HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

...ZLSJ..... just checking in with you....

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/13/2009 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
how are you doing since the new med prescription?

How about food changes? 

Any improvements with your tummy issues?

Symptoms?

Hope you're fending well with the cool weather smurf .lol!  As much as I like it, it's been a tad consistent in the very cold range, but at least sunny.. scool

Hope you pop in for an update....

q

Posted 1/14/2009 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry I missed your post Quincy.

I've yet to try any real food changes as of yet.

Tummy issues are still there...

Symptoms are getting better UP wise.. spoke too soon on my earlier post...2 more visits tonight. I guess 4 times a day beats the 6-8 times! Little blood tonight but not all the time.

Yes...I could do without this weather. -1 C on Monday!!

How are you doing?

Posted 1/14/2009 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...thanks for the update!

Good you're having some improvements....less bleeding is good. Are you still taking the cortifoam nightly?


Sucks you're still having tummy issues...is the doc supposed to be doing an upper scope on you if it persists?

I'm doing fine....just a tad tired and unmotivated, but that's OK since my business is slow (normal for early January anyway).
Butt-wise...A-OK.

Yeah, the run of cold weather has been well over a month continually...but
-1 will be too extreme..ugh, the slop. -18 to -12 is perfect..it's -37 now..we might hit -40 tonight? I'll see in the morning.

Hope this week has you feeling better.

quincy
Posted 1/19/2009 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Tummy issues are really starting to get to me. The discomfort never really leaves me. I wish I could just describe the discomfort better. It almost feels like something is constantly twisting inside me, churning, it never has me in agonizing pain but it is always there. It is more centrally located, not upper or lower quadrant. Is it just stress??

Now found out today I can't get in to see GI guy until Feb!  

I may just have to go to emergency because I know my GP will tell me to go to see the GI guy. Wish I had a better GP. shakehead It's tough when you talk to the GI's office and they know who your doctor is and they already know exactly what his response will be.... "Go see the GI"

Any words of advice are greatly appreciated!

Posted 1/20/2009 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...well, the heat wave hit just as they predicted..ugh! Salting trucks out in full force..it's totally overkill. They want to melt the whole city already.

Ok, that over with....regarding your tummy issues, it would be convenient to specifically relate it to stress, Did you have anything like this before your diagnosis?

Is it continually? did you have it before you started on the meds?

Are you taking other meds? supplements?

It could partly be diet, could be gas, could be spasming, could be reflux, could be small intestine, could still be related to flaring.

I do think that an upper gi scope should be done..or at the very least, a barium swallow (not undignified as a barium enema).

Did you still take the date for the GI? when exactly in Feb.

Regarding emergency....don't go unless you absolutely need to go. You have to evaluate if it's anxiety taking you there or actual pain/problem related specifically.

How is your UC doing?

How does this affect you at work? different there than at home? Are you sleeping OK?


I know that stress/anxiety can have one focussing on one aspect...but having a certain symptom that's not easy to describe but can be referred discomfort exacerbated by eating, gas or flaring just makes it all more confusing and more stressful.

I don't know if this was helpful in any way...but do call the GI and get an appointment. I know it'll be a few weeks, but at least you'll have one.

quincy
Posted 1/20/2009 12:06 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, nice for the weather to have switched around but I agree with you in that this sloppy stuff can stay away, until the snow is good and ready to go.

This tummy issue wasn't there on my initial diagnosis, nor was it there when I followed up with AM in September. Yes, it is basically there continually, "before" switching to Asacol, though it did seem to coincide with my taking my cortifoam on a more regular basis. I think it's just coincidence.

I started Probiotics the other day, but that's it drug wise other than the Asacol and Cort. Oops, I lied, just had some sleeping pills prescribed the other day too. As far as the Asacol goes, I think it must be doing something, because my urgency has slowed down a fair bit, I am down to 3-4 a day, never pleasant smelling ones either.  redface

Believe me Quincy, I've thought it could be any one of a number of these things (way too much Googling!!) I had a gastroscopy7 years ago and AM didn't think I would need one now when I asked him. Perhaps the barium swallow could be obtained through my GP? My date isn't until the 11th. sad   Funny, part of me can't stop thinking about the fact perhaps this is just all "health anxiety" and the other part of me thinks morbid thoughts. I wish I had a happy medium!

