DISCLAIMER: If bodily fluids make you squeamish, this is probably not the page for you.
In early June of 2011, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness called ulcerative colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I have created this page to share my journey, keep track of the many treatments and procedures I have had, and to hopefully help others who might be suffering.
2011
May - Began developing symptoms around Mother's Day. Stomach pain, swollen belly, cramping, bloody diarrhea with mucus and intestinal tissue. Bowel movements 6 times a day.
May 23 - Trip to urgent care. Multiple tests, rectal exam, and stool sample. Given antibiotics. Results later show I tested positive for lactoferrin, a byproduct of white blood cells from fighting an infection, but not bacteria related.
May 28 - 2nd trip to urgent care, since the antibiotics did not help. Referred to a gastroenterologist.
May 31 - Sigmoidoscopy by Dr. H, gastroenterologist. Images clearly show 20-30cm of inflammation, bleeding, mucus, and ulcers in my lower colon. Dr. suspects I have ulcerative colitis.
June 6 - Biopsy needed to confirm diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and to exam entire colon. Begin colonoscopy prep.
June 7 - Colonoscopy. Two biopsies taken. Ulcerative colitis confirmed a few days later.
End of June - attempts to control my colitis with medication (suppository, Lialda) have been less than successful. I continue to have 6-8 bowel movements per day and suffer from weight loss and fevers. I go on medical leave from work for the first time.
Medications
Mesalamine suppository, once at night
Prednisone (steroid), 3 pills daily
Lialda - oral mesalamine tablet, twice daily
Mesalamine suppository, once in morning and once at night
Apriso - mesalamine delayed release capsules, 3 pills twice daily
Rowasa - mesalamine enema, once at night*
Asacol HD - delayed release mesalamine tablets, 3 pills twice daily*
Asacol HD - delayed release mesalamine tablets, 3 pills twice daily*
*currently taking
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