Posted 11/27/2012 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
I'm two days out of the hospital, forcing myself to eat 3 plus meals a day while cramping like I'm dying, and fighting the best I can. The stomach upset and pain are almost too much to bear, but I'm determined to fight this thing until I'm either in remission, or surgery(There have been many times already that I've whispered under my breath that I can't take it). The Doctors at the hospital had me talk to the G.I. surgical staff to inform me of my options - I'd really rather not lose my colon atm if I can reach remission with medication, but it was comforting knowing what my options are. While in the hospital, I was scoped to find that my colon was in very bad shape, and stool samples showed I have c. diff. I've dropped from 240 lbs to 190 lbs, with energy levels so low that I have trouble climbing steps or picking up a bag of trash. I can't stand to see the sick man staring back out from the mirror. The hospital visit was comforting but the constant accidents and clean ups were very humiliating, especially in front of strangers. I have a few pain meds, which help with the cramping, but not enough in my opinion - those doctors sure are stingy when it comes to your comfort. Adding to the cramping, I have hemorrhoids so bad I have to be very careful when having a bowel movement not be too forceful, this of course while I am cramping like mad and wanting nothing more than for the bm to be over as quickly as possible.
I was searching for a new G.I. doctor and believe I may have found a good one - Very informed, concerned, and dedicated to treating me. Her office called one day out of the hospital to schedule a followup for one week - this kind of dedication and attention is something that I really appreciate and am glad to have found. The doctor moved me from Asacol to Pentasa, and put me on Prednisone (first time) and Flagyl to fight the c. diff. That flagyl is some nasty stuff and I'm counting the days until I'm finished with it (6 days). I've always been very scared about the possibility of having to take Prednisone and I can't really say for sure what my experience has been thus far - mood swings etc - since I'm not the most pleasant person while sick in the first place. No real depression that I can tell (other that which comes with being sick). One thing I have noticed about it is lots of night urination. I am nearing the first week of the 40 mg taper and I guess i can say overall that things haven't been nearly as scary as I thought they might be with the Prednisone.
After all my questions before I just though I would vent a little update on my condition and (hoping) progress. Thanks for the listen :)