I am a woman and I had severe UC which most medications would not work for, ultimately resulting in surgery to remove the entire colon seven years ago. Now I have Crohn's disease, which is currently being treated with Stelara. However, I am still have some inflammation and the doctor plans to send me to a university-affilitated hospital. In the meantime, I am having some issues. I am having a lot of abdominal pain, then I will find myself suddenly having a bowel movement. I cannot feel when I need to go, and I have a job (teacher) where I am not in a position to run to the restroom. I am looking for any advice. I am not really sure what is going on here, and I am not able to see my doctor for several weeks.
Reply posted for KLH.
I am sorry to hear about the challenges you are going through. It must be very challenging to feel these symptoms while also being a teacher where there are high demands of your time. While you did not directly ask about how to navigate that specifically, I want to encourage you to check out this set of resources to help advocate for any accommodations you may need in your position:
Employee resources for IBD:
Employee and Employer Resources | Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
We have also found this resource offers helpful information and tips as well: Employment - Triage Health
In terms of your symptoms and managing them, it may be helpful for you to reach out to your physician or GI's office to follow up for a sooner timeframe if possible. You are having active symptoms and it may be important to see if there is a way for you to be seen sooner for more urgent needs, or even just be able to communicate with your team (virtually if it is an available option too) to assess what steps you may need to take. So please do follow up to see what options are available to address your needs as best as possible.
If you are interested in learning more about managing flares and symptoms, consider reviewing the following publication: Managing Flares and IBD Symptoms by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Issuu
I've had migrating arthritic pains in th....
read more
Has anyone experienced a condition called uveitis ....
read more
Wondering if anyone's doctors allows them &quo....
read more