Just a vent....

So, I have a complicated history, but basically I was dx'ed with Ulcerative Colitis, and then 4 months later someone finally ran a c-diff test, and low and behold I have c-diff. In the mean time they had been treating my UC with prednisone, I was on a steady dose of 40 mg (for over a month) ... at one point up to 60 mg. The c-diff was having a grand old party in me. I also gained 20 lbs (on my already ample frame) becuz of the pred, and I have lovely moon-face, etc.

So, since this all began I've been having sharp, shooting pains in my gut. Mostly on the left side, feels like someone stabbed me with a knife. Also sometimes when I bend or move it feels like someone is vertically stabbing me, (like from my ribs down).

So, I call the GI to let her know the pains are back now, full force. I finished my Flagyl 3 days ago and so far so good. No D. But some other things are still around, the mucous and sometimes blood. The pain is annoying to say the least. I just wanted to know if it's normal.

So I wait patiently for a call-back. Two days later, I get the call back from a "patient coordinator" (secretary) who relays the message that my pain doesn't sound GI related and I should see my family doctor.

Are you kidding me? I was a little miffed. NOT GI RELATED? I feel like ever since they found out I had c-diff, they are brushing me off. The problem is they are unsure if I have underlying UC with c-diff complication OR just c-diff. I was given the chose to "assume" I had UC and start Asacol OR I could finish the c-diff treatment and wait to see if the UC would "declare itself". Well I don't like maybes... so I went for option 2. This pissed her off. So now I'm just a waste of her time.

GGRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGH!

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31 yr old female
Dx'd in 2/2008 UC (not sure how much, or where, LOONG story there, i'm sure i'm getting another scope soon)
Asacol 12xday, Rowasa 2xday (off these for now waiting for pred to work)
Prednisone 40 mg/day

Wow. Vent away! You deserve it!

Can you find a new GI?

I'd call back and be a pest until they gave me some actual answers. You should really get a call back the same day - or at least within 24 hours.

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Pan-colitis and GERD diagnosed May 2003

Osteopenia diagnosed Feb 2006

Status:  Flaring :(

 

40mg pred, Asacol 12 per day,  Azathioprine 100mg, Aciphex, Forvia, and Pro-Bio

 

Co-Mod for the UC forum:  Keep HealingWell running smoothly:  www.healingwell.com/donate

Go to a new GI, tell them your history and tell them you want an endoscopy to see if there are any signs of UC.  That should tell you if your issues were just C.diff or if you have underlying UC.  This is crazy, you should not have to endure this much pain.  Good luck and I hope you feel better.

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diagnosed with left-sided UC in 1997. (45cm)

Definitely start with a new GI. Explain that you were treated for C. diff but that the doctor who provided that treatment isn't keeping you informed and following up with you. First they need to be sure the C. diff is conquered, because there are more and more strains around that are drug resistant. If that has cleared and you're still having symptoms, medication and follow-up with colonoscopy is indicated.

Don't ever let a doctor's office brush you off or a doctor leave you hanging. If you have to fight to get your needs met, change doctors. If for some reason you can't change doctors, keep fighting.

Abdominal pain with passage of mucous and blood are classic signs of both C. diff and UC. The doctor's unlicensed employee clearly doesn't know what she's doing, and that doc could be in line for some bad mojo if he keeps letting her talk to patients.

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