small adjustments, you'll be fine. Good luck to you.


Oh, and that bit about lack of history in your family? What about Ankylosing Spondylitis? Or Rheumatoid Arthritis? Both are things in parents which can lead to UC in the kids. My Dad has AS.

Click to expand...

Definitely nice to hear from someone who has been through it. I guess I fall in the "in and around age 50 range", as I'm 42.

I'll make whatever adjustments I need and will not let it rule my life. That's not my style, and my kids need to see me model positive behavior in the face of adversity.

No history of AS or RA in my family. Guess it's one of those freak things.

I do appreciate you reaching out. I hope you continue to feel well.

JaredB said:

The best probiotic available, is non-pasteurized, homemade yogurt. Let me know if you want help with this. Good luck to you.

Click to expand...

Well, let's agree to disagree on this one; I'd have had your six a year ago. I 've been culturing yogurt weekly for the past ten years, different sources of starter from commercial brands to freeze dried specific strains and probiotic blends. In my own body the difference between what I've been able to culture and how my body/gut/ "general-feeling-of-wellbeing" reacted to Align. And they tell me there is something different, something better about the cultures of Align. I DIDN'T want to believe it to be so. The dang stuff isn't cheap. However, I am willing to ditch my prejudice and follow the data. All I can say is test it and compare Your results.

Merle said:

Well, let's agree to disagree on this one; I'd have had your six a year ago. I 've been culturing yogurt weekly for the past ten years, different sources of starter from commercial brands to freeze dried specific strains and probiotic blends. In my own body the difference between what I've been able to culture and how my body/gut/ "general-feeling-of-wellbeing" reacted to Align. And they tell me there is something different, something better about the cultures of Align. I DIDN'T want to believe it to be so. The dang stuff isn't cheap. However, I am willing to ditch my prejudice and follow the data. All I can say is test it and compare Your results.

Click to expand...

Good tip. Thank you.

MrSpeedy said:

Definitely nice to hear from someone who has been through it. I guess I fall in the "in and around age 50 range", as I'm 42.

I'll make whatever adjustments I need and will not let it rule my life. That's not my style, and my kids need to see me model positive behavior in the face of adversity.

No history of AS or RA in my family. Guess it's one of those freak things.

I do appreciate you reaching out. I hope you continue to feel well.

Click to expand...

Thank you. I do. Went through my 50's flare up with some pills and some enemas (1 per night for a month). For the most part I have been able to manage things without pills. Just make sure you do the Scopes every year or two. We suffer a cumulative increase for colorectal cancers, so best to stay on top of things below.

As to your kids, you may wish to put your mind at ease by having them take a HLA 27 blood test to determine if they have the marker for UC or Crohn's. If they do, you can keep an eye out for the onset. If not, you have the relief of knowing they are clear. And yes, that positive behaviour modelling is a DEFINITE plus. My daughter is adapting to a recent Depression diagnosis, so my behaviour with UC makes it easier to make her understand that illnesses like ours (and hers) are things you deal with, not things you let define you.