I've always had back issues and now this also is getting to me, because it isn't the same back pain I used to get and I don't seem to get much sleep because of it. The back pain seems to radiate to my chest, not my stomach. And of course anytime you google things you fear/think the worst, when I mentioned the pancreas/pancreatic cancer to AM he basically laughed at me and told me to relax and quit worrying...so perhaps I should just listen to him!

All this is affecting me workwise, homewise, and sleepwise. Funny how when I had my little anxiety attack in the US and was provided a bit of Ativan...not a care or pain anywhere. confused

Thanks for the helpful words Quincy.

I apologize to all for making this such a personal thing between Quincy and me. I know it's hard for people to put in their words of support/advice when it seems like I send everything directly to Q.

Posted 1/20/2009 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, but anyone is able to throw in their comments anytime. This thread is one I've directed at you.

Ativan works quite well...and if it gives you a bit of relief, that's great.

If it's any consolation, my back is totally killing me, and I'm concerned about what to do next. I guess some form of the "E" word is necessary. If I just make a plan and do small amounts, that would help.

Oh, forgot what used to help me was positioning myself on one of those big exercise balls, on my tummy. I raise my legs to level and kind of roll myself a bit sideways. It actually massages my abdomen, stretches it, and then I do the leg exercises to help my back. now I best go upstairs and get the darn thing and bring it back to the main floor. I stored it up there in the fall when we were getting our carpet replaced...hmmm.

Have you considered to talk to a counsellor or therapist or someone who can help you get a different perspective and to help with your anxiety? I still go to the worrying place when I have something "new" happening. Research for some is helpful..maybe for some it's not.

Worrying is hard not to do when you don't have the answers to justify the problem. Allowing options and picking one for the moment is easier than worrying continually...it's kind of an all or nothing. The medium is a good place to seek...but that takes the most effort. I learned cognitive behavioural therapy..not an easy task to change the pay-offs of being continually anxious and creating more chaos.

Have you read yesterday's newspaper about Kary and Uchi Odiatu? I worked with her....she's the real deal. Their new book might be worth a look into for you...the different focus might be helpful. Not that it all is what can be the best thing, but little things can help with perspective. I plan on getting it, and i'll let you know how it is.

It's good you're improving UC-wise...

What probiotics did you end up getting?

Hope the day has you feeling somewhat better!
q
Posted 1/20/2009 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
I like to think that it's all anxiety because the ativan removed all thoughts and body issues from the picture. Unfortunately,(fortunately maybe) I have no meds for the anxiety I seem to be experiencing. GP says when I come back for follow up and everything is fine, he will prescribe if we think it's needed. 

I saw a counsellor through work last week and seeing him again on Thursday, (he basically told me to "buck up") rolleyes

I find if I'm active most stuff disappears from my head, but most times the body stuff hangs around but to a lesser degree. Must keep active Must keep active Must keep active!!

Will post more later...I've gotta run for now

Thanks again Quincy

Posted 1/21/2009 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Probiotics...well just grabbed them at Shoppers on Sunday evening. They are just the Advanced 4-Strain Probiotic ...one billion active cells. I thought this was an ok product for starters. Never looked close enough at the bottle but when I looked at the website it indicates not to use with bloody diarrhea or if abdominal ain is present. The diarrhea has certainly slowed, but the stomach/abdominal pain is still there. (or as I describe it, discomfort) Should I stop taking them? It's only been 3 days. I'd say the UP seems to be showing some signs of improvement..althoug I seem to be "smellier"!

Hey good news too...in to see AM tomorrow!

