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Brooke’s Story

Site created on July 3, 2022

In August of 2017, I began experiencing sensitivity to a lot of dairy products. I chalked it up to being lactose intolerant, and changed my diet to accommodate this. As time went on, I started noticing more and more foods that were causing me pain when I ate them. Then, I began passing large amounts of blood when I would use the bathroom. This obviously caused severe alarm, so I scheduled a doctor's appointment with my doctor in Lafayette. During this appointment, I was told that it was just hemorrhoids. I was insistent that was NOT the issue, but I played along. My friends and family at the time didn't believe it was as bad as I was making it out to be. I became extremely anemic, and it wasn't until I started passing out in front of people, