HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

stomach pain

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/22/2009 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
This is my first forum, I was diagnosed with UC almost 8 years ago and until this day I think I have been mostly in denial. Recently I have been experiencing extreme pain in my abdomen, mostly right above my belly button and to the right. I went to the doctor today and they took some blood. I am not sure if this is a normal side effect of UC as I have never experienced this pain. My doctor told me that pain can be felt throughout my large intestine during a flare but I have never experienced pain like this before. I have always had very mild symptoms until recently I have been having to go to the bathroom at least 4-5 times a day. And now have this pain. I don't know if the intensity of the disease is changing or if I am experiencing something else. I have only ever used Canasa and I don't even know what other options are out there besides Asacol. I couldn't stand taking 6 pills a day and didn't feel well when I was on the med. I feel horrible.

Post Edited (enna) : 9/22/2009 4:14:10 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/22/2009 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
     Personally, I don't have any pain but my main problem is ulcerative proctitis.  I suppose depending on the location of your inflammation, it could cause pain.  However, pain could be the result of many factors.  Did you go to a gastro doctor or your regular GP?  Are you on medication for the UC?  My doctor had me undergo a CT scan of my pancreas, gall bladder and liver recently.  All was negative.  The reason he had me do that was because my bilirubin was elevated.
Posted 9/22/2009 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was originally only diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis as well. I just went to my gp today because I cannot get in to the gastro doc. I see him tomorrow afternoon. I guess I am just afraid that it has gotten worse and wondering if anyone can relate to this horrible pain.
Posted 9/22/2009 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Enna - I'm sorry for your pain. Yes, I've been there. I was diagnosed with UC 23 years ago and never had real pain until a year ago. I felt it all across my intestinal area - almost as if it were cramps or something else in the "female department." I believe others on the forum have had pain, too, because I've read threads about pain meds.
Last yea when I had this, my transverse colon was inflamed. I know it had been before, but... I guess it was worse this time.
But - I am feeling great these days and relishing that; and I hope you get there, too!

It occurs to me that the appendix is on the right, too.... so it's great you're seeing your GI tomorrow.
Keep us posted!
Posted 9/22/2009 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi enna, welcome to the forum!

Eventually we all come to the realisation of having UC (or anything else for that matter) and learn what it's all about related to us and how to treat it.

It's possible you're having other issues as well, but it does sound like things may have changed somewhat from your original diagnosis.

Taking meds is definitely a personal decision, but there are options even with the first-line of oral and rectal 5ASA meds.
I suggest you do the research and do reading on this site so that you understand what the doc may present to you tomorrow.

As well, make a list of questions so that you don't forget when you're there.
Ask the doc to take a look-see tomorrow and also make an appointment for a colonoscopy in the near future....8 years is a long time between.

I hope you make decisons about dealing with your UC for the good of it rather than making decisions based on the fact that you don't want to take meds.

Let us know how your appointment goes.

Hang tough....
quincy
Posted 9/22/2009 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your posts, it is important to discuss and I am so happy that I found this website. I definitely have a sense of calmness knowing that I am not alone with this struggle. I did just have a colonoscopy a year ago and that is when the doc tried putting me on the Asacol I took that for awhile and then continued with the Canasa as needed. In April of this year I stopped having symptoms until just over a week ago. Thanks for the tip about making a list of questions quincy that is such a great idea. I always feel like I have so many and then when I am in the office I freeze. I'm 30 years old and you are right it is time I start taking control of this.
Posted 9/23/2009 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
Well, it is what it is....sometimes straight forward, other times not. Seems you've had a good run till now.

Unfortunately there isn't an instruction manual with UC, but information is at your very fingertips at any moment of the day or night.
I'm happy to hear you had a c-scope a year ago.
You could/should ask the doc for a copy of the pathology report as well as blood test results from the past year.

Rectal inflammation could also cause upper gastro discomfort or severe spasming. You could also ask him to prescribe an antispasmodic to help with that discomfort.

Let us know how it goes.

quincy
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply