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Severe Intestinal/Abdominal Pain and Pressure

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/5/2017 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
I have been diagnosed with UC for nearly 4 years now, and symptoms have been managed quite well.

Recently due to change of employer and other life events I have not been able to see a UC specialist and have been unable to obtain my maintenance medication, Lialda. I have been trying to mitigate symptoms naturally with DHA and Probiotics as well as an adjustment in diet. But it has still been over a year since I have taken anything perscribed.

Over the last few days I have had an increased number of bowel movements. And today woke up with incredibly pain and pressure that is only relieved by laying down. It feels as though I constantly have to make aa bowel movement, and when I do it only makes the pain and pressure worse, as does any sort of movement or even sitting.

I don't know what is wrong and am wondering if I ought to make a visit to the emergency room. Has anyone else out there experienced symptoms/pain such as this before?

For a bit more context, nearly two years ago I had a perianal abscess drained which probably has turned into a fistula, albeit not officially diagnosed as my last GI visit was while I had an extremely high deductible plan sponsored by a previous employer. I have better medical coverage now, but it will not kick in until Jan 1, 2018.
Posted 12/5/2017 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like your UC is flaring. You can ask your family doctor (or general practitioner) to run a stool test to look for possible pathogenic causes to your worsened symptoms, and order a C Reactive Protein (CRP) or a fecal calprotectin (FCP) stool test. Other than that you might need to see your gasteroenteroligist-specialist doctor.
Posted 12/5/2017 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Would a trip to the ER make sense? The only time any of the pain abates is when I am lying down.

I also currently do not have a GI. I recently left an employer and their sponsored health plan and my new coverage does not begin until the 1st of the year.
Posted 12/5/2017 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Without insurance the ER is going to be crazy expensive, they're good at dealing with life-threatening conditions but aren't very familiar with uncommon chronic conditions like an UC. ER will take care of the pain and then refer you to a gasteroenteroligist for your UC. Only you know whether an ER visit is necessary, sometimes they are. Just want you to know some limits of their knowledge regarding an UC...

How about an Urgent Care facility? They're generally more affordable. It is possible you might have a pancreatitis, kidney stones, gallstones, etc. with strong pains. Pains could be from a UC flare as well. We cannot tell based on your description alone, a doctor or nurse would have to assess and run some tests.

A Primary Care doctor visit is also pretty affordable. They often have slots to fit in people with concerns.

You, most certainly, should have a medical professional take a look at this and not wait until January 1st... pancreatitis and UC flares aren't anything to leave alone....

Post Edited (iPoop) : 12/5/2017 1:25:36 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/7/2017 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I think the ER usually doesn't make sense unless you have an immediate threat of life, extreme pain, or infection... They just give you something to "stabilize you". You would be better off paying to go to a GI and trying to figure out what's going on. Without insurance it's difficult though & expensive. I've paid out of pocket to see various doctors, and the prices vary. it could be $150 or it could be $500. You could call in advance and ask and try to make an arrangement that is affordable enough for you. The benefit is that they may be able to help you get the drugs you need at a reasonable cost, perhaps some samples that hold you over for the month.
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