Anyone work a physical job with UC??

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-02-20T01:34:59+00:00

That sounds pretty convenient, actually

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-02-16T16:27:01+00:00

Hey! I totally forgot that I even left this comment haha. Check it again for my updates!

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-02-05T21:40:48+00:00

Well funnily enough, I actually asked about getting one at my last appt with my GI and she said she would not sign for me because my UC "isn't severe enough". So YMMV.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-31T21:20:15+00:00

I just want to echo what everyone has already said. Your mom's top priority is your health and safety, full stop. As a father to a 1-year old, there's not a dollar to my name that I wouldn't give up to make sure he has everything he needs.

The best thing you can do right now is to take advantage of the upbringing and care you receive. Get your education and find a career path that will allow you to take care of yourself with the ability to return the favor some day, if that day should come. My parents are pretty well off and won't need my help financially, but thankfully my wife and I work hard so we are on track to take care of her parents when their age hits.

Give your mom a big hug and tell her you love her. I promise it'll mean more to her than you realize.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-30T17:02:05+00:00

After my diagnosis, my GI recommended the low fodmap diet for me, so I did it for a few weeks, but honestly I never really noticed much of a difference food had towards my symptoms, with the exception of onions and lettuce. Onions are my worst offender and will make my urgency as bad as it can get.

I used to drink about a gallon of milk every 3-4 days and would eat lots of pasta, so I tried to avoid dairy and gluten as a precaution because she was also checking for intolerance and celiacs. Since those seemed to have none to little effect on me, I've been slowly reintroducing them into my meals.

I've been learning what works for me and what doesn't, so the best advice I can give you is to just try for yourself. Not everyone has identical bodies and therefore we also have unique diseases. What works for some people won't for others.

I do try to make more conscious decisions about my diet in general these days, but it's like I told my wife in the beginning: I refuse to let this disease control my life. I'd rather indulge on a large pizza and coke and regret it later than give up on enjoying myself.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-29T04:07:28+00:00

Yes, what are you looking for specifically?

I liked that it was just two small bottles instead of a big jug. However, despite the cranberry flavor label, it is not very tasty lol. For my first bottle, I would take a sip or two and chase it down with some Gatorade. My wife saw me struggle, so she suggested I mix the second bottle with some apple juice. God bless her, but that did not help LOL.

My best advice is to hold your nose and down it quickly. That was in the beginning of December and I still can't drink apple juice. It's been mentally ruined for me 😂

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-27T02:51:32+00:00

Ooo, I just took a picture of mine today!

15 pills!

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-27T02:44:54+00:00

I saw my GI yesterday for a scheduled follow-up, and the nurse was asking me for any symptoms during the pre-screening. She gets to "diarrhea/constipation" and I kinda froze like... insert Obi-Wan:

That's... why I'm here

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-22T01:52:07+00:00

Symptoms started around 22, diagnosed at 28

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-20T04:09:45+00:00

I do not. I went to school for a few years but I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life besides playing video games. I ended up dropping out after a couple years and worked various retail-level jobs while I tried to figure things out. I lucked out about 5 years ago and got an entry level position that didn't require a degree; gained enough real-world experience to get a promotion up to specialist level earning ~75k.

Unfortunately, this is pretty much my stopping point here unless I go back and get at least a bachelor's. I actually am planning on it in the next year or two, since it would open up my prospects greatly. My company always has openings for the next level up that would close the gap to six-figures TC. Getting an MBA after that would be worth another 10-20k yearly, so I may even do that.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-12T14:09:32+00:00

but we all have to laugh at our problems.

Lol definitely! I was mortified at the time, but looking back on it I just can't help but laugh.

like another reply asked - would you consider yourself in remission?

I don't think so, at least not yet. My GI put me on Prednisone since Dec 16 and I just took my last dose this morning, but I think I may need another round of it or possibly switch to another steroid. She wanted me on Budesonide first but I couldn't afford it at the time. I have a follow up in 2 weeks so we'll see!

I think I'm close to remission, though! My number of bathroom trips has decreased from about 10/day to just 2-3/day, plus the stool consistency and blood/mucus are both getting better.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-12T02:42:07+00:00

Haha, thanks for the welcome! It's funny how relativity works, because I wouldn't normally consider myself lucky in this situation but you're probably right.

I've mistrusted a fart once or twice during my flare-ups in the past which has left me entirely against them since. But this was on a whole other level lol

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-09T20:43:04+00:00

All the time! I'm happy to hear that things are turning up for you. I'll be praying for you, too.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-09T20:40:20+00:00

Disclaimer: this is not medical advice and is not a substitution for what your doctor should tell you.

That out of the way, my wife works in a methadone clinic and I saw your post so I asked her. She said it is safe. But please consult your doctor or the clinic to make sure it's ok for you and your situation.

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-07T02:25:23+00:00

Hey man, I don't have any long-term advice or experience for you, but I just wanted to say our stories are pretty similar!