I'm trying my hardest to stay away from Google and it seems to be keeping me in a bit better spirits in the last day and half or so. (baby steps)

I have read often about those guys but didn't happen to read the article the other day. I will have to look up the book.
Posted 1/21/2009 10:37 PM (GMT 0)

So...I get yet another visit with my AM, I consider myself very lucky that way :-)

But I do just need to get right down to things and find some answers to all that "seems" to be bugging me 

i.e. why the constant stomach churning/twisting? (though it is never the reason for my lack of sleep) Is it all just stress.

Do I INSIST that I get other tests done? barium swallow, endoscopy. Don't want to be deemed too pushy and p*** him off.

I'm thinking he will not want to discuss my back/chest pain because he may say it's unrelated to my diagnosis of UP. What do I know though. He seemed to be extremely accommodating last visit.

Probiotics/antispasmodics will be on my list to discuss as well.

Bit of nervous tension sweeping through me again as I think about missing any questions. Hmmm... as I read that last statement, it likely points to a lot of my issues. 

Posted 1/23/2009 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...haven't been around for a few days...busy and dealing with my own not feeling well. I'm back to nightly enemas. I have had a new report from the doc regarding my heart and ventricle reflux and one part not working right...haven't done the research, and she doesn't seem concerned..sigh.

My cholesterol is high, mostly (I'd like to believe) because of the PSC or PBC, because high cholesterol is one of the symptoms. She's threatened statin meds. As well, my blood pressure was up a bit..150/90...but lowered by the time she was finished my examination.

I'm back on nightly enemas because I'm definitely not where I should be with every third night enemas. Urgency has started again as of twi days ago and frequency..no bleeding. Maybe the back pain was directly related to it. Too many things happening at the same time. I internally freak a bit.
I go back to the GP next month...have to make a plan because I don't want to go on statin drugs.

OK, rant finished....

How did your appointments go? I'm hoping the therapist through your work was a bit more "supportive"....The bottom line is we have to buck up..but on terms where we have some options and feel a bit in control. It's different for each of us, and for us worriers, it's not easy to just stop and get on...it'll be there playing in our minds no matter what we're doing. A defect I call it.

Will AM be setting you up for other testing regarding your stomach discomfort?

I'll admit my stomach discomfort during the past 2 days has been horrific...and considering I was flaring, I put it directly to that. But based on my experience, it seems to still work like that.

If it continued, however, I'd be back to JW and hopefully, he'd set me up for some sort of test to ease my mind if my meds weren't helping relieve it.

I don't think your chest pain is related unless it's gas. Of course, anxiety can create gas, as can how we breathe and cycle regarding thoughts/physical symptoms.

Hope you enjoyed the warm days....it was horrific driving. Couldn't see a darned thing when the sun was out with all the salt covering my car. My husband washed it last night and mentioned how long it took to get all that stuff off....oh well, it's clean once again with cold weather...slipping and sliding, but much easier to see..lol!

Try not to think that you have to get everything resolved in a hurry...it's really a process of change and improving how you're doing. You just don't have enough answers yet.

as usual...hang tough.

quincy
Posted 1/23/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Quincy,

Nice to hear from you, though don't like to hear that you've got issues flaring up on a couple of fronts.

It's nice to hear that they're not concerned, yet it seems like we always want some other form of re-assurance even though we should be trusting them. I guess she's aware of all your existing conditions so she is making an informed assessment. My understanding of PSC or PBC is limited to what you explained in one of your posts.

Hope the nightly enemas do the trick for your flaring. Did the flaring start up after visit with doc or were you getting there before visit to doc? Hope things settle on both fronts for you soon.

My appointments went pretty well, I think. Funny with the therapist, he's pretty blunt and probably says things I don't want to hear. Yet when I step back and think about them, they are very accurate statements about the way I'm handling things, at home, at work, as well as health-wise. Some advice was provided and I'm trying my darndest to fight through things.

