New to this and excited to meet people

[FriendoftheKiwis]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alexis and I have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when I was a senior in high school. I haven't been able to deal with the pain and symptoms well because I always feel like I am suffering alone.

Currently, I have been suffering the symptoms again because I am not good about taking my 9 asacol pills a day, although that never seemed to work for me and I am planning on trying another treatment.

I actually am planning to go to the ER tomorrow because my symptoms are so bad.

Funny story. For my 21st birthday this past year I spent my time in the ER instead of going to Vegas thanks to UC. Stupid.

I look forward to reading/writing more posts!

 

[Grumbletum]

Hi Alexis and a big warm welcome to the forum I'm really sorry you had to miss out on your trip. I think you should go to ER or do you have a regular GI that you can call? Sounds like you may be needing something a bit stronger than the Asacol. But you need to take what they prescribe on a regular basis for it to be effective ( this is me doing my friendly nagging bit!!! )
Let us know how you get on

 

[Angrybird]

Hello Alexis and welcome to the forum, I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling well at the moment I was also wondering about whether you are under the care of a GI and if they are aware of your current troubles and if so what their plan is? One thing that is important with any meds that you are given is that you need to take them as presribed otherwise there will be a struggle for them to be as effective as they should be.

Will be keeping fingers crossed that you can be feeling better soon.

AB
xx

 

[KWalker]

Welcome!

 

[EthanPSU]

Hey Alexis. I was the same as you, diagnosed as a senior in high school, and that sucked for me. I was on the same medicin as you, 9 asacol a day, but that didn't work at all for my so i'm scedualed for another colonoscopy to see what the next step is for me.

But man, having to skip out on Vegas for your 21st must of sucked. Me and my friends have always wanted to take a trip there but we always settle on the cheaper alternative of Atlantic City. Hah

 

[FriendoftheKiwis]

Hey guys thanks for the response!

I was supposed to be on prednisone as well but was to ween myself off of it, which I did. The symptoms went away, relatively, but then I started stressing out when I was studying at Dartmouth this past winter and they came back. Almost couldn't take my finals! But I pushed through it. Ever since then, I haven't been feeling well and am going to the ER today to get some temporary relief. I also am short on my colosal that I was assigned to take. I am pretty much not on meds right now which is why I am going to the doctor asap.

The problem with my GI doctor was that there were no appointments until July! I am with Kaiser and think their policy of having to stick with your assigned GI doctor is not efficient. I am going to call tomorrow when their office is open and I have to get my personal GI doctor to recommend me to another one who has an appointment available closer to date. LIKE THIS WEEK HOPEFULLY haha. I am looking to get on stronger medication where I do not have to take it so many times a day since I failed at that...

 

[carrollco]

Having been a patient advocate for several people in the Kaiser system, my recommendation is to GET IN THEIR FACE. Yes, you have to be firm with them. If you show that you are willing to wait for an appt. in July, that's what you'll get. You have to be very firm with them that you CANNOT wait. If that doesn't help--visit Member Services. Make a complaint. I promise you that you will have an appt. MUCH sooner. :rosette1:

 

[FriendoftheKiwis]

That sounds like good advice! Since I definitely need one I will be sure to give them a call tomorrow. The thing that I also don't like about Kaiser is that only they accept the insurance I have. I tried to go to the UCSD Medical Center since it is right down the street for an appointment but they won't accept my insurance!

So much trouble to see a GI. Hence, why I put it off until I can no longer afford to.

 

[carrollco]

Kaiser is Kaiser. You can't go outside the system. Nor can you sue--and even with gross negligence there is a simple formula that's used to settle. So, now that you have Kaiser you'll need to get tough. REALLY tough. If you want something done you will have to demand it unless you get hooked up with a sympathetic primary care doc. If you contact Member Services they can tell you who has experience with Crohn's though they are not allowed to recommend anyone to you. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to get in Kaiser's face to get things done. They are great for well baby checks and maternity services, not so good with serious disease. If you need anything feel free to contact me at any time. My e-mail is in my profile.

 

[FriendoftheKiwis]

Thanks so much! I definitely appreciate the help and advice.

I'll be sure to hassle them haha!