Hello everyone,
Well, I just wrote a probably way too long post introducing myself and my internet went out and it went kaplooey. So, I'm to try again and make it shorter.
*I teach middle school and have two kids.
*diagnosed with UC in 2005 at age 36.
*always used colazal and when flaring, rectal suppositories. I've never used steroids or any other meds. I'm now realizing how very fortunate I have been that my disease has been relatively mild.
*last colonoscopy in January. GI doc was very pleased, UC not even evident but did see diverticula scattered throughout, concentrated in sigmoid. Bled terribly afterwards, which scared the crap out of me but it cleared up in a couple of days.
*April of this year--diagnosed w/ diverticulitis in hospital ER. Pain wasn't terrible when I went in, just different. Actually, the pain didn't feel colon related but I did feel a little constipated, which is rarely ever the case. Took flagyl/levaquin and then flagyl/cipro and got better. The ER doc actually ordered the CT scan based on my history of UC, endometriosis, and previous pelvic surgeries including hysterectomy. The antibiotics worked but were HORRIBLE. I lost a bunch of weight and was really screwed up for a couple of months.
*took doctor's advice and eliminated nuts, corn, seeds. Also eliminated raw veggies, which I didn't realize until recently could probably also aggravate the UC.
*started on Benefiber, more water, VSL#3 (probiotic) and Vitamin D.
*have been doing ok, but have had occasional twinges of pain in abdomen that come and go, usually relieved by a bowel movement. This hasn't been of great concern to my docs.
*Currently experiencing what seems to be a flare-blood one time, mucus occasionally, some morning diarrhea, crampy pain relieved by bowel movement, mild rectal/low back pain.
*I live in constant fear of another diverticulitis attack. Every twinge has me ready to go back to the ER. I do tend to be very anxious about my health, which I know doesn't help.
Sorry for the length of the above-I guess my main questions are--
1. Anyone here have UC and have had diverticulitis? What has been your experience with this?
2. What does your pain from UC feel like?
I have an appt. to see my GI this coming Tuesday, but I thought that finally it was time to reach out and try to connect w/ others with a similar condition. I've been reading through this forum and have read many helpful posts. I look forward to learning more and chatting with you all.
Chinamomto2