Visit with AM went well, he listens to all I say. After listening to my whole story and trying my best to describe my existing symptoms as they sit today, along with the absence of other symptoms, he attributes this to the fact that not only do I have UP, I am also suffering from IBS. Upon better description of how my gut feels and where it is located, he says it is spasming. So after saying last visit that I "most likely" have IBS, he says that I no doubt have the classic symptoms. He will prescribe antispasmodics, but after explaining what I've been going through mentally, he said I should just wait to see if I can get my "upstairs" settled down a bit. See how the Celiac screen comes back as well. So somewhat similar to your doc's lack of concern, he too seems to be unconcerned. As part of my visit with my therapist, this is one of those things where I've got to learn to trust the guy who would know much better than I. I think so far (ooh... one whole day!) I'm doing ok with this philosophy although not sleeping worh a ****!

Back to the deep-freeze, I'm off to the car wash tonight to try and see what colour our car is.

Mentally I feel like I'm in a better state and I just have to realize that my body won't necessarily change back to the way it was overnight...patience is required.

Nice to have you back in the loop, take care.
Posted 1/25/2009 9:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi....were you able to get all the grime/salt off your car to reveal its true colour? I was out on Friday and it was a pleasure driving, Didn't mind it being cold, but it sure was brisk!

I'm feeling a bit better today, but really tired. Interestingly, my back is much better. The trade-off illness stuff gets to me sometimes, but I also find it amusing. Sometimes wake up in the morning and say "well, wonder what'll hurt or be wrong today?"..lol! Some things come one minute, gone the next. weird.

I can understand about the therapist....as difficult as it is, I'll tell you that ultimately, you'll realise it's easier to just get on with things and make changes faster than let them ride for too long. You'll still have to work through stuff to get there, and hopefully the therapist will give you some tools to use rather than confrontational methods.
Trusting the therapist...it's a good thing. Trusting yourself will be part of the process. We risk trusting others with what we say..but there is a huge relief during the therapy process, One day at a time is a good thing. It means you're living more in the now rather than worrying about tomorrow.

You're already finding your comfort zone and getting answers that will help with your physical distress. The fact that you have a fairly easy time to get in with the docs is a huge plus in helping to avoid some of the stress of waiting and wondering.

It's good your appointment with AM went well....I still think that an antispasmodic could help...but that can always be called in for a request rather than seeing him if need be. Sometimes the mental aspect takes a while, and it needs relief too....again, the antispasmodics can help you sleep (at least they do for me to relax a bit)..shutting off one's mind is sometimes impossible. .

Hope you have a feeling well day.

quincy
Posted 1/25/2009 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I did...I guess it's black. It is nice to be able to keep it clean for a day or two. Though sounds like we'll be back to the slop/grime by the weekend.

Glad to hear you're feeling better. One thing disappears and the next issue shows up...must have somethin to do with age I guess. I'm 45 and my wife always tells me I'm acting like an old man. That's my exact same thought with respect to "well, wonder what'll hurt or be wrong today?".. and part of my problem is that I'm checking for the next "symptom" too much...hmm what disease do I have today??

My day yesterday was not a good one... 3 days after getting in to see the specialist/therapist and thinking I was in a better state, I had a spell where I was back to wondering; what is going on with my body?, what disease do I have?, why does this feel weird?, etc. Needless to say, I was not very popular with my wife. Got through it later in the day, so only ruined a part of the day. I must learn to "trust the experts" and stay away from the internet when I feel this way...Google had a lot of hits yesterday morning!

He didn't prescribe one, but should I try the peppermint oil/pills as an alternative to the antispasmodic prescrip meds? It doesn't sound like many people have success with it, but I thought I could give it a try.

Only a couple of loose smelly BMs yesterday, so I'm assuming 2 + solid weeks of 4x800mg of Asacol must be doing some good alongside the continued cortifoam. I only have periodic bleeding which must also be a sign of getting that part of my system working a bit better. 

Seems like I haven't seen you around the boards as much, so you must be keeping yourself busy. I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses your informed/caring responses to everyone's issues.

Keep warm!

Posted 1/25/2009 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
LOL...I sometimes don't have the energy to respond, but I do check out the boards daily (sometimes I'm not logged in if I don't comment, but I do read most posts )...plus I'm a broken record regarding rectal meds..etc.

Which reminds me...are you still using the rectal foam steroid? bwahahahaaaaaaaaa!!!

Periodic bleeding is good.

