Flaring as of 07/23/18

Hello everyone. I've been reading for over a year and I just want to say thanks to all of you. I've definitely learned a thing or two.

A little history. My UC journey began in the summer of 2016. It started with an increase in the number of BMs. I didn't become concerned until Christmas. I was at a family party when I had my first 'accident'. In my opinion there's nothing more demoralizing than these events. Anyway, I was mortified, horrified, confused, and embarrassed. Never said Happy Holidays, I just snuck out the back door. It was like having tunnel vision, all I could see was bathroom, washing machine, and shower.

The next three months would be the most stressful time in my life (at least that I can remember). It was during this time that I lost my father. As you might imagine, my symptoms became progressively worse. Bathrooms slowly became the primary focus of my day to day existence. Accidents began coming more frequently, especially when traveling, flying in particular. The straw that broke the camel's back occurred in Tampa International Airport when I failed to make it to the restroom in time. Zero fun there. Nothing like trying to clean yourself up in a crowded bathroom.

I finally secured an appointment with a gastroenterologist around the first of July,2017. Subsequently, I was scoped on the 12th and received the UC diagnosis. I have to say I was relieved, by then I was certain I had cancer. The relief was short lived, UC is just a different kind of evil than cancer. I was started on Lialda 4.8 gms daily and noticed an improvement right away, but I still wasn't out of the woods.

I don't know how many times I've read Heather's and John's suggestions regarding combining rectal meds with oral meds. It finally sunk in. It started with Canasa (terribly expensive) but if it would alleviate these symptoms I was all in. And it did help but I still wasn't where I wanted to be. And that's the way it's been right up until Monday morning.

At 3AM I woke up with severe lower abdominal pain and urgency. Spent practically all of Monday and Tuesday in the bathroom. Vomiting, tenesmus, and pain. I thought I knew what a flare was but this experience has been....enlightening. Wow! So I took two stool samples to the lab this morning, no rescue drug until C-diff is ruled out and they check a calprotectin level. It has been an exercise in misery.

Sorry for such a long post, you guys. I never thought I would ever post here, I surely don't have anything to offer anyone as UC is still a new animal to me. I just thought a little history might be in order to see the whole picture. If you're still with me, thanks for reading, and thanks for all you do here.

Curt

I just looked everywhere for those biopsy reports and apparently I don't have them. I'll have to get copies from the office.

My doctor seems to have an aversion towards mesalamine enemas, I've asked on numerous occasions to give them a try. It seems suppositories are all she wants to do at the moment. Go figure.

As for probiotics I take something called Floragyn.

And thanks for the welcome!

The suppositories do nothing for me. I have no idea why your doctor won't give you the enemas. Request them again. They are a lot more effective than Canasa!

Hi Sara. I have no idea regarding the enemas. I've requested them at least half a dozen time, all to no avail. It's almost like they're offended the Lialda is not doing the job. (that's kind of the impression I got)

I'd be getting a new doctor. Obviously the meds they have you on aren't doing the trick. Best of luck to you, regardless.

Between three and three thirty in the morning seems to be the witching hour during this flare, things will either escalate or they wont. This morning was a nice surprise. At 3AM it was like someone flipped a switch into the 'off' position and the pain and other symptoms were just gone. It was almost two hours of unbroken sleep before the machine fired up and began churning again. There's more restorative power in two hours of sleep than I would have guessed.