Interview with Co-Worker Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis

LA: In the fall of 2001. It was right after I had twins. The obstetrician recommended a hysterectomy after I gave birth. He said I had uterine prolapse. This is when the uterus moves from down into the vagina. I had been having trouble with my bowel movements. Every movement was very loose. I thought it was because of my pregnancy; however the doctor said it was due to the prolaspe.

I was recovering from the surgery and delivery when I found the bowel movement problems got worse. I was making 2 to 3 trips to the bathroom an hour. When I returned to work I had to turn down business trips to clients because I could not fly without the fear of soiling myself.

My gynecologist recommended I see a proctologist. The proctologists gave me a blood test and took a stole sample. The latter showed a high white blood cell count. The blood test showed that I was anemic, which is a sign of internal bleeding. From here the doctor performed a colonoscopy and found ulcers in my colon.

Felix: What was the initial treatment?

LA: We started with Sulfasalazine however it did not appear to work at all. Additionally, one of the side effects was very bad headaches. I could not function at work and take care of my 4 children due to the severity of these headaches. In addition, I am taking Imodium like candy. Sadly, nothing seems to be working. I have to turn down business trip because I worry about flying and soiling myself. That was an embarrassing moment when I told my boss why I could not fly and why.

Felix: Did the doctor recommend additional treatment.

LA: Things we pretty bad for me. I was waking up 4 to 5 times a night to use the restroom. I cannot have sex with my husband for fear of losing bowel control. I was a wreck. By now I cannot work and I am on disability.

The doctor then prescribed Cyclosporine. He said that this treatment is for people that do not respond to the first round of treatments and want to avoid surgery. This type of treatment is tough on the liver and kidney, so he would have to do testing to monitor these organs. I agreed, mainly because I did not want to wear a colostomy bag.

Within 3 months I noticed a little difference, but the trips to the bathroom were still to frequent for me.

At this point I was talking to a friend who told me she read an article about ulcerative colitis and eating habits. In the article the person stopped eating processed food, especially those that contained fat. This included potato chips and snacks, lunch meats, canned soup, butter, and just about anything else one can think of. The person only ate fresh and lean cuts of meat and chicken, fruits and vegetables, no sugar or salt, and only having water to drink.

So about 3 months in the final treatment I changed my diet. I call it the fresh and natural diet. After 1 week I could see a big difference, only making one trip to the restroom every hour. After 2 months I felt I was back to normal.

At this point the doctor backed off the Cyclosporine. I have been off medication for 2 years and continue the "fresh and natural" diet. I am leading a normal lifestyle again.