The peppermint caps...I would firstly suggest maybe the tea (can be a nice time to sit with your wife to chat..you know "let's have tea") or even ginger tea..can mix a bag of that with either black or green or white tea. Tea is an astringent..can help with bms as well, and you can drink decaf if you're bothered by caffeine.

yeah, I know about the information overload...sometimes I think our brains aren't wired correctly and hasn't an option for "good enough". That's something, however, that can be changed/worked on.

When was your c-scope? If all was clear...please don't go there. So much can mimic cancer...but symptoms you're having really seem to be leaning toward UC and IBS...add anxiety..yeeha, just to add a bigger buck for the ride!
Feed the urge for a short while...then move on allowing conscious ruminating with some options so that you are making an effort to work it out. Maybe ask your wife to help with some options while you're having tea to help you get out of your slump. Don't ask for a solution...ask for some options.
Ask her what she does or ask her what she does when things bother her emotionally, mentally. She might deal the same way, but you don't see it.

Remember, with couples, there is always a balance created...one the complainer, one the justifier. It shifts to keep things in check...but someone always gets left out. Plus, not every minute needs to be devoted to all the bad stuff.

My GI (JW) said to me to not forget to look at the positives....I have to.

Regarding age....I was at my worst in my 30s and started a new career of interpreting at 40. I'm no longer interpreting but have always stuck with my hair profession and had it work out for my requirements. I'm getting more excited about changes for my clients, professional development mostly through dvds, books, videos..etc...and that's been something I'm forcing myself to do even though it's sometimes a huge risk. I'm 54....and realising that I'll always have anxiety ... but I'm better off from having done the therapy and learned the tools to deal with my emotional state that if I hadn't ever have gone. I know I would have made some really bad decisions otherwise.

Oh, what did AM say about an upper gastro testing? Did you make another appointment for maybe next month?

Hang tough....it's true..for tomorrow is always another day where you may have thought of something you didn't today or yesterday.

quincy
Posted 1/26/2009 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
You may think you are a broken record but you speak from experience and from what I can tell on here in my brief period of time, you are very respected and loved.

Yes, still on the Cort. Just picked up my last canister yesterday. Prescrip runs out after this so I'll see wheree we go after this...good to keep one around for any flare ups I'd think.

I'll give the peppermint tea try as I beleive we have some.

C scope was clear except for my UP, and it was done last May.

There seems to be a bit of an inbalance in our rel'ship these days as I have been the whiney/needy one lately. I've just got to work on the positives as there are so many but they seem to get clouded by this worry cloud hanging over my head all the time. I need to look into the CBT, becasue I've heard nothing but positives on that front.

He still says he doesn't see a need to do any upper gastro testing...I guess I must trust him unless some other things start showing up. I will have to make an appointment to check in and get a new prescrip for my Cort at the very least. Should get the Celiac screen results on Tuesday so that could send me back to discuss and see a dietician if that is an issue.

Take care Q...

Hey I even have a day off tomorrow!

Posted 1/26/2009 8:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your kind words...however, I can equally be a PITA...but I don't want to rile the awesome moderators we have here. I use my backspace and delete keys a LOT!

I've noticed your use of "trusting the doc"....there's a lot to be said for that. I was at my GI's a lot the first two years....he always said "be patient".
The meds were working, and he never promised me anything, but always reassured me and gave me options regarding increasing and tapering the Salofalk enemas. I do trust him, but still do research on my own and ask probably way too many questions. It's 20 years, and he's still a bit reserved at times. On occasion he shares a big smile..lol!

I'm thinking of making an appointment anyway to discuss my cholesterol levels and the threat/possibility of using statin meds to lower it. I personally fear to use them considering I have liver disease. I saw on TV that there's a med that helps cholesterol but through the colon...(it's a pill I'm sure)...I'll have to do the research on it.
So I'm wanting to deal with it sooner than May when I'm set to see him.

Regarding the foam enemas....you can get the pharmacy to call the doc for a
refill (unless he charges for it). Don't wait till the last dosage, however.
Didn't AM tell you to taper them? You'll definitely have to get more to do so.

