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unending problems

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/28/2015 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Dear all, my UC-associated (perhaps?) problems seem unending. I have a minor-mid flare every year. I'm constantly tired and have headaches at least once every 2 weeks, sometimes every week that last 24-48hrs. I can't join friends for a glass of wine, hikes, meaningful travel. My muscles have deteriorated to the point that my arms feel like that of a little child. I've lost the physical ability to anything fun and can only barely manage work.
I feel desperate and I'm almost constantly depressed. Just feel lost.
Teacher
Posted 10/28/2015 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
I would initially suggest you have a full physical and address those issues with your GP....make a list and request for him/her to go not just assume you're depressed initially. Have you had your Vitamin B12 and vitamin D checked?

You could consider an antidepressant...sometimes they can help with certain headaches and muscle pain.

You could could consider to do some mild exercise to help increase your level of strength.

I can understand your situation....the depression can truly take over.

Hang tough...this can take a while to get sorted. I wouldn't say it's a UC connected. Many of us have maladies that party together and make it difficult to function at the same time.

q
Posted 10/28/2015 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
When it comes to UC so many different symptoms can be due to it or it could be something completely unlinked to UC. I agree with Q that a full checkup would be a good place to start. My primary doc does a blood panel every year at my annual check-up, do you have this done and do you request a copy to keep so you know where you stand?

Bottom line is that if you feel your UC is causing lower life quality (can't hike or travel) you need to start work on getting the life you deserve. I'd be depressed too in that situation. Teaching is a very demanding career and I know many teachers who are tired much of the time.

We can't be your detective, there are too many components. No doctor will put the time in to figure it out for you. It's gotta be you to figure it out. If your RX meds are not giving you a good life then you need to demand better meds, after researching and seeing what your choices are. RX meds simply didn't work for me so I had to go a different route using diet modification. Travel and physical activities that were not possible became possible.

Because I'm not prone to depression getting an RX for it isn't my first thought but some people here have had improvement in their UC symptoms with anti-depressives. For me anti-histamines (nightly) really help.

Best wishes. We only have this one life and you deserve as good a one as you can get.
Posted 10/28/2015 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry for your continued struggles cry

I agree completely with the previous responses. I always have asked myself if the symptoms I'm having now were around before UC. Certainly things can develop, but for me anyway, most of the symptoms I have with UC are related in some way. It is hard to tell, and sometimes you just have to address those symptoms regardless of the origin.

I am curious as to your diet. Could you share a bit what it's like. There are quite a few folks like Imagardner2 found great relief through diet after many years of marginal medications.

And yes, hang in there. We'll help any way we can.
Posted 10/28/2015 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have support or do you live alone? My fatigue and depression became quite severe with UC.
Most of your serotonin is manufactured in the large intestine which may be inflamed. Plus you may have absorption issues with UC so you need B-12 and D to combat depression as Quincy said. I agree with all the good advice above.

At least you can take a walk right? Meet a friend for tea or even water and talk about something other than illness. Get a couple of cans of beans and start some simple weight training? Find something you love and spend an hour a day doing it to get your mind off UC...be creative or try meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong. You can do these things at home with the help of a decent You Tube video.

Hoping you feel better, teacher.
Posted 10/29/2015 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
You sound so much like me! I get headaches too and am so tired it's not even funny! I use all of my energy for work. I do walk though and that helps. I do try to make plans with friends. Sometimes I have to cancel. That's just the way it is.

I think most of your issues are related to UC and/ or the meds.

I am getting a blood draw tomorrow to see if I am deficient.
Posted 11/1/2015 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
I know the feeling.
Prayers for remission!
Posted 11/1/2015 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Teacher...how are you doing?
q
Posted 11/2/2015 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried splitting you dose, 2 in the morn and 2 at night?
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