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When to go to the ER?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/19/2008 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I am a 33 year old male who was diagnosed with UC about 2.5 years ago. I had been in remission for about 2years until about a month ago. My symptoms started with red marbling in the stool. My flare up is in the lower colon. I started bleeding with my bowl movements I am now on 12 400mg Asocal and 400 prednisone. I just started the prednisone last week. I was supposed to see my doctor last week but he had a medical emergency So I cant see him until Aug 5. Amongst all of this I went to the emergency room Tuesday the 14th and ended up having my appendix removed. I feel good wher my appendix wounds are and I am not even taking the pain killers. My problem is I am home and I just keep expelling blood when I go to the bathroom with no solid bowl movement. I fell kind of week. Should I ride it out a few days or go to the ER again, I have not had a Colonoscopy for about 2 years.
Posted 7/19/2008 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Call the doctor, even if he is on call. It is better for him to admit you sometimes than to go through the ER. Sometimes Er can stink, you get stuck in a hallway for days and then they just give you pain meds and send you home, (speaking from experience). If your doc doesn't admit you, then go through er but I would avoid trauma hospitals, they are often backed up and over stocked with too many people and too little help. Call your doc now though. Good luck!
Posted 7/19/2008 9:22 PM (GMT 0)

I faced this same dilema last weekend, I've been flairing for about 6 weeks, I had an appointment to see the specialist, but not till the end of the month.  I was in a lot of pain, looing lots of blood, and like you feeling very weak.  I'd had to take some time off work because I was feeling so sick.

Faced with the option of putting up with it till my appointment or braving the emergency room and the perceived perils that lay in wait for me, I sensibly opted to go to the emergency room ....

It was without doubt the best thing I could have done, I went on Monday lunchtime (after the weekend rush) I was being seen by a Dr in 1.5 hours, the staff were fantastic, very understanding, I had blood & stool tests, saw my specialist, they took abdomial x-rays, and I came back the next day for a colonoscopy.

Now my initial appointment is my follow up appointment, I'm on new meds and symptoms are already under control.  At the end of the day, it's your body and your health .. you need to take control of the situation and get the help you need.  Do it sooner rather than later. 

Posted 7/19/2008 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice. I wonder If I should have stayed in the hospital after my appendix was removed on Tuesday. I think I will call the on call GI on call to see what my options are. I was just in the ER so maybe they can just let me see the doctor I saw when I was there until mine returns.
Posted 7/19/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi..welcome to the forum Boy-from-OZ and Socalsd,

Socalsd...I would say definitely call the doc or go back to emergency if you can't get a hold of him.

I think it's too bad you've been put on prednisone so quickly...Asacol plus rectal 5ASA meds would have been a good start.

Let us know the outcome.
quincy
Posted 7/19/2008 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
I was just in the same spot a few weeks ago to. I usually become dehydrated pretty quickly and this time was the same. I was going 15x a day. Went to the ER, had a CT, labs, fluids, ect and was admitted. Stayed 3 days to get IV steroids and antibiotics and to treat my severe abdominal pain. For me, even tho it's such a pain dealing w/ the ER, and leaving my children, it is best in the scheme of things. 3 days is much better than a wk if i were to wait even a few extra days to "try" to feel better.

i can say that i have been to the ER sooooo many times that they actually have to print out the hisotry of all my visits for the doctor...LOL, I find that most of the ER doctors understand the perils of UC and are pretty good about getting a consult w/ the oncall GI's. Which u wouldn't normally get for "other" nonthreatening issues. (u just get treated and sent home)

i say if ur in pain, and going alot, a visit would be called for. call ur gi and see if they admit firs tho. GL
Posted 7/20/2008 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

Thanks for all of the insight. I can't tell you how glad I am I found the sight. This illness has really kept me isolated from my friends and family and it is not easy to discuss with them due to the gross nature. It seems today went better for me. Although I initially had a bad loss of blood in the morning I only had 2 other movements throughout the . I finally had a solid BM at 11pm. It was definitely a struggle, I will see if I can continue it today.
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