I moved abroad and have UC

I don't want to gloat, but did hope I could give a bit of hope to some people who think UC has closed doors for them

about 18 months ago I used to live on this forum. Diagnosed in 2010, life was pretty crap. Felt like I had no opportunities and was very scared.

Anyway, last year I decided to apply for a new job, and last September I moved to Germany. How would I find a doctor, how would I cope without my support network, how would I tell my new team, how would I find the toilet, will they have lactose free milk, how would I date?

Well first day found 'laktose frei' milk, second week a great apartment and first month I found a great doctor, dare I say it he is better than my UK doctor. He said I was on too many drugs and has cut them down, my UK doctor got me in remission and just left me to it. He speaks English, and though health care is the most expensive in Europe here definately worth the money.

I was crap scared, but whats the worst that can happen, course I've had a few accidents running up the stairs but being too late, the washing machine is in the bathroom so easily fixed (usually when I try to not take my meds - rookie error) course I don't speak german so sometimes I have to wait in the pharmacy with google translates and my prescription in hand, or the time the nurse told me they would shine light at me, when she meant an ultrasound to check my liver and kidneys were ok from years of Azathiaprine, that was confusing which make me a little worried if I end up in hospital here (but good chance to improve my german)

I think i spent a long time stopping myself from doing things, I know when I'm tired, and I know when I'm well, I know when I need to run and when I don't and I know moving abroad is a brilliant opportunity, so I now know I never needed to stop myself.

This is very badly worded, just thought as somebody who once typed "will i be normal" on this forum, it's nice to give a little update for anybody and say hang in there. life isn't over. there's still the same opportnities and don't let it stop you.

Work is good, Germany is great, life is brilliant and my dating dialemas are the same as everybody elses at 28 yrs old.

Laura

 

I'm now on 4 mesalamime tabs a day (half the dose) and sticking to 125mg of Azathioprine, my doctor says if i stay in germany a year he'll change me to something else, he hasn't said what, but he doesn't agree with being on azathioprine for longer than 2 years and i've been on it 4. doesn't want to mess me around and then i run back to the UK, which I wont do for a while yet

Oh wow, that's awesome Laura!!! I"m glad you shared this as I love reading about how IBDers don't let their IBD hold them back from life (I am guilty of this) and take hold of cool experiences like you have.

My gastroenterologist has mentioned the same thing about 6mp/imuran/aza for no more than two years, in a perfect world, he'd like to get me off of it, if possible. Here's why:
1.) Increased skin cancer risk. To decrease the risk that you will develop skin cancer, avoid prolonged or unnecessary exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your skin or any lumps or masses anywhere in your body.
2.) Azathioprine can cause a decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow, which may cause serious or life-threatening infections. The risk that the number of blood cells that you have will decrease is highest if you have a genetic (inherited) risk factor. Your doctor may order a test to see if you have this risk factor before or during your treatment.

Source: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682167.html