Medication

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi all

I just wondered how long people had symptoms before being put on medication. I'm not on anything yet as still waiting biopsy results. I had first knowledgeable symptoms in December. I've been having a constant dull stomach ache and very tender wen I press down on my stomach and hoping I'm not going to have a flare up as last time it happened all of a sudden and going to the loo over 20times a day containing blood. I was in bed thinking it was a bug. I also had this stomach tenderness since September but was told prob IBS. Can inflammation get worse without having a flare-up. My specialist said I should of been referred to her in December and now its February. Is this along time to wait. I'm also feeling extremely tired which all came on after I had my Colonoscopy last week. Also I've had bacterial vaginosis and I think I have it again. 3 weeks before I had this sudden flare in DEC I had taken metro gel so not sure I'd this was the cause of my colitis/crones. Do I take something similar again? Would it be OK to take?my dr didnt seem that concerned with colitis and acted like it was no big deal. I'm worried its taking too long as once I get my results It will then take another 2 -4 weeks to be referred back to specialist. Thanks for any advice

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Kelly

    I had to wait 4 years between first diagnosis and 2 colonoscopies later I finally got referred to a specialist after at least 2 flare ups of about 4 -6 months each. I was told I had IBS in between flares as I was in remission by the time I finally got a second colonoscopy. However ever since being referred to the consultant I have had a dedicated nurse to contact and I'm now on azathioprine which seems to be working for me.

    What I would tell you is this: it all seems to takes time to get you on medication, then find what works for you etc but once you're under a consultant you should find that they try to get you sorted and healthy in the best way possible.

    Good luck on your journey back to good health, I hope you get something sorted very soon.

    • Posted

      That's terrible! I was also told it was IBS. Its only wen I saw blood that flowed like water that I went to drs. Thinking about it that was probably a good thing Otherwise I wouldn't of gone. 2yrs though! Im really glad you've got it under control now. So I'm overreacting as it hasn't been 2yrs although it could of been as I always thought it was my IBS. Thanks for tour reply xx

    • Posted

      You're not overreacting at all. When I was in the height of my flare up I felt so frustrated, desperate and alone trying to cope with this horrible illness. I was terrified of just how bad I was going to get and what the ultimate outcome would be for me. It's only with time and finding the right medication that suits me that I now feel like I've pretty much got my life back. Having a good consultant you can see regularly and reading this forum will really help you get on top of it all. I wish you all the best for the future and hope you feel much better very soon x

  • Posted

    Hi Kelly - my experience was that once I'd been diagnosed with UC it was like a game of Cat & Mouse. The Consultant prescribed a range of drugs as symptoms worsened or subsided; Immunosuppresants, steroids, Infliximab as tablets, suppositories, enemas, infusions etc. It can be trial and error but the best advice is to make friends with the IBD Nurses who work with the Consultant. They were great support to me. Good luck.

    • Posted

      Yeah I heard it could take some time to find medication that works and of course there's the side effects. I haven't been properly diagnosed yet but after Colonoscopy she said something about crohns colitis. I was sedated so abit of a blur. I phoned the gp today for results but the Dr hasnt reviewed them yet even though they came in 3 days after the Colonoscopy. I was told to make an appointment which I have done for next week. I called the hospital to get my results to ensure it wasn't cancer. I spoke to the Secretary and she couldn't tell me results either but its not cancer. I told her I know its crohns but I need to discuss treatment. She asked me whether they told me if I need medication which they haven't as i havent been told anything yet but obviously I would need treatment. She then said don't worry its not cancer and its bad enough having this and I'll either be told to come in to hospital to get results or be told over the phone. Why would I need to go in to get my results at the colorectal surgery clinic? That's where my Dr referred me to have tests done. Is it possible that there's some damage to my bowel and require surgery? I'm analysing everything! And if it was urgent would my gp be informed straight away as he hasn't even reviewed my biopsy results? I know im over thinking everything. I know this is going to bloody rule my life!

    • Posted

      Hi Kelly - try to keep a clear head. You need a coherent diagnosis which it sounds like you'll get next week. It highly unlikely they've damaged your bowel. Once you've a proper diagnosis and connected to the IBD Department there'll be people to support you. Stay calm but ask on a copy of you colonoscopy report. They should normally give you this anyway. Take care and be positive.

    • Posted

      Hi thanks for advice. I have my Colonoscopy report. It does all point to crohns but they said could be infection but I doubt it. I've accepted it as crohns and even though its not nice its not terminal. It could of been alot worse. Good to look on the bright side. Just want diagnosis to get treated. Thanks for reply. Appreciated x

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