UC and me
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This document describes the author's experience with ulcerative colitis. It details her symptoms and weight loss that led to her diagnosis. She was prescribed high doses of steroids that caused negative side effects like weight gain and mood changes. After two years of struggling, she decided to have surgery to remove her colon. This gave her a temporary colostomy bag ("Berty") that later had to be reconnected internally. Now several years later, she still has some symptoms but has raised awareness and funds for Crohn's and Colitis UK to support others with these conditions.
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UC and me
- 1. Ulcerative Colitis and me How things changed
- 2. Me the day after having Josie and 4 months before getting ill.
- 3. What came next In Feb 2008 I became extremely ill, unable to go far and constantly running to the toilet. I was loosing blood and more weight than I should. I dropped down almost 3 dress sizes in 6 weeks. Eventually, after a scope test, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an Inflammatory Bowel Disease with no cure. I came home having to take at least 10 tablets a day most of those were steroids.
- 4. 9 months on steroids and I look like this!
- 5. Prednisolone (steroids) I started on 40mg per day, that is 8 tablets. The side effects are not nice. :( Weight gain and 'moon face' being just a couple. Mood changes, Difficulty sleeping,Skin problems including thinning, acne, flushing, redness and appearance of reddish/purple lines,Unusual bruising,Wounds that do not heal,Irregular periods which may stop altogether,Unusual increase in hair growth on the body or face are just some of the others.
- 6. Here I am at my biggest, but still suffering.
- 7. I might look well on the outside.. I am still having to run to make it to the nearest toilet, sometimes I don't make it. I have spent almost 2 years struggling to come off the steroids. Various medication hasn't helped and my options are running out. After a bad day of incontinence and lots of tears, talking to my IBD nurse and consultant I decide it's time for surgery.
- 8. Enjoying life with 'Berty' my stoma
- 9. Life with Berty Berty was formed at the end of May 2010 when I had my colon removed. My surgeon created a J-Pouch using the remaining small intestine and that needed to heal. Berty wasn't great to live with, he caused me to shed a few tears and I didn't get on that well having a bag, although it wasn't always bad. At the end of August 2010 Berty stopped working and I was in agony. After a couple of trips to hospital they finally realised there was a problem. I had adhesions They opened me back up and fixed the problem and connected the pouch. Hopefully that's the last I will see of Berty.
- 10. Almost 2 months after Berty left me.
- 11. Life with a pouch Has been much easier, I no longer have Colitis however some of the symptoms do remain. I have to watch what I eat, some foods such as green veg isn't good and causes me lots of pain as does dairy. I still get very tired very quickly I have to drink plenty to avoid dehydration. I still have a few problems to sort out so am still in and out of hospital but life is good.
- 12. Raising Awareness #GetYourBellyOut after almost 4 years the scars are hard to see.
- 13. I am going to do this........
- 14. ..To say thank you to these guys for all the information they gave me.
- 15. Why? Crohns and Colitis UK provide information packs to the hospital for newly diagnosed patients and their families. They were always at the end of a phone or email when I needed advice. They fund personal grants to help sufferers in need as well as funding research They provide information for schools and employers as well as legal issues. Can be found at http://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
- 16. Which is why I am asking you to sponsor me. Or visit : www.justgiving.com/Kay-Warner Alternatively see me for a sponsor form.
- 17. Thank You!! From Kay Warner