"Serious Ulcerative Colitis Flare"

After a family bereavement my Ulcerative Colitis had begun to flare and the symptoms had gradually gotten worse. I was struggling with extreme fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, joint pain, diarrhoea and had run a fever in the previous week.

After having diarrhoea with blood and mucus over ten times throughout the night and morning and with a CRP result of 100 I was called into the hospital by my Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Nurse, Dawn.

The first night I was placed on a drip for dehydration and had a range of tests carried out - including a chest scan. In the morning I was brought down for a sigmoidoscopy by Dr Harding which found my Ulcerative Colitis had spread and I was in a severe flare. 

Over the coming days the IBD team (Dawn and Dr Harding) explained the change in my disease and took great time to ensure I fully understood my options and the best path towards recovery.

I was placed on Hydrocortisone IV and over the course of the coming weeks we tried to transition over to the Prednisone tablets. After an initially unsuccessful transition it was decided to try the biologic, Infliximab.

Although the initial dose was not enough to enable transition - a second dose which the team worked hard to secure in line with a TB specialist due to an inconclusive blood result - had a massively positive result. It quickly lowered stool movements until down to one every 24 hours with no blood. After a day of transition it was decided there was enough progress for discharge.

I am incredibly grateful towards the IBD Team in Lagan Valley - who went above and beyond in their care.

Throughout my stay the hospital team of ward 1B did everything to ensure that I was comfortable and monitored. They were always positive and willing to take time to discuss any concerns that I had. They ensured I felt relaxed whether it was during my first biologic treatment or during a period of low potassium when a heart monitor was used. I never felt under any risk thanks to their support. This was thanks to the whole team - from the doctors who initially informed me of decisions, the Nurses who carried out the infusions and the care team that helped monitor throughout the day. I have only thanks for all the staff that helped me during my time in ward 1B. 

I was also very grateful as with my IBD I have many diet restrictions which they ensured were followed closely. This was worked with in parallel with the team of dieticians - who ensured to monitor my weight and advise on the best actions to take to increase it. They encouraged me to add foods when I was wary of the impact - and always to a successful result. They have also ensured there are plans to continue this work into the future.

I am also grateful to the Kitchen who worked hard to ensure that my diet restrictions were followed. 

I would also like to give a thanks to the domestic team who worked hard to keep the room tidy throughout and were always friendly and in good humour during my stay.