long term IBD sufferer
Suffered chronically since 16. Very little help. At the age of 30 had an endoscopy and the doctor punctured my oesophagus. Intensive care and then 2 months in hospital and 2 operations and no attention given to my IBD. 2 years later I became so frustrated that I demanded some help and was prescribed codeine which I have been taking ever since. This stops me having 6 to 10 watery bowel movements per day which means I can function but I still have underlying symptons of discomfort, bloating and diarhea etc. I'm 57 now but just wonder if there is anything that might help me since this condition still places restrictions on my life?
Hi
, I'm really sorry you went through all this. It must have been awful to have a punctured oesophagus! When you got prescribed the codeine, what kind of doctor did you see? In my view, there are other medications that might help you more and a GI doctor might be the place to go for that. Here is a list of commonly prescribed meds: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/treatment-type-ibd. It sounds like getting a solid diagnosis and then discussing a long term treatment plan might be helpful. What are your thoughts? -Eshani (IBD Team Member) 
Earnest,
Yes there is a way to get control of your life again.
Try reading this. This is how I got immediate relief without medication.
https://www.realcreativeagency.com/blog/the-best-and-fastest-ulcerative-colitis-treatment-without-medication/
Let me know if you want more details.
