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I had my first and hope my last

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/14/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)

 accident.  This has totally changed my life.  I was living with UC the best I could, taking my meds, always having plenty of Immodium long before leaving for the day.

It always worked for me.

The other day I was coming back from my daughters, and only about 1/4 mile from my house, and felt it.  I had no plans for the day, so had taken no Immodium.

I have always been able to make it to a bathroom ...any bathroom before.

Not this time.

By the time I pulled into my driveway, I was a mess, phycially, and mentally.

I guess I always thought thid just would never happen to me.

Thank goodness I was alone, and was able to clean myself and everything else up, with no one knowing.

But since that day I am terrified to leave the house.

I have a doctor appointment this week for an unrelated thing, and I am terrified.

I have an appointment with my UC doctor in January, but I am going to call and ask it to be moved up much sooner.

I guess as long as I have been fighting it, maybe I am ready to try Prednisone.  Even with all the horror stories.  The Asacol just isn't doing it for me any longer(3, 3 times a day) and the enemas are harder and harder to keep in.  I am now havibg to stop long before I get even half in, and go to the bathroom.  I used to be able to use it all ans go to bed with no problem.

I am so scared to go on Pred, but can it be any worse than living in fear of leaving the house now?

Posted 10/14/2008 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
I have never taken Pred but have had an accident before. The best advice I can give you is to get back up on that horse. For a few days after my accident (which was at home even) I kept a trash can with a trash bag in it in my car. I don't know how I would use it but just having it there gave me piece of mind. Having TP in my car helped too in case I needed to make a mad dash into the woods or use my porta potty. So tonight, hop in your car and just drive around the block. Then tomorrow, drive further. Maybe go to the grocery store. For your next few trips it helps to think ahead of each location that has a bathroom... just in case. Once you have a few succesful trips the memory of that accident will slowly fade away.
Posted 10/14/2008 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
Asacol by itself isnt going to get you into remission. Ive read that it alone can keep you there, but it wont get you there. Your doctor definitley needs to get you on another drug. Prednisone is nasty stuff, but Id rather take it than not be able to leave the house. Luckily for me, prednisone doesnt work, so I take 6mp. Its bad for your liver, but my liver manages it just fine, and it doesnt have any side effects for me.
Posted 10/14/2008 5:27 AM (GMT 0)

Totally understandable...I've not had it happen to me outside of home and I was close to the toilet...I would be devastated.

Could you possibly try the steroid foam enemas...I believe the cortifoam is stronger than the predfoam.

Maybe consider to use a stool bulker rather than imodium....plus antispasmodics...both can help you retrain your colon to encourage you to hold a bm longer.

I believe imodium has its place, but it can make one's bowel lazy. It's worse when we have diarrhea than a firmer stool because the receptors for a bm aren't as strong for us to be able to hold it in.

I sure hope you give the foam enemas a try.

quincy

Posted 10/14/2008 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I will definately talk to my doctor about the foam enemas!!
Posted 10/14/2008 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, they do a number on your psyche, don't they???? But do not let it stop you from going out tomorrow, the next day, or the day after that! You've already been through the worst of it- at least if it happen's again you'll know what to expect! Stock up on a few essentials in your car, TP, trash bags, & hit the road. Remember- nobody knows about it but you!!!!

Posted 10/14/2008 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your accident and I sincerely hope it's your last also.

I've had more than my share. Forutnately it's been a while since I've had one but they definitely take a toll on you mentally.

I have a one hour commute to work. Once I had an accident one mile from work. I had to turn around and drive home.

I've even considered getting a van with a porta potty or a mini RV.

Posted 10/15/2008 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Did you get out today and show yourself that it won't happen every time?
Posted 10/15/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Get yourself a package of Depends or other disposable incontinence underwear to use on outings. They give you some extra time to make it to a john, but even if you fail to hold it in, they protect your pants from the mess & make clean-up a whole lot easier. The urgency does indicate, though, that you need to consult the gastro about a change or increase to UC meds. You may not need to go on Prednisone; steroid foam or liquid enemas can work wonders on left-sided inflammation (urgency-causing) and w/o the many side effects of Pred. Best wishes for you to get control again soon! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 (generic) Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)
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