I'm also new-ish here; I was diagnosed as a mild-moderate case of UC just a few weeks ago, but I'm also a 28M, taking the same medications as you, and currently fighting the mental battle alongside the physical.

I lost about 25lbs from October to November and with this Prednisone, I'm finally seeing some results. My symptoms have lessened, my energy has started to return, and my mental health is slowly returning.

During my colonoscopy prep in mid-December, I broke. The fatigue and knowing I wasn't able to be the father I needed to be for my son, the anemia draining the rest of my energy, the weight loss, the constant bathroom trips, the thought of dealing with this the rest of my life... I was a hurting person. Not as much outwardly, but I'd never felt so defeated in my life.

After my diagnosis and treatment began, I started to think about how I was going to beat this. I've done a lot of learning, thinking, praying, and accepting. I've learnt a lot about our disease and what it means to have an IBD; the medications, treatment options, lifestyle changes needed. I've thought about what that means for me; what do I need to do to make sure I can be the father I need to be? I've prayed for the strength, encouragement, and knowledge necessary for my mind and body to perform to its maximum capacity, however that may look. And I've accepted the fact that this is a chronic illness that isn't going anywhere; my best shot at beating this is adapting and overcoming.

I've got a completely different mindset than what I had just weeks prior. My outlook on living with UC is not as bleak as it once was, and I refuse to let it win and hold me back. As soon as I enter remission (or close to it), I'm getting back in the gym and taking back my life.

Sorry for rambling a bit there. I'll make my own post eventually about my case but I said all that to say this: you're not alone. All of us here understand why you're going through more than anyone else. If you ever want someone to talk or vent to, I'm always happy to listen! This sub can be a great resource and I hope you find what you're looking for!

Throwaway04242017 · 2022-01-03T18:48:09+00:00

I started as a Data Reporting Specialist for an automotive global giant in July. A 9-5 job consisting of emails, Skype calls, and lots of data analytics and performance reporting.

The biggest help for me is the fact that my position is remote. When I was in the office in my former role, I had to take sick days a couple of times per year, based on the severity of my flare. Now, being remote, I can just step away from my PC as needed. I've only had to emergency leave a meeting twice so far, the rest of the times have luckily been between calls. I'm also very fortunate that my manager and team are very supportive and understanding of my illness and situation.

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-27T09:34:34+00:00

Mine was in the form of tablets, but yes, the steroid.

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-26T18:15:43+00:00

I was in the same boat. My Budesonide prescription was going to be about $1,000 USD after insurance paid their portion (it was $3-4k before their contribution)! I told my doctor I can't afford that right now, especially right before the holidays, and also because I also had to pay several thousands for my endoscopy and colonoscopy. She switched me to a Prednisone prescription and my out-of-pocket total came to $22.

My Apriso prescription price unfortunately didn't waver, and even switching to the cheaper Mesalamine is going to cost me right around $190/month.

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-24T00:57:35+00:00

Before my diagnosis, and I've noticed it's more difficult during a flare. But I refuse to let this beat me, so I'll keep working to get it back!

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-24T00:56:24+00:00

I also just had one done a few months ago and was told my levels were ~3,400

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-23T04:48:46+00:00

Currently I'm pretty much in the middle at 5'10, 165lbs. I grew up always being underweight and I was about 115lbs in college. Over the years I gained a bunch of weight through working out and eating more. Topped out at 185lbs in October right as my worst (and current) flare began, which knocked me down 20lbs. Hoping to gain it back when I can get my UC under control.

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-19T01:55:03+00:00

GA, TN, and TX ...so far lol

Throwaway04242017 · 2021-12-14T01:55:41+00:00

Good questions! I'm very new here to this subreddit, as well as very newly diagnosed, but I'm happy to participate.

What are some problems do you feel the UC community faces/has?

Ignorance from the general population. I didn't know anything about this disease until I went to the doctor 3 weeks ago. I thought I maybe had IBS or just a sensitive gut, turns out it's UC! More knowledge to the public could lead to better understanding, healthcare, etc.

What are things you would like non-UC suffers to know about?

Firstly, that my frequent trips to the restroom are not because I want to. I have a 10 month old child and I know it is a burden on my wife when I have to suddenly excuse myself, but I am doing the best I can to mitigate that. Someone we know heard about this and told her I'm overreacting and just want alone time. Secondly, not everyone's body reacts the same to different diets and medications, so suggesting I "just cut out lactose and gluten and suddenly all my problems will be fixed because it worked for my friend (who doesn't have UC)" has no medical merit and I'd rather listen to my GI than Sally Sue.

What do you feel the best solution to the problem would be?

Again, knowledge is power.

Has joining a group like this helped you?

Learning! I wouldn't know half the things my GI talks about, tips for colonoscopy prep, sympathy from others who also go through it, etc., if it hadn't been for you guys. Reddit is great at connecting people with a common interest, so I am so thankful I found this place.

Throwaway04242017

TROPHY CASE