I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis on February 27th, 2009 via Colonoscopy. The procedure sucked since none of the sedative would work on me. Even the doctor said they gave me the maximum amount and I was still awake and chatting with the nurses.
Anyways, I just recently had my follow-up appointment, and he said his diagnosis at the time of the Colonoscopy is similar to the diagnosis via biopsy - severe colitis (which is just Ulcerative Colitis); then he showed me these pictures of my colon. I saw some very nice areas, and then areas of, what almost appeared to be canker sores, with blood pooling up. Quite appalling.
Anyways, on the 27th of February, I got two prescriptions - one for Lialda 1.2GM and Mesalamine enemas. The former I have taken consistently, the latter, however, due to insurance, had to be changed to hydrocortisone enemas that do not seem nearly as effective as the Mesalamine (Rowasa) enemas were. I have met my deductible on my insurance, and am now able to take Mesalamine again, and the doctor highly recommended me going back to that.
I am amazed at how quickly I became symptomatic. Literally one week I was fine, and the next I was having mucus, then the next came blood and going numerous times per day. I had no abdominal discomfort, but the anxiety of the problem was almost too much to handle. Then having to wait a month for the Colonoscopy was almost morally defeating. I was convinced I had cancer, albeit I am 27 years old and it doesn't run in my family.
Now on to some questions for the folks who have a lot of experience with this dastardly disease. Does anyone find alcohol and/or coffee irritating the symptoms more? How long before this Lialda and enemas start to work and I begin going back to normal again? The bleeding has reduced tremendously, as has the amount of times per day I go, but I am still not even 60% to my regular regime yet, and it's been a month (perhaps I'm being too optimistic on the time it takes to begin to heal?). And lastly, what can I do to keep it under control food-wise?
By the way, the doctor said that years of constipation could increase the chance of IBD, and that's what I had due to my Hypothyroidism (currently medicated since 16 years of age). My bowel movements have NEVER been the way they should, and my Endocrinologist told me that's to be expected with a thyroid disorder (lame).
No one around me has this disease except my father, and he has only had 2 episodes in his life and none have required medicinal intervention. I just want to interact with some people who can relate to me, the age at which I was diagnosed, and shedding some insightful and helpful light on the entire diagnosis.
Thank you.