A rare Indonesian delicacy

Hi everybody, this is my first post so if I make any faux pa's please don't hesitate to let me know. Kind of in need of people who understand what's happening and perhaps a little advice.

So I was diagnosed with chronic ulcerative colitis about 6 weeks ago and ofcourse my life has grinded to a halt. I am a teacher who is currently based in Indonesia and the probable cause of my colitis is amoebiasis. Or an amoebic parasite that has invaded my innards. I have had an endoscopy, which was conducted in such a way as to cause probably the most pain I have ever felt (bar appedicitis.) I have to have a translator for the doctor who is treating me and I'm really not sure I trust in his abilities. Prior to my endoscopy was a punishing regime of drinking laxatives and taking laxative pills. I'm sure you've been there. The day of the the scope I was ordered to drink 2 litres again in one hour which caused horrible distention and what was more like breathing out the liquid because there was simply too much. The doctor suggest 5 large meals a day and the sheer range of pills I have to take is pulling me all over the place. They are -

Nexium

Vometa

Inpepsa

Metronidazole

Biosanbe

Sangobion

The healthcare system in Indonesia is privatised so I suspect prescribing individual medicines for certain elements of the illness makes good financial sense to them. But by god its just ruining me, I can't depend on myself for anything. My Head teacher has been very kind and understanding about this but its getting to the point where a decision has to be made. Will I be well enough any time soon to resume teaching @ around 20 hours contact and 10 for planning? It seems if I am not able to get myself into the classroom in any state my time here in Indonesia will be over and I shall be back to England. So ask for some opinions if I could be so bold. Do I return to the UK for free healthcare from people who can explain what is really happening to me, or shall I tough it out in the hope that this will pass soon into remission and my adventure can continue. I hope I haven't rambled too much, I avoided the specifics of which I'm sure you are all well aware when it comes to the disease itself.

Thanks to those who read this, I could benefit from someone with greater experience on this.

Hi Mr. Dudley! Welcome to the forum, and I'm sorry you're feeling so poorly.

I'm confused about the amoeba relationship to your illness. Has your DR told you that an intestinal parasite has caused inflammation in your colon? Are you taking meds to eliminate the parasite?

I think InSoFla has made a really good suggestion about how to find a DR you can communicate with.

Firstly, thankyou all for your replies. I have been investigating the connections between Ulcerative Colitis and Amoebiasis which presents almost identical symptoms. The medicines I have been taking so far don't appear to be making any drastic effect, nausea, cramps persist, weight loss, appetite loss, pain and inflammation are regularly present and slightly alarmingly new pains have arrived on the upper right side of my colon, which would suggest some development in the condition.

I found a study conducted in 1995 that looks at the relationship between UC and Entomeiba Hystolica. This particular parasite is prevelent in South East Asian countries such as where I am now and is the cause suggested by my doctor here. The amount of cases that are misdiagnosed makes for grim reading. Because of any misdiagnosis the delay of proper treatment can be as effective as having little or no treatment at all. My faith in Indonesian medical care as I have said before is slightly lacking. The potential for greater development of the illness because of mis-diagnosis worries me quite a bit. So to that end I am making arrangements to return to the UK for treatment and to stay at my parents house. Nothing is improving here and my employers have offered me the as much time as I need to recover fully and even volunteered the air fair, provided I return to complete my contract.

Here is a link to the study http://smj.sma.org.sg/3603/3603a12.pdf

As for whether or not it is UC proper, again I have confusion. The biopsies of the several ulcers found along my colon certainly show ulcerative colitis. A test to determine an amoebic infection was also done and as the doctor suspected it was positive. I have been diagnosed with chronic ulcerative colitis, but how can that be if it is amoebic colitis. Also if it is amoebic colitis, why is the Metronidazole (which i take with food three times daily) still not visibly making a difference. So, the parasite in my body can cause colitis, this is beyond doubt. It is ulcerative, as the endoscopy put that beyond doubt. So has this parasite caused chronic ulcerative colitis as my diagnosis clearly spells out, or is have I been misdiagnosed?

I'm sorry for the rant, I am the sort of person who just needs to know everything when it comes something that takes over my life. I hope people are holding up well.

Well, huh. That certainly is confusing, and I wish you luck in getting proper treatment!

Mr. Dudley,

Good idea to go back to the UK to get proper diagnosis and treatment options.

And lucky you, you hve an employer who is empathetic, that is rare.

You are being given the initial standard treatment for amoebic colitis. You are not receiving any medications for ulcerative colitis. Two of the drugs are iron and mineral supplements which can increase ulcerative colitis symptoms. One is an antacid. One is for Gerd or acid reflux disease. One is designed to speed up your digestive system and treat nausea/vomiting. Metronidazole is the only medicine that is really treating your problem. Amoebic colitis is not unusual in southeast Asia. The normal treatment is 500-750 mg of metronidazole for 5 to 10 days. If that does not work the next treatment, often given at the same time as the first, is Paromomycin 500 mg three times a day for 10 days or Iodoquinol 650 mg three times a day for 20 days. Do not take any Immodium with amoebic colitis. It can make things worse.
There may be more up to date information on the treatment of amoebic colitis than what I have. My oldest son caught it back in 1995 in Indonesia. It was rough for a while but then he bounced back. We were told there is no connection between ulcerative colitis and amoebic colitis. He has never had any other signs of ulcerative colitis. I hope you receive the second treatment soon.
I am glad you are returning to England so that someone can sort out your diagnosis. You may have both illnesses or just one but if it is ulcerative colitis, you have not received any treatment for it. No wonder you feel so terrible!