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 bharoldson.
I highly recommend a book called Eating for IBS by Heather Van Vorous. Though I have not made many of the recipes, the advice at the start of the book regarding what to eat in general and particularly, what to eat in various types of restaurants is priceless. What I have found to be most helpful is only eating cooked vegetables and fruits (such as canned), although I am find with soft fresh fruits such as bananas and melon are fine in limited quantities. Finally, be sure that your doctor knows that you are still having a lot of discomfort.
Reply posted for KLH.
Hi KLH,
Sorry to hear about your symptoms especially the incontinence as a teacher. I sincerely hope you find something that helps you.
I'm a 55 year old man who had UC very bad from 17-23 culminating in a successful surgery removing my entire colon in 1993. I had very few issues for 30 years, but since the beginning of 2024 I've been diagnosed and been struggling with Crohn's. After months we landed on Humira which I've been on almost a year.
Basically, I've had a stomach ache for a year and a half. It doesn't buckle me over, but 24 hours a day I have abdominal discomfort like what I saw you were struggling with. I'm most crampy before and after passing gas and bowel movements. The worse I eat and drink (processed food, pop and beer) the worse the symptoms, but even when I really behave I still have a stomach ache.
Curious if any particular diet has helped you more with your abdoinal pain. Also, since our history seems similar wondering your journey with medication on how you landed where you did.
Brian
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
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