Struggling After Colitis Diagnosis Post-Surgery
I am a 20-year-old female who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and an appendectomy on June 5th. Since the procedure, I've encountered some significant challenges with my gastrointestinal health. My bowel movements have been irregular, and I have unfortunately developed colitis, leading to frequent hospital visits due to severe pain, diarrhea, loose stools with mucus, and occasional blood in my stool. To be candid, the pain has become unbearable. I’ve been discharged from the hospital twice after my condition seemed to improve, but my symptoms consistently return, prompting more hospital visits. Medical tests for various bacteria and norovirus were conducted, alongside multiple imaging scans; the diagnosis returned is colitis, which, according to the doctors, should resolve itself eventually. Thankfully, my stool tests have all come back negative for infections. Despite my attempts to manage the pain, I often feel overwhelmed. Friends and family advise me to relax and focus on recovery, but it's incredibly difficult. Due to my recent appendectomy, I cannot undergo a colonoscopy for another six weeks. The medical team indicated that there are no indicators of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in my case. My surgeon reported that everything appeared normal during the surgery, and imaging showed no signs of any surgical complications aside from the existing colitis inflammation. Am I in a hopeless situation? The thought of living with chronic pain is daunting, especially since I just had surgery aimed at alleviating chronic pain, only to face a new issue. Returning to the hospital seems futile, as the pattern repeats: I receive pain management, feel better for a short while, then return home only for the cycle to begin anew. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, alongside probiotics and other medications, seem to exacerbate my discomfort. I am genuinely concerned that this surgery has worsened my situation, and I feel scared and lost. I desperately seek support and guidance.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 3:20:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the struggles you're facing after your recent surgeries. Dealing with gastrointestinal issues, especially after experiencing chronic pain, can be incredibly overwhelming, and it's understandable to feel scared and lost. While your situation is not hopeless, it does require a careful approach to manage your symptoms and find relief.
Main Points:
- Colitis can be a challenging condition, especially post-surgery.
- Your symptoms should be monitored closely, and there are measures you can take to help manage the pain and discomfort.
Explanation:
Colitis is inflammation of the colon, and it can manifest with a range of symptoms, including pain, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits. While it's frustrating that you've experienced persistent symptoms, the medical team believes your condition will improve. It's good that you've ruled out serious infections, and keeping tabs on your symptoms over time is essential.
The pain and discomfort you're feeling are valid concerns, especially after seeking surgical solutions for chronic pain. It’s important to approach this situation with both medical management and supportive methods.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Start a detailed symptom diary to record your bowel movements, pain levels, food intake, and any medications you've taken. This information can be really helpful for when you do see your healthcare provider again.
-
Dietary Modifications: Consider trying a low-residue diet which may help reduce bowel movements and ease discomfort. Typical foods to incorporate can include:
- White rice, plain pasta, and white bread.
- Cooked vegetables without skins.
- Low-fiber fruits such as bananas or applesauce.
- Lean meats and fish. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat or spicy foods as they may trigger symptoms.
-
Hydration: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration from diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions can also be beneficial.
-
Controlled Pain Management: Since over-the-counter pain relievers aren't helping, discuss alternative pain management strategies with your primary care provider or pain specialist. Options might include prescription medications that can target nerve pain or even some non-pharmaceutical methods.
-
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, try incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga, or meditation into your daily routine.
-
Local Support: Seek out support groups online or in your community. Connecting with others who understand what you're experiencing can be both comforting and empowering.
Please remember, it’s essential to stay in touch with your medical team during this time, especially about any new or worsening symptoms. Your situation may feel daunting, but with the right strategies and support, it can improve. Take it one step at a time, and be kind to yourself throughout this process.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on My Husband's CT Scan Results to Alleviate Weekend Anxiety
I’m reaching out for assistance regarding my husband’s health situation. He is a 37-year-old male, weighing approximately 250 pounds and standing around 5 feet 7 inches tall. His current medications include Effexor and Adderall, and he has been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Recently, we received the CT scan results following a previously conducted MRI. During a recent colonoscopy attempt, the procedure could not be finalized due to significant narrowing of the colon. His gastroenterologist has provided us with two options: we could choose to undergo surgery to remove a portion of the colon now, or we might continue with the Remicade treatment to see if it alleviates the narrowing, allowing for a complete colonoscopy later on. The CT scan results indicate: "Redemonstration of circumferential colonic wall thickening at the proximal descending colon extending over a length of 11 cm with pericolonic lymph nodes measuring up to 1.0 x 1.1 cm. These findings in association with an enlarging hypodense mass within the right hepatic lobe segment 7, now measuring 2.3 x 2.7 cm as well as numerous omental nodules measuring up to 1.0 x 1.1 cm, raise concern for primary colonic malignancy with metastases." Given this report, does it imply the possibility of tumors or cancerous growths? I am feeling extremely anxious right now.
Stiffness in Left Cheek When Smiling [Male, 21]
I've noticed that when I smile, my left cheek feels quite rigid. It seems as though my lips glide easily to the right, but there's noticeable resistance when I try to move them to the left. Which type of specialist would be appropriate for me to see regarding this issue?
