Being Diagnosed With Colitis

If you have been reading my "Katie Health Update" post you would of know I have been having bowel problems for a long time but I never really went into too much detail. Without sounding gross its hard to explain bowel problems as you can imagine to be honest. 

A bit of a background.. I was diagnosed with IBS many many years ago so always suffered with bloating and had to watch what I eat ect then about 3 years ago I started getting other problems which in those 3 years its results in me having three operations, treated for various things and being put on many treatment/medication but still nothing seemed to help. In January of this year I had an operation which I wrote about HERE. During that operation a few biopsies was taken and I didn't really think much about the results as I have so much other illnesses going on that I didn't worry at all. On 20th February, I went to see my Surgeon and because I've not got any answers for years I simply didn't expect any news. Mr George (my amazing specialist) just came out with it but Im glad as he didn't beat around the bush and literally explained everything so simple and clear.. He diagnosed me with Colitis. I finally got the answer I've been wanting for so long. I now can rest knowing they know the cause to all the pain and trouble I have suffered with. You can click HERE to learn more about what Colitis is as to be honest I still don't know much about it but basically Colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the Colon. It is such a relief to finally know the reason to all my symptoms over the past few years but its a weird feeling as I slowly begin to realise that this is a long term illness and treatment will be needed for a long long time. I've been given Asacol and seeing my specialist again next month to go through things properly and put a proper treatment plan into plan. 

image from pinterest 

So it is a weird feeling of being happy you finally got diagnosed but then also confused and sad about what the illness actually is. Having Ankylosing Spondylitis (I done a post HERE explaining everything) was such a shock that I've sort of became used to being told crap things about my health. Having a Chronic Illness it sort of makes you stronger in a weird way, I feel like I've put up with some much crap from people and so much pain than I have made myself more strong and I don't give a crap about things I use to worry about now. I suppose it hasn't really sunk in yet and maybe I should be worrying alot more than I am? Chronic/long term illnesses makes a MASSIVE impact on yourself and feelings, my head is always all over the place. I never know what to say, do or feel and guilt is a massive part of my life at the moment. Guilty for feeling ill, for being in pain and for moaning..  I always think I shouldn't moan as Im lucky to be alive?! Arghhhhhhh am I the only who feels alot of emotions and guilt about having illnesses? 

Love Katie x 

Toddler Toilet Torture!!

My beautiful 3 year old Ava, Is a happy smily active clever 3 year old. She is not a sucky child and is always cheeky to the max! Such a joy to have and joy to look after making us cry with laughter every single day.

BUT then my daughter that I know and love disappears and this little girl who is curled up in pain & screaming turns up Infront of me and I felt helpless and panicky because this little girl is my daughter and there is absolutely nothing I can do to help her. 

Sounds odd don't it? You see my little princess has been suffering with constipation for well over a year and I have had endless trips upstage hospital with her and would you believe things are not much better! It all started with the "classic" constipation where she didn't go to the toilet for days. Eventually when she went unnoticed a small amount of blood, and took her up the hospital. I got reassured that she was okay and was told to try lactilose. So I did. It didn't work. I then found myself up there again and got sent away with movicol and some diet changes. This worked for a bit and thought we were going somewhere.

Oh how wrong was. My poor little girl got hit with constipation again. This time she appeared to be in more pain. Walking around on her tip toes but going to the toilet a little bit. I have to give her disprol instead of calpol as she don't like taking medicine. With a history of bowel problems in the family I took her too the hospital I want her to be referred to pediatrician because the amount of pain she is in is horrible. Again they basically said its normal and for her to be screaming around the house is normal! He sent me away saying to ask my GP to reffer her he once again prescribe movicol. Now this works sometimes. Sometimes it doesn't and as soon as she is off it for a while she is bad again. I can't keep her on it forever surely!

The GP looked at me like I was mad when I asked for referral. I don't know what avenue to go down I hate seeing my little one in pain but no matter what I do or where I go no one has an answer that helps. I feel useless. She is going to the toilet Aswell but you can tell she is constipated and she is still in pain,  I just want my little ones constipation to clear up for good and so she can be out of pain and we can put it behind us.

Can anyone relate? Any advise this is more of a mums SOS for advice... Please get in touch via Twitter or Instagram EssexToWindsor 

LotsOfLove

Beth...xx