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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/12/2016 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
I'm new here and I've never posted anything anywhere so I'm really hoping someone can give some advice or opinions?
I swear I've searched everything and anything online.
My problems started in November of 2014. Woke up with diarrhea and mucus which I've never had before (I was 25). I freaked, made an appt. for the next day. By the next day their was no stool, just mucus and a little blood. Doctor wanted to wait awhile see if it was a bug. I literally just had straight mucus for three days straight! When I finally did have formed stool a few days later I would have strips of blood on the outside and lots of mucus. It was than decided a colonoscopy was needed along with blood tests and stool samples. Blood tests and stool samples came back great! Went to do the prep for colonoscopy and it was a disaster! I puked and literally passed out. Fast forward to now. I still have formed stool, still the mucus with not nearly as much unless I have a random flare where that's all that comes out. The blood is on and off along with stomach cramps. I will be fine, no symptoms for a few weeks and than I "flare" for a day or two and than fine again. Lost my insurance so the colonoscopy is not an option at the moment. Its been 1 year and 2 months since it all started. Sorry so long just stressed and don't have any answers. Obviously cancer is a worry but symptoms for that long without getting worse? Does this sound like UC? I appreciate anyone's feedback.
Posted 1/13/2016 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Did you ever get the colonoscopy you were prepping for? There is no way to know what it is without proper tests and the #1 test you need is the scope and biopsies... without that it's just guessing. That said, a flare up doesn't last a day or two, they usually last weeks, months or years. I was in an 18 month flare until I had surgery... It's possible you have mild UC that causes these symptoms, but generally, people need some type of treatment to keep their UC in remission.

welcome to HW!
Posted 1/13/2016 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't because I became so sick they advised me to stop drinking it. I was told by my doctor it sounds like I have a mild uc. As far as remission I'll go a couple weeks with no mucus, no blood than I'll have the blood for a day than its gone the next. I say flare because only 2 times in the past year I have just pooping mucus with blood. Does anyone still have blood and mucus in between flares? I'm just so sick of not knowing but I can't afford the procedure.
Posted 1/13/2016 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
If you don't have hemmoroids causing the bleeding then it's likely IBD (either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's) or possibly bowel cancer. Without the bleeding it might be IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) but bleeding needs to be looked into with either an in-office sigmoidscopy or preferably a full colonoscopy.

The tough thing is that you can't get RX meds like mesalamine enemas without the diagnosis and need a c-scope to get the diagnosis. Could you scrape up enough money for a couple months insurance policy with low deductible and get a colonoscopy? If you are broke there are policies that cost very little through the exchange based on low income. And make sure that meds are covered too.

You need to find out what's causing the bleeding. Best wishes.
Posted 1/13/2016 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Yikes, I would not throw around the big C word.

You MOST likely do NOT have Cancer, it sounds like UC due to the presence of blood.
Catch it as early as possible and get to work treating it!
See your GI and change your diet TODAY. Check out SCD or Paleo.

I hope you find healing
Posted 1/13/2016 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
Some hospitals have programs that they will do free scopes and pay for the necessary treatments if they find anything suspicious. Pretty sure this is only in US and I don't know your location

The government is pushing them to do so and they get a tiny grant ( in proportion to their costs) as incentive. They do it as a favor to the community.

I know university of Chicago was involved. I don't remember where I read the article. But call some hospitals and find out if they are participating and if you can quality.
Posted 1/13/2016 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone I really appreciate.
I know I should not throw around the C word but I've just been so worried and trying tried the colonoscopy before without being able to finish.
Thanks for the advice I set up the procedure again for Feb 8th. And set up payments.
I went with the all pill prep this time. Any advice on how to make it easier to get through?
I'm really worried about the procedure itself as well, any advice on that as well?
Posted 1/14/2016 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Start a low residue diet the week before the scope.
The actual scope is fine as they should sedate you and you won't feel a thing.
If you get nauseous during the prep take zofran. Ask your doc to prescribe it in case you need it.
Posted 1/14/2016 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Since you have such mild symptoms homemade nopal water may be just enough for you. It's made from nopales cactus pads that you can get in a Mexican grocery store. I have also seen my local supermarket carrying them in their Asian produce section. You thoroughly clean the pads of the thorns (wear leather gloves when handling them) or buy the pads already cleaned. Cut up about 4-5 oz of the pads -- I have a little food scale to weigh them since the pads come in a wide range of sizes. Put the cut up pieces in 2 quarts of water and refrigerate overnight. Then you can start drinking 1-2 glasses of the water every day.

My maintenance medication wasn't getting me completely into remission so before I went to a higher tier of drugs I tried the nopal water that was first discussed here. It worked very slowly for me but I have been symptom free for about 9 months now.

Here's the original thread that told us about nopal

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=3282660

Good luck with your scope! Eat very lightly for a few days before the prep to help it to go easier. The prep is the worst part of the whole thing. I have always had anesthesia for the scope so that part is a piece of cake!
Posted 1/14/2016 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you I will try all of that!
Where could I get nopal water? I live in Pennsylvania.
I have been symptom free for a few days but still have on and off cramps.
A local girl at age 23 was just diagnosed with stage 3. I pray that won't be my case. I hate this worrying, it's driving me insane.
Posted 1/14/2016 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
You can get the nopales cactus pads at a Mexican grocery store. google "Mexican grocery store in [your town]" to find the one closest to you. I always make my own homemade water from the pads per the instructions above and on the link I provided. Nopales are regularly eaten in Mexican cuisine so making the water from them is very safe.

I doubt that it's cancer, but I understand the worry. Once you have the scope you will know for sure
Posted 1/14/2016 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you CCinPA! Idk if I'll find one close I'm in a hick town but I'll travel if I have to!
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