Update on Sudden Vision Loss and Concerns
A sudden loss of vision can be alarming, especially when it manifests quickly in one eye. Regarding my mother, who is 52 years old, stands at 5 feet tall, and weighs around 100 pounds: she has a troubled past marked by two overdoses due to meth, but she has been sober for the past seven years. She also struggles with anorexia and orthorexia, dedicating significant time to yoga and exercise, often working out for five hours daily. Among her unconventional health methods, she consumes naturopathic remedies, such as apricot seeds and methylene blue. Approximately seven months ago, my mother developed an all-over itchy rash, which I initially suspected could be measles. Unfortunately, she refused to seek medical attention from a qualified physician. Alongside the rash, she experienced jaw pain, extreme fatigue, inner ear complications, severe headaches, and persistent feelings of malaise. Last Saturday, she suffered a dramatic decline in her vision, losing roughly 80% of it in her left eye. After being taken to the hospital, she underwent a CT scan that excluded the possibility of a stroke. Medical professionals informed her that she had tertiary syphilis and required hospitalization, but she declined and opted for steroid eye drops instead, as she doesn’t trust conventional medicine. I am genuinely concerned about the potential life-threatening nature of syphilis, and I wonder how much time may remain for her without appropriate treatment. Subsequent medical evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of syphilis, identifying it as ocular syphilis. On the first day she started taking doxycycline orally, she went to bed and unexpectedly found herself on the opposite side of her room with no recollection of how she got there. This was followed by five hours of vomiting, along with persistent fogginess and headaches lasting two days thereafter. I fear she may be experiencing seizures when alone and not recalling these episodes. During her time as an addict, she suffered numerous seizures and even set up a camera to keep track of them for her safety. My concerns about the possibility of neurosyphilis are growing. Despite this concern, all she has been prescribed is four weeks of doxycycline, a cortisol steroid, and steroid eye drops, with a follow-up scheduled for August. She is severely fatigued, and her compulsive exercising—driven by OCD—has come to a halt. I have reached out to her doctors, yet none have responded to my inquiries. Am I being overly protective? Should I place my trust in their medical expertise? From my research, I do not grasp why they are not utilizing penicillin desensitization or suggesting further treatment options. Moreover, the doctors assured her that her eyesight would definitely improve, yet there have been no changes after a week. I acknowledge my limitations as a layperson, but based on my findings on syphilis, both ocular and neurological, the treatment plan she has been given seems inadequate. Additionally, given her history as a drug addict, I suspect she may not be receiving the appropriate level of care. She was a victim of sex trafficking around 15 years ago, potentially leading to her current syphilis infection. Her life has been exceedingly challenging, and my greatest fear is that she may pass away just as her condition appears to be improving. Please advise me: should I adopt a more assertive stance and advocate for better care on her behalf, or am I being too alarmist? Thank you for your insights.
Intense Head Jolt Experienced Before Waking
As a 32-year-old man, I want to share a peculiar episode I encountered shortly after consuming two beers the night prior. While resting in bed, teetering between wakefulness and sleep but not dreaming, I abruptly felt a powerful internal jolt similar to a loud thump or spasm within my head. This was immediately followed by a sensation akin to sleep paralysis that lasted for several moments. Although fully aware, I found myself unable to move. This episode lasted roughly 5 to 10 seconds, after which I regained full consciousness and normal physical function. I experienced no issues with speech, weakness, or numbness, and my vision remained clear. The only residual effect was a slight headache, likely attributable to the lack of quality sleep or potential hangover. I am familiar with the feeling of sleep paralysis, having had encounters with it previously, but this particular incident was distinctly more acute, characterized by its sudden and shocking nature, accompanied by that internal noise. It was so distressing that it crossed my mind that I might be experiencing a stroke. Following the episode, my blood pressure read at 130/83. Currently, I have not displayed any neurological symptoms, though I am grappling with lingering feelings of anxiety and fatigue. It’s worth noting that my mother had a stroke a few months back, which may have heightened my concerns about this event. What might have caused this occurrence? Thank you for your insights!
Facial Cellulitis Treatment Update
Age: 31 Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 10 inches Weight: 200 pounds Current Medication: Augmentin Recently, I observed a rash forming on the lower right portion of my face, prompting a visit to urgent care where I was prescribed doxycycline. After three days, I experienced significant swelling accompanied by a dark purple discoloration, which led me to the emergency room for further evaluation. There, I received two intravenous doses of antibiotics and was sent home with a ten-day prescription of Augmentin. I have only two days remaining in my treatment. CT imaging revealed there was no fluid that required drainage. Since starting on Augmentin, the swelling has dramatically subsided. Consultations with both my dentist and oral surgeon indicated that the infection was not related to any dental issues. I have appointments scheduled with my primary care physician and dermatologist later this week. The dark spot on my face has largely healed and appears to have detached itself, yet now it resembles a small area where skin seems to be missing. I cleanse the area with a mild facial wash and ensure I use a fresh towel for drying each time. Occasionally, I see minor traces of blood—no more than four or five specks—when I pat it dry. Currently, I am applying a bandage to the affected area—using one during the day and replacing it after my evening shower before sleep. I’m wondering whether it would be better to leave it exposed this weekend. I'm slightly anxious about the indentation that remains, despite the fact that it looks like my skin is gradually healing around it.