Questions about colitis

[HauntedNoddyCar]

I've been ignoring this for some time and I know it's stupid.

I have proctitis which is UC of the bottom. Delightful. Diagnosed a while back.

I got taken off the consultant's list and gp didn't think it needed a re-referral for a while. Symptoms are much worse and have been for quite a while so finally have gastro appt tomorrow.

I'm trying to work out what's relevant to tell them.

I have a lot of blood. Mucus etc. Loose and urgent and explosive. Blood is mix of red and dark. In and following. Awful smell. Really awful.

Pains vary from gallbladder area (not gallstones) right the way down. Feel sick quite a lot.

Joint pains. Knees and shoulders.

Generally run down.

Is this enough for them to investigate further than the flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Is it steroids or nothing?

Am veering between being terrified it's something worse than colitis and worried I'm being a wuss.

Is there anything common that might be a symptom of proper UC rather than the diagnosis I have?

DH is out and I'm stewing.

Hello Noddy!

Thank you :)

I think (hope) it is some massive prolonged flare up.

I felt last time that they stopped at the first problem but tbh I had pnd and wasn't really dealing with anything properly. I have more of a grip now!

I too was diagnosed with proctitis (since developed into fully fledged colitis), and it is not fun! I had similar symptoms as you and have managed to stay away from oral steroids until now, as am in middle of a flare up. I would think bloody stool should be enough for them to investigate further and get you into a gastro clinic and on some meds! With proctitis, topical treatments such as suppositories or enemas are pretty effective, unpleasant but you quickly get used to it. The thing about proctitis is that its damn difficult to treat and can be hard to get a flare up under control, but you're much less likely to end up on heavy duty steroids, have surgery, be unable to eat, etc. In other words, annoying but less serious than colitis.

good luck with your appointment, and don't let them fob you off again!!

Thanks Jess.
I saw a different consultant this time and he was great. Explained things brilliantly.

I've got a load of the suppositories to use and he's scheduled a sigmoidoscopy and follow up and did my bloods.

Feeling a lot more confident about him.