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50 Days in the hospital, Part 2

After a long night spent in the emergency room, I was admitted to the hospital and brought up to the Intensive Care Unit. My diagnosis at this point was an Ulcerative Colitis flare up, a condition I have been diagnosed with years ago.

My concern was that I didn’t have a gastroenterologist willing to see me and the ER doc informed me that since I had requested to see one of the other 8 docs at the practice instead of the original doc who diagnosed me, the rest of the doctors at the practice refuse to see me, even in this emergency situation.

I was appalled because the reason I wanted to find another doc was that my original doc had treated me terribly and his nurse was constantly making mistakes that were life threatening. The ER doc informed me that this was a common occurrence because it would be awkward for your original doc to see you in the hallway of their practice after you dropped them as a doctor.

I couldn’t believe this and later on my dad brought up a great point, these people take an oath to help their patients and put their needs first over anything else. It not only seemed wrong and immoral but it also seemed illegal.  After a lot of worry and begging,  I did find a GI doc who was willing to see me even though he worked with my original doc at the practice across the street from the hospital, also known as the only gastrointestinal practice in Cedar Rapids. I didn’t have many choices so I was thankful for this guy to take me on as a patient, no matter how useless he proved to be in the coming weeks.

ulcerative colitis

At this point, I was sure the GI doctor would give me the typical treatment, a round of powerful steroids that would leave me with side effects like weight gain, excessive thirst and hunger, insomnia, mood swings, and a list of other annoying but common ailments. I didn’t really care because the side effects were better than what I was going through and so I began taking a higher dose than I had ever taken with the hope of actually getting better.

In the past when I have had an Ulcerative Colitis flare up, a round of steroids would stop the bleeding within a day or two. This time I was treated for 2 weeks with a very high dose of steroids intravenously but unfortunately the scans of my abdomen showed the steroid was not helping. Even more unfortunate was that not only was I not improving but I was actually getting worse.

ulcerative colitis cure

The next treatment the gastroenterologist experimented with was a biologic drug known to have pretty heavy side effects like causing cancer, specifically Lymphoma. This has been a drug I have decided I never wanted to take because my mother had Lymphoma in the past and I knew my risks were even higher than the average patient. Although at this point the doctors told me it was basically my last option before surgery, so I let them give me 4 shots in my leg and waited to see if it would work.

The next day I felt a slight improvement but I was still having a lot of problems and looking back on that day now, I contribute my feeling better to my dad coming to visit me that weekend and I give no credit to the medicine improving my condition. Then things really began to get bad, when beginning of the week rolled around the G.I. doc on duty decided to turn me over to the surgeons because he said that there was nothing else he could do for me. I was no longer his patient, I once again did not have a GI doc and there were no more decisions to make.

I was terrified to have to go through such a serious operation but at the same time I knew it was my only hope of making it out of the hospital alive.

Be sure to check back for Part 3 of my journey with Ulcerative Colitis and what I learned and lost during my 50 day hospital stay. Click here to read Part 3 or you can read Part 1 here.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

Maureen Sklaroff

Friday 29th of April 2016

I have yet to find a sensitive GI. I hate the way they all seem to be secretly affiliated, such that you can't seem to get away from a bad doctor. I'm glad you made it out alive, but what a horror story! It seems like things haven't improved that much since grandmother died of ulcerative colitis 40 years ago. She shouldn't have died, but doctors dismissed her as a "hysterical woman" and put her on various diets instead of taking her seriously and by the time they realized how serious it was, she was bleeding internally everywhere. It was a slow and tortuous death that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Melissa

Monday 2nd of May 2016

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother, that is a shame! It is very frustrating when you have symptoms and explain them to the doctors only to be dismissed with a mental issue. This happens all of the time and it needs to stop!

Crystal Lopez

Thursday 28th of April 2016

What an intense health journey. It is instances like this that deem our health care system such a discouraging facility. So sorry to hear of your troubles.

Melissa

Thursday 28th of April 2016

It was quite a journey and as far as the health care system, I haven't even touched on that yet but believe me I have a lot to say!

Aileen Adalid

Thursday 28th of April 2016

I thought our health care system was the worst, but it seems like even in 1st world countries there are problems like this! I'm really sorry to hear about this. You didn't deserve to go through such an experience. Here's to better health for you from here on out!

Melissa

Thursday 28th of April 2016

It seems the access to top of the line equipment and training isn't enough, you have to want to help people and unfortunately that is where we seem to be falling short.

JENN

Wednesday 27th of April 2016

Hugs! What an experience! I have gastro issues and it took me losing 40 lbs, throwing up after every meal and a baby that didn't thrive before they did anything! I hope you are feeling better and get to a solution!!

Melissa

Thursday 28th of April 2016

I am glad you found the help you needed to but what a shame it took all of that for a diagnosis.

Tami Qualls

Wednesday 27th of April 2016

That was terrible the way the entire group of available doctors refused to treat you. I am glad that this 50 day hospital stay is behind you. I'm also praying that you don't have to return anytime soon.

Melissa

Thursday 28th of April 2016

Thank you for including me in your prayers, that is very kind.