Regarding the relationship imbalance...we have that at times as well..but it's only us, no kids. Talk!
This isn't meant to undermine anything...but it won't be the only crisis you'll have. Work on the stuff like communication, honesty and plans/options, respect...it goes a long way.

My husband has his own issues with recent health and work...it's stressful and I worry more about him than myself. Probably more for me than for him..not meaning that to sound like I don't care, but we are learning to take it all in stride. We're working on the small stuff...how we talk/answer each other so that it's safe to say I feel crappy or don't bother me now..etc.

Do consider the CBT...and maybe a few times your wife can join in the sessions so that you each can see each others' perspectives.

I remember when I was in therapy and my husband joined me a few times. Basically, he was the well-balanced one but we learned that he mentally cut out once I started yelling. Two hours of nagging, etc just sent him to his "nothing box"....I was the only one angry, rejected, frustrated..etc.
That one session gave a realisation that I wish I had known so many years earlier.
Hard to change what I learned. Same with him...he usually left the house when his parents started fighting.

Do make an effort...it's the small things that count. If you choose to not do so...then it's more passive aggressive. We do get sympathy and empathy from those who receive it.

Hope you  have a feeling-well day.
quincy
Posted 1/26/2009 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Well I can't and don't see that as far as being a PITA! Perhaps I cut you slack cause you're a fellow Winnipegger smilewinkgrin

Trusting the doc...well that's what I should be believing as I've got one of the city's best GIs. My wife keeps reinforcing that theme. If he saw something different happening, he'd likely be all over it. Pretty hard to make AM smile but I've managed a few out of him. Though he doesn't smile often, I really feel comfortable with him and he seems so genuine as compared to my GP. 

It's so good that you do the research you do because so many people just take what's given to them as far as the drugs go. You go into the doc fully informed. I seem to get the prescrip willingly, then read and hesitate to take what's prescribed..kind of backwards I guess.

He didn't mention tapering just yet...though I guess it's something to start considering seeing how things seem to be slowing down a fair bit up wise. Next visit I guess...or perhaps I can talk to his nurse...she is excellent.

Rel'ship stuff seems to be mostly nagging stuff....we often go in opposite directions with our busy schedules and I find I need more time with her and she finds she needs more time with her friends. Therapist tells me it's likely because I'm likely not much fun to be around right now with all the "crap" that's been in my head lately. This the type of bluntness that I was talking about with the therapist that can be hard to hear at times sad

I think we'll have to get to the point of going together to a session or two. Don't feel there's any danger of anything going "wrong" with our rel'ship, but I could be blind. There is too much stuff going on in many friend's marriages that we have seen and we both realize that our's is still pretty darn solid. 

It's a great sunny day! (but cold...brr) 

Posted 1/26/2009 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
You're already seeing more....and therapy kind of removes the denial...which kind of leaves us feeling a tad nekked I guess.

Yes, I agree with the point of AM..if there was something, he would deal with it. You have to relax. There's no way one part of your body...plus anxiety and stress...can just happen without anything else being affected.

Ignorance is always bliss...not really a favour to have it taken away.

If you get a chance to read Dr. Phil's book Relationship Rescue...there's a questionnaire book as well to work at together.

You could make a time for your wife...get a babysitter and go out...

Women friends are important...but the support of them can be maybe too much support sometimes if nothing's being done.

And if you're nagging...or she's nagging...ask if it's really the "crooked towels" or is it something else?   If we're feeling negative, that's all we'll be receptive to. 

I would start a huge fight just to get the air cleared....the high energy would leave me exhausted but satisfied.  The habit is addictive, but it's much easier to just ask, feel better about the discussion and avoid the desire to nag and argue. It adds fuel to a mental list of negatives...which can become quite big and fodder for the excuse to not change one's behavoiur or perspective.   

My marriage is 99% awesome going on 30 years...and we still have struggles.  My attitude and defensiveness as well as his don't make a good environment at times.  Get this....the moderator is the cat who cannot stand arguing.  It's stressful for her.  That's when I take a step back and say what I actually have to say..etc.

