I have had symptoms of UC for 25 yrs but it took years to get a diagnosis. At the time I was living in the UK and it frustrating not knowing what was going on. Eventually I was given a sigmoidoscopy and told I had UC which showed 5cm of disease. Over the years I had 6-12 month check ups (with a nurse) with blood tests and was put on Asacol tabs and occasionally foam but no other care or checks. I just plodded along during flares, etc and some how managed to cope, although at times it was really hard.
I moved to Australia 6 yrs ago and my doctor refered me for a colonoscopy through Medicare. It took 1 year to come through. I then went for private care (through my husband's company health insurance) and saw the doctor who treated me in the public system. Eventhough appointments were faster, he was quite dismissive to some of my symptoms. Turns out he should have investigated. He moved and I was referred to another specialist. She is my angel.
It has taken a long time but for the first time, I feel like I am listened to and also getting the correct care. My large intestine is diseased and I have GORD but my doctor is keeping a close eye on me. At present I take 3g pentasa daily and 1/2 dose of Azathioprine (full dose once my liver improves)
My 18 yr old daughter was having occasional abdominal pain but no bowel problems. I took her to my doctor thinking she may have reflux ( like me). After the doctor checked her blood tests, she was admitted for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy within 5 days. My daughter was diagnosed with Crohn's 6 days ago with 7cm disease at the beginning of her large intestine. We are waiting on an MRI. She is still processing it all but I am devastated. I cried the rest of that day knowing what she may have ahead of her and that it has come from me. She has been put on 40mg prednisolone and then will be on azathioprine. The only positive is she has a great doctor who will give her the best treatment. Follow up appointment in 10 days.
It may/will be a long and bumpy road ahead but we will get through it.
This has been the first time I have written my story down so thanks for reading.
My
I moved to Australia 6 yrs ago and my doctor refered me for a colonoscopy through Medicare. It took 1 year to come through. I then went for private care (through my husband's company health insurance) and saw the doctor who treated me in the public system. Eventhough appointments were faster, he was quite dismissive to some of my symptoms. Turns out he should have investigated. He moved and I was referred to another specialist. She is my angel.
It has taken a long time but for the first time, I feel like I am listened to and also getting the correct care. My large intestine is diseased and I have GORD but my doctor is keeping a close eye on me. At present I take 3g pentasa daily and 1/2 dose of Azathioprine (full dose once my liver improves)
My 18 yr old daughter was having occasional abdominal pain but no bowel problems. I took her to my doctor thinking she may have reflux ( like me). After the doctor checked her blood tests, she was admitted for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy within 5 days. My daughter was diagnosed with Crohn's 6 days ago with 7cm disease at the beginning of her large intestine. We are waiting on an MRI. She is still processing it all but I am devastated. I cried the rest of that day knowing what she may have ahead of her and that it has come from me. She has been put on 40mg prednisolone and then will be on azathioprine. The only positive is she has a great doctor who will give her the best treatment. Follow up appointment in 10 days.
It may/will be a long and bumpy road ahead but we will get through it.
This has been the first time I have written my story down so thanks for reading.
My
