Ulcerative colitis
Posted , 6 users are following.
Does anyone have ulcerative colitis? I had a specialist appointment today as I have had been suffering from rectal bleeding abdominal pain and very recently mucus in my stool (actually this week it's been more mucus then stool) the doctor said that he hasn't ruled out cancer (I'm 27)but he is more leaning towards ulcerative colitis I've googled it is sounds like an absolute horrible disease, I have a colonoscopy booked for the 5th may so it'll be playing on my mind until I find out.
0 likes, 6 replies
RachRoux mel15596
Posted
Hi mel so sorry you are going through this I know myself it is awful as you just described what I am going through. I do have a vaginal prolapse from chronic constipation however the bleeding and mucus has only recently started and I have an appointment with my colorectal surgeon in a few weeks. The specialist has to rule out the most sinister things first unfortunately but the likelihood is small given your age. I am also 27 and went through that same scary process when I had my first colonoscopy making sure there was nothing serious initially. In terms of the ulcerative colitis it doesn't sound nice but if it is that once it is managed it will be a lot better for you.
The colonoscopy is fine btw i didn't find it painful it just gave me bad gas after. Wish you the best of luck Xx
UKGastroProblem mel15596
Posted
Hi Mel
I have ulcerative colitis. Any questions just ask.
It can be mild for some people given the right treatment. I work out of the country 75% of the year and manage it with medication. Some people suffer badly, but alot don't so please don't be too scared about what you read. Remember the majority of people talking about it online are the serious cases. Feel free to contact me with anything.
Your symptoms sound like IBD (UC or Chrons). I wouldn't get worked up about cancer. I suggest that there is a very small chance that is the case.
mel15596 UKGastroProblem
Posted
Thanks so much for your reply, if you don't mine talking about it what were your initial symptoms that lead to diagnosis? Do you ever have period of remission? Also does diet help with with easing symptoms or cause flare ups? I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet but I'm going to see if a change in diet helps my symptoms at all.
UKGastroProblem mel15596
Posted
Blood in stool. Then stool became increasingly looser as more blood appeared until it was diarrhoea with lots of blood.
I find sugar is very bad for me. I don't eat much, if any anymore. Stay away from fizzy drinks including diet drinks.
I eat fish, meat, well cooked veg.
Initially medication was Mezavant which is an anti inflammatory. It took me out of my first flare along with a good diet. Mainly salmon I ate with well cooked veg and plenty of eggs for breakfast.
I have had a couple of times where I started to flare again which a short course of steroids took me out of quickly (within a day or 2).
There are many other medications if you become dependent on steroids because steroids cannot be taken long term. Luckily I havent needed them yet.
I usually find myself starting to flare if my diet goes off course and I start eating rubbish. I think its hugely related to diet but diet certainly isn't the full story. Stress is another key trigger for most people. Exercise is very important too I think for me. Being active eases symptoms for me.
sheila91262 mel15596
Posted
Hi Mel, try not worry, very unlikely to be cancer statistically, more likely IBD. A blood test should diagnose as not cancer. Are you on meds?
The Crohn's and Colitis Charity are useful for info and they have a Facebook page online too. I have written a lot on here as my son, 27, had severe UC and had surgery. I hope you respond well to meds and get better soon. Sheila.
craig84609 mel15596
Posted
OK, it sounds like UC or Crohn's disease. I doubt at your age you have cancer. If my doctor told me that I would have looked for a new one. I have had UC or Infammatory bowel disease most of my life and I am now 48, yea it isn't a very fun thing to have and it will never go away, but you can get it into remission. There are medications that work well to treat it, but the medications put you at risk for infections as they weaken your immune system. The most mild of these is Mesalamine. It seems to work well for UC, but if you have Crohn's it will not. If your symptoms are really bad you can get it under control quickly with Prednisone. I have had a tough time with this disease, so it is no walk in the park. Currently, I have lost 25 lbs of weight in two months and I am low on protein, Vitamin D, B12 and Potassium. It is because I have absobtion issues, but you shouldn't have that problem with UC. If it turns out you have UC, don't worry there are things that can be done for it.