Adding up the Fun Diagnoses

Yesterday I saw my gastroenterologist for the first time since he did my colonoscopy last August. It was an interesting appointment. It’s been an interesting ride at his practice.

It’s been a series of issues in his office that has kept me from seeing the actual gastroenterologist for so long. His office cancelled and rescheduled two appointments and shuffled me off on an NP before I actually saw the man himself. Normally I don’t mind Nurse Practitioners. In fact, I almost always see the NP at my rheumatologist’s office and I freaking adore her. But this gastro NP was dismissive, condescending, and told me to do the exact opposite of what I should be doing for my condition. I hated her.

I’d switch to another gastroenterologist except I had a horrible experience with an MD at the only other practice in town, and I’m not “allowed” to see any other MD in that practice because I saw that one dude once. I’m apparently his property until death. So I’m stuck with the gastroenterologist I saw yesterday.

Mind you, I liked the man himself. He took the time necessary and listened and believed me and seems smart. I just don’t like all the shuffling they’ve done and I hate one of his NPs.

ANYwho, I was informed that the MD had found I have ulcerative colitis when he did my colonoscopy. LAST AUGUST. Why didn’t anyone in his practice tell me I had UC or treat me for it before now? Gah! I’ve been struggling with my GI symptoms for many, many years – like 15+ years. I’m delighted to have a Dx that explains the symptoms and a plan of treatment.

The doc prescribed Mesalamine, which is a non-steroidal anti inflammatory that stays focused on the digestive tract. I know at least one person with UC who has taken that med for years and it works great for him so I have high hopes. I’m to stay away from other NSAIDs because they can rip up the digestive tract of someone with UC quite nicely. That kind of stinks since Advil is my go-to for foot and ankle pain during my recovery but I’ll happily part with it if it will help. And I’m to start a rotation of probiotics.

So, let’s see. In the last year-ish, I’ve been diagnosed with:

• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Ulcerative Colitis

Plus of course ADHD and Autism.

Oof. That is a LOT to take in in one year.

But no freaking wonder I’m struggling with horrific fatigue, and pain, and intestinal issues. Fibromyalgia, PsA, and UC can all cause all three! I’m so damn tired my fatigue has disease layers! I’d heard autoimmune diseases run in packs, and I guess they aren’t kidding. I really didn’t expect to get diagnosed with two of them in one year.

I am so excited to start Mesalamine for the UC and Enbrel for the PsA this month. I have high hopes of improved quality of life right now.

So here’s a toast to figuring out what’s wrong, and to Pharma for figuring out how to treat my new diagnoses! Cheers! 🍻