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Should I seek help?

Posted , 5 users are following.

ayeshajan
ayeshajan

I am 25 and have been diagnosed with UC for about four years now and have finally found a medication that suits me and my body (Salofalk granules.) I was previously on Asacol but struggled to digest this so was admitted to hospital during a severe flare up. However ever since I have started on the Salofalk I have found a vast improvement and had less relapses; that was until early last week. I seem to be finding this flare up harder than the rest as I can't seem to stabilize it on my own, and was wondering if you would recommend me seeing my doctor for advice? I have reservations as my doctor is never very understanding and makes me feel a bit of a phoney. My terrible cramping, bleeding and severe migraines are causing my body to get weaker and weaker, finding going to work and doing simple tasks a giant mission. I have also had a weight loss of 5lbs since last week which is alarming for me as I have never weighed this little. Basically I felt compelled to find this forum as I have felt very alone with this illness and find it hard to make anyone (doctors, family etc) actually understand what it is like to have UC as it is an invisible illness. I would just love any advice and to maybe not feel as alone as I do right now. Thankyou

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • zoe977
    zoe977

    Posted

    Hi,

    I can empathize with this as I am also in a flare up and off to hospital next week.

    I would definitely contact your doctor, he/she could prescribe a steroid tablet. There are some uncomfortable side effects to begin with but they honestly help so much.

  • ayeshajan
    ayeshajan

    Posted

    Thankyou! I hope the trip to the doctors goes ok!
  • gabe99
    gabe99

    Posted

    I hope you are seeing a GI specialist and not just your family doctor. You need to find a doctor that you can consider a collaborator, who listens and works with you to solve your problem.

    Don't hesitate to change doctors immediately if it's possible. If that's not possible go to emergency and get help. Then ask around to try to find the best doctor in your area. Try the nuses in emergency, if no one else can help or check on line for doctor reviews. You can even call the Medical Association for suggestions.

    Don't hesitate. If I see that my doctor doesn't meet these criteria I simply change until I have a doctor who I feel is on my side.

  • ayeshajan
    ayeshajan

    Posted

    Yes he is a GI specialist but apparently he is the only one in my area unless I was to go private. I will push this further as I need to find a doctor who is approachable and understanding of his role. Thankyou for the advice.
  • carol_00806
    carol_00806

    Posted

    Do you have an IBD nurse at the hospital you were diagnosed at ?When I was dx'd 7yrs ago,I was given an appointment with her and we had a chat and she gave me her phone no.and told me I could ring her anytime I was concerned or had questions.It's nice to have someone who can sort stuff out and advise you on what you should be doing.Then you can tell your GP or GI that you've discussed your probs with somebody who knows what they're talking about. I hope you start to feel better soon.
  • ayeshajan
    ayeshajan

    Posted

    No unfortunately not , seems like you have had a very helpful experience and your nurse seems very helpful! I have managed to get an appointment with my doctor tomorrow, so I'm hoping for some steriods to calm everything down. Thankyou all for your advice this has been so helpful to speak to people who are in a similar position to myself. Stay strong!
  • Caz82
    Caz82

    Posted

    HI there ayeshajan,

    its rubbish isn't it. I can really empathise with that feeling of being alone. friends and family are supportive but they really don't understand and they give you loads of conficting advice, and they mean well! But they don't get it. I am 31 and was diagnosed 5 years ago. I am in remission at the moment, which is very lucky. I had a terrible GI consultant. He would look at me like I was making it up. After 2 years of putting up with him (including several addmittances to hospital) I went to my GP and asked for a 'second opinion on the treatment of my UC'. The GP was great, and actually agreed that my consultant was awful. He referred me to another hospital trust and I got a new consultant. He wasn't a miracle worker but he cares and he will not stop until I am 100%. Message me if you want to talk more.

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