Tracy Schmoe

My name is Tracy Schmoe, I am 42 years old and I’d like to share my fairly recent life illnesses with everyone I’m close to. I was diagnosed with gastritis in December of 2016. I was in the best shape of my life yet I don’t know how I got here. I followed up with my doctor for a colonoscopy and endoscope after giving him my symptoms. I finally got my appt 2?months later. My results were positive for ulcerative colitis both in my stomach and colon had ulcers. I took budesonide for 3 months and seemed to be doing well. I weighed 147 lbs, my stomach wasn’t sick then I saw a dentist that treated me. He pulled a tooth and put me on clindamycin for infection. I used it for 7 days and went back to him for more dental work. He somehow irritated a wisdom tooth and I got an abcess. I was put on clindamycin again for 7 days. On August 1, 2017 I discontinued the medicine after being on it 12 days. I had a uti so the dentist took me off. Clindamycin is not a medicine that patients use for infection when they have gi problems. It goes for the sores and kills off the colon. I perforated on August 3rd. It was the most horrible pain. I had surgery, having died on the table for 45 secondsbut pulled through. I stayed in the hospital for 15 days and they put me back together before I left because my colon had healed. It was a rough road at home to recovery. I lost 25 lbs and I was miserable having to clean my wounds, the pain etc. I made trips every week to the wound clinic and doctors. It was very tiring. About 2 months after I started hurting on my stomach. It felt like something sharp was stabbing me. I had my doctor order an ultrasound because I thought it was a hernia. It ended up being something was supposedly left in my stomach from surgery. The radiologist stated a needle or  something else versus surgical material. I spoke with the surgeons they insisted it was surgical material and that I wait 6 months till it will dissolve. It’s been almost 5 months and I’m still in pain. I was diagnosed about a month ago with fibromyalgia and was in the hospital a week and they discovered I have pots. I’ve been having issues with my heart since my surgery. Pots is a syndrome where blood pulls to the feet and your heart has to work harder to get it back where it needs to be. It’s gotten up to 174 since I’ve been diagnosed. It’s very dibilitating. I can’t work. I’m always tired, constantly thirsty. Pots drys you out. My hair is falling out. And now I’m having issues with my blood pressure. I’ve got Dr appts to see a cardiologist and a rheumatoid doctor. It’s been a very rough year. My anxiety and depression hit me often and I feel sorry for myself. I need this website to help me through this tough time. Encouragement from family friends and others going through tough times. I’ll keep everyone posted on my situation. Thanks for listening.