Anyway...enjoy your day off....I'm out doing hair and the day looks glorious as well as bright..although cold.  I dread the 0 temps predicted for the weekend..ugh.

Ever notice how a clean car drives so much better??? lol!

quincy

Posted 1/30/2009 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
How are things going Quincy? Feeling any better with all the "stuff" you've had going on?

On my front, rec'd the results of all my bloodwork back from the GP. All is good according to the extensive bloodwork done...and yeah no Celiac on top of it all!

Went for a Deep Tissue massage the other day and I believe I've found the issue I've been having with my back and referred pain to the chest area. I saw a fella who specializes in Myofascial Pain/Trigger Point Therapy and he took one look at my back without touching and described to a T the pain I've been experiencing. Needless to say it was a painful hour as well the next day hurt lots too but 2 days later I could feel the difference. Certainly not 100% but feel like real progress has been made.

So I've had a few answers on several fronts and it seems to have put me in a better frame of mind. And on that note, seems like the tummy issues have slowed down, it does not seem to be constant discomfort as previous. Still appears from time to time but nowhere near what it was. My mind somewhat at ease and the decrease in my stomach issues certainly leads me to conclude that IBS is definitely a part of my makeup as well.

I missed 3 nights of Cortifoam (one night on purpose and other 2 nights fell asleep and was too lazy to get up and perform the procedure nono   and I've also concluded that I may have to maintain for a bit. Things actually seemed normal for a couple of days...and today it seems like I'm beginning a flare again. Will finish off this canister and go see what AM has to say. I continue to take the Asacol 4 x daily.

Met with therapist the other day and I find that the day of meeting with him....I suck! Something about the being "beat down" that I have a tough time recovering from. It sinks in better on day 2!

Trying hard to get back to my normal self and I've seen glimmers of hope that I can get there so I guess that's good.

Have a great weekend!

Youngest son's birthday party today so that I'm sure that will keep us running.

Posted 1/31/2009 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there...wondering how you were doing. Seems lots has changed/improved, which is a good thing.

I've been doing fine UC-wise, but got a scare on Wednesday evening, believe our cat had a mild stroke or some sort of episode. It was a tough day working and by then I lost it, and begged my husband to come home from work for a few hours (thankfully he was able to). She improved over the rest of the evening which was such a relief. Thought we'd have to take her to Pembina...$$$$$, although that's not the issue, it was better to wait for her own vet to see her. I definitely assumed the worst, relieved to an amazing level that it wasn't what I dreaded..
This is another time the internet came to my rescue emotionally with its info on strokes and cats...regarding quick recovery..etc.(if indeed it was a stroke)..and to not think the worst necessarily.

The vet appointment went well and it seems that her symptoms at this time cannot warrant a speculation, and since she's "normal" life goes on. whew! I now have some experience with what happened, hopefully it's only a one-off.

Great to hear the deep tissue massage (yeeeowwww!) went well for you. I've had that done...and although painful, the relief is awesome. I should go regularly, but don't.
I guess the chiropractor helps enough and pills takes care of the rest. Time to change that attitude.

Answers that make sense do give incredible relief...and when it happens mentally and physically, the rewards are ten-fold. I hope it continues that you have less anxiety about these issues if they come up again (don't want to say when...but for it it's always when.) Remember that it's not all or nothing.

One night is OK to miss for the rectal meds..but if you're not quite healed yet, it'll eventually get you. I've had lots of rebellious times regarding the meds the first few years, eventually I learned.

Wondering if you could eventually get back on the Salofalk enemas...did they not work for you?

I can relate to the being beat down recovery syndrome too..lol! I do go there often...I just eat chocolate..lol! No, just kidding...but having your very own sounding board and with someone who you seem to relate to quite well in an environment that's safe, will have you "getting it" fairly quickly.
I don't think you suck...I think it's just that you've reached your coping limit at this time.

Happy birthday to your son...hope the party went well!

Enjoy the weather for today and tomorrow....seems like it should be March. If it were, I'd like it more...not ready for it yet.

quincy
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply