Hi everyone. 2 weeks ago I suddenly fell ill with bouts of D and severe cramping. Went to the ER after 3rd day of no change. Was given fluids and some blood work done, then sent home. Went back the following day and they did more tests and a CT. Results showed Colitis. It's been 2 weeks for me now, which I see is nothing compared to what some of you have been going thru for years. So sorry to hear that!! I'm looking for advice on everything. I'm 35 F. I have no insurance and can't really afford it. I haven't seen a regular PCP in about 2 years due to no insurance so I usually go to the ER if it's necessary. I started a Colon Probiotic and making changes to my diet. I know I should see a GI but I cannot afford it. I'm looking for advice on Drs, cost efficient treatment, over the counter remedies, ANYTHING that can help me get thru this without killing the pocket or my gut. Also I work overnights which seem to be the worst time for me, nights and early morning symptoms. Any suggestions to help with that? Ideas on kaopectate, taking to slow symptoms? Thank!!

Have you gone to the ACA website and put in all your financial info and made sure you aren't eligible for very low cost insurance? (hope this is not upsetting to ask but deadlines are right now).

The bottom line is that a colonoscopy is needed to make a definite diagnosis to determine what you have. "Colitis" can mean something temporary but "ulcerative colitis" is not temporary and needs RX treatment ongoing basis.

If ER did not do a colonoscopy for you (most will not) it is possible to have a screening colonoscopy done which is free but once you are diagnosed with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's we don't get free scopes. My non-UC husband had his c-scope done free but I have t pay for mine. Weird system but those are the rules made by lawmakers and insurance companies.

Sounds like you do not have a UC/Crohn's diagnosis yet so no GI will prescribe meds for it and they are expensive unless you have better insurance than I have (I have high deductible and pay for almost everything).

What you can try is: probiotics (you are doing that) but you may have to try a couple to find the one(s) that suit your gut. Diet modification helped me tremendously, much more than RX meds did, but that took a lot of time/effort to figure out what my gut did not want me to eat. Search the net for information about the SCD/Specific Carbohydrate Diet. It will be a good start. Paleo Diet also works for some people. Going gluten/grain free and lactose (milk) free also helps many people.

Hope this helps. And hope your diagnosis is "colitis" not "ulcerative colitis". Search the net to understand the difference. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's are a lifetime disease but colitis can be short-term.

Post Edited (imagardener2) : 12/15/2016 4:36:13 PM (GMT-7)