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 

Health : Operation Time

Ahhhh this week I'm having an operation!!! I wouldn't usually be so nervous as I've had many operations before but its only 5 weeks since my last operation so I'm pretty scared to be honest!! I've not long ago recovered from my last operation so in a few days Im going to be back into recovery mode. 




This operation is similar to my last operation but the recovery it totally different and also I don't know much about this op which sounds crazy but I got told via an letter few days after my last op so I haven't been to see my specialist to explain it all. I haven't had an pre op with my op in few days as it wasn't long since my last but I was sent with a blood test not long ago for the op so I guess that is all the testing the needed to do for the pre op. Of course I know what the op is and what they are doing ect as I've been sent loads of information and obviously I have goggled it haha! But I will be told EVERYTHING on the actual day so for that I'm not quite worried but I always worry about the smallest thing anyways so that doesn't help. This op is an later time than my last one, I have to go into the ward at 10am which means I can have an "light" breakfast before 7am on the day which Im so glad about as from all of my operations that is one thing I totally struggle with is the no eating for hours and hours before. I haven't actually even been to this ward I have to go to but its the hospital I've always been at all my life so that is okay. 

One thing I totally worried about which my last op confirmed to me how I was right to worry about is that my back!! As you know if you read our blog often that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis which is arthritis of that back. My last op I was laying down for sooooo long which meant my back was in so much agony! When Im at home I can easily just get up and walk around but this wasn't an option. The nurses didn't seam to care to be honest but I don't think they even read my notes or was told. Although my back was in a bad flare up for 4 days after that op but I was only in hospital til 12/1ish but this operation soon Im going to be in there for alot longer so Im worried! I can't take my medication for ages before the op and because I get bad anxiety and panic attacks this just makes me so panic already. 

So to say I wasn't scared, worried or totally panicky would be lying. Saying that it isn't a big/bad operation and I know its got to be done. By the way this is not related to my Back condition and I won't go into detail what it is but its bowel related problems and this op won't basically cure it but its needed to help. This problem has been going on for way too long years infact so that reason alone makes me know I NEED to "grow a pair" as they say. 


I can't say how long or how this recovery will be to be honest but just incase its long and can't do blogging I will just say as always Bethany will be here so the blog won't be left unattended! Wish me luck haha.....ekkkkk!!! 

Love Katie  xx 


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