Am I out of line?

[cristyd]

Hello, very new here and so relieved to find these forums. It's amazing to see so many folks with stories of support and caring.

Diagnosed about 6 years ago with Colitis, currently have left-sided flare up that is being extremely stubborn. My boss has been very understanding and I work very hard for the company/have a great rapport with all.

I push myself very hard but I love what I do. Unfortunately I stress often about the number of bathroom breaks I have to take. I recently missed a few days of work over he course of the past couple of months and I am EXHAUSTED. I asked my doctor for some sort of letter to confirm my diagnosis for my bosses and asked about the possibility of getting a "prescription" or "note" to give to the boss for a week off... Am I out of line asking for this from my doctor? Will it even help me to take a week for myself? I feel as if it would. I can take vacation but require advanced notice and work for a smallish company not covered under fmla. I need this now and have already been waiting a week+ to hear back from the doctor.

I'd be happy to fill in any other gaps.

 

[Trysha]

Which kind of colitis was diagnosed..There are different ones..
Have you been diagnosed with crohns?
Left sided pain is consistent with colitis but may not necessarily be crohns
You should get a GI consult and work up with colonoscopy,and maybe capsule endoscopy
It would depend on whatever the GI finds which course of investigation he pursues with you.
If things are really bad you maybe should go to ER.
Please keep in touch and let us know how things work out for you.
Feel better soon
Trysha

 

[cristyd]

Sorry, last diagnosis was a month ago: active left-sided Ulcerative Colitis. No crohn's.

I have my good days and bad like many do, this flare up has just been the worst I've experienced. I am on Apriso and doc put me on prednisone to see if it would knock it out.

My concern is that I'm stressing myself out and making it worse! Is it too much that I asked the doctor about taking some down time for myself? I feel like it would help, but don't want to be looked at like I'm complaining constantly!

 

[Trysha]

Have you been given some treatment for the ulcerative colitis?
I would suggest you get in touch with your doctor and discuss the problems
you are experiencing.
It sounds as if you need some time out as well as medical support.
Your health must come first and your doctor is there to help you.
Feel better soon
Trysha

 

[cristyd]

Thanks, Trysha. I appreciate the responses. I suppose I need to be more persistent with my doctor!

 

[Trysha]

You have a difficult and tiring diagnosis which will drag you down if you allow it...
Your idea of time out is good and will give you a little space....however it is not going to cure the colitis.
Fretting only makes it worse.
Having a plan of action is helpful in itself but you need the medical help to continue coping with it
A week is a long time to wait when you are having acute problems and I feel your doctor should be there for you,sooner than later.
You clearly need some help and he is the one who could and should take care of you.
He cannot do this unless you let him know how bad things are for you.
Give his office a call and ask for a swift appointment this week.
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha