Almost died and then given medicine that's bad for UC!

I was riding my bike today and was hit by a truck pulling onto a construction site. I blacked out for a second or two and the next thing I knew I was under the truck with its giant tire about a foot away from my chest and coming fast... barely managed to grab onto something on the bottom of the truck and hold myself away from the wheel until the truck behind him honking got the guy to stop.

At the hospital they gave me some Voltaren (Diclofenac) for my swelling and some pills of the same to take home and use over the next days. But my bowel got really noisy and a bit painful just a couple of hours after the dose at the hospital. I looked at the Wikipedia article for Diclofenac and it says Ulcerative Colitis is counterindicated because Diclofenac can cause ulcers and others intestinal problems! -_- Long day!

MilkyChocoxD said...
That's really horrible, isn't the doctor supposed to ask about any allergies or medical conditions before they give you any medication? Or did they ask and give it to you anyways?

They didn't ask, I was in shock so telling them didn't cross my mind unfortunately. I feel better now though after taking care of some flatulence

UC really comes in way second when you have a near-death experience. I cannot imagine seeing what you saw, wheels coming at you, being dragged.
Be prepared for some post-traumatic symptoms, I think you might be a little in shock right now.

Good for you to look up what meds they Rx'ed for you. Try and get something that will be good for your swelling and your UC. Glad you're still with us.

Oh my God, you have literally been given a second chance at life!
Don't take any voltaren or other NSAIDS, they can lead to UC flareups.

This is a really good example of why we need to know our meds and our needs and be really familiar with them. The average ER doctor might go his or her whole career without seeing a patient with IBD, so they just aren't always up to date.

I currently carry a copy of my medical history and meds in my wallet, clipped to my insurance card (I know they'll look for that!). I recently talked with an ER nurse at my small local hospital, and she informed me that if I had the information on a zip drive on a necklace, hospitals would be able to access it. I plan to do this soon, and will be looking for creative ways to carry this. Then there will merely be a card in my wallet stating where the information is.

Now if we could just get to the point where they could implant a microchip for us...

I'm a cyclist and I always wear one of these:

http://www.roadid.com

They are very popular with athletes. I use the one that looks like one of those rubber "cause" bands. Think Livestrong bracelet.

I've gotten in the habit of wearing it all the time whether I'm on a bike or not. It has a metal placard with your basic info on it (i.e. name). By following the instructions on the placard, it gives first responders access to your emergency contact info, medical history and current meds/dosage through a serial number and PIN via phone or internet.

The placard rolls to the bottom so it doesn't look like you are wearing a medical ID braclet, just looks like some random rubber bracelet. Costs something like $20/ year.

Great piece of mind for me!

OMG!!! Amazing that you weren't seriously injured or killed!! Your quick thinking saved you.

Regarding the voltaren, yes...I'd call and request another medication. What you've had in the hospital should be OK

What meds are you on for UC?

I would expect something as traumatic as what you've been through might not have you unscathed UC-wise..it's pretty traumatic emotionally..and it can hit you during the calm after the storm.

Hope you recover nicely.
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