Figuring out how to be a newlywed in this crazy world!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

I've been sick, very sick

So, for the past 3 days I have been very sick. I have been to the doctor twice, had bloodwork and a CT scan done, started a new (and very expensive) medication and today it was still bad enough to call the after-hours number at the doctor's office.
This isn't new really. I have felt about the same way for about 2 months and honestly I have felt this way before. I have had about 5 other tests and seen a specialist about a year and a half ago. They all say the same thing. I have a chronic, lifelong condition known as ulcerative colitis. It is an inflamation of the colon. It doesn't sound so bad, but unfortunately it is. The way the disease works is that you can either be in a flare up or in a remission period. I have been in remission since March of 2006. In May, things started up again and they have gone strong since.
Basically, I have a constant stomach ache. Somedays better, some days worse but it is always there. It can be a twisty pain, or a dull ache, or a burning, or a stabbing. I have constant painful gas (usually burps) and overall I just feel junky. I had bloodwork done on Tuesday and they tested my inflamation or SED rate. Normal SED rate is from 0-20. Mine is at 40! I am quite inflamed :)
So tonight I was in a lot of pain and it was so bad that I called to see if anything else could be done. The on-call doctor was very nice but basically said that I had to let my new medicine work (even though I was at a pain level of 7 out of 10 for an hour and a half straight). She also told me that my new medicine could cause stomach cramping (thanks, I need more pain in my stomach!) So, that is what I have been doing since Tuesday. Mostly I just lay around and moan about my tummyache and wear loose pants. I haven't cooked in days and I feel pretty junky. I took a nap and now I feel a bit better. I am hopefull that I will feel much better soon and my new UC medicine will get me into remission phase soon and that I will stay in remission for a long time.
I hope everyone is well and I will post something more exciting soon!

2 comments:

Dea said...

Hey you - I'm sorry you are feeling shitty. Hopefully you're on the mend. I have a fun belated birthday/prize package almost ready to send so hopefully it will cheer you up! ;-) Hang in there friend!

P.S. Email me your new address would ya? I just have the apartment on!

One of the Bunch said...

Hey Amy,

I'm so sorry you're feeling icky!! Katelyn said, "Mrs. Arnold needs a hug" so she's sending you one ((( ))). She has a few other goodies she wanted to send you as well if you'd care to send your address along (privately of course).

I hope that this new medicine will provide some comfort (quickly) and as you said, put you in remission for a long time!! I definately feel for you!

Thinking of you as you try to get the pain under control and your energy back.

Hugs,
Bec