Thank you all for sharing your experiences and helping each other through difficult circumstances.
I had signs of IBS/Ulcerative Colitis in the mid 80's (I was in my early 20's) which coincided with extreme anxiety, panic attacks and a variety of ill defined mental disturbances. I had no health insurance which meant that I had only sporatic medical care, just enough to try the latest treatments. I tried Sulfa drugs, Cortisone enemas, Prednisone, and several others that I can't recall. I also tried Hypnotherapy, acupunture, acupressure, chinese herbs, talk therapy, massage, excersize, meditation, and plenty of tears. All to no avail, the disease was relentless and nothing seemed to halt its progression.
By 1992 I was taking nearly 100mg. Prednisone, I had lost almost 40 pounds, I was in unremitting pain, I was vomiting and unable to eat or drink. I finally called a relative who took me to the ER of a local hospital in Portland. When the ER staff gave me a huge dose of IV-Narcotics I thought I had died and gone to heaven, the pain relief was so dramatic and wonderful. I was certain that I would be given a new medication and sent home, however I was instead put on TPN for 2 weeks and scheduled for total Colectomy. I was very fortunate to be a good candidate for ileoanal anastomosis (J-pouch reconstruction) which I opted for. I endured several months with a temporary ileostomy and proceeded to recover from the 2nd "take down" operation...that was 1992. Even though my recovery was relatively trouble free (slight pouchitis, flagyl), my entire being was changed forever. My personality was damaged. My confidence and self esteem has been severely shaken ever since then, and I don't trust my body which has betrayed me many times in embarrassing ways.
I still to this day feel as if I have a constant low-grade inflammation. I'm always bloated and crampy and my remaining small bowel has a mind of its own, always active, squirming, noisy, and in distress.
To others, I initially appear quite normal, good looking, sharp and witty. Perhaps much like many of you, I don't wear a sign that alert
s others to my issues but the issues are there and they soon come to light as I attempt to protect myself and manage my stress. Women that I have had in my life have all been wonderful but as I begin to date again after a recent break-up I'm a complete basketcase. I know that women want men who are strong, men who overcome difficulties, and they don't want men with career problems and physical defects.
Are there any others out there who are still having problems even after a so-called curative surgery? I would sure appreciate any thoughts you may have, and thank you all for listening.
~~~~o
Post Edited (NucFuel) : 4/21/2006 7:38:48 PM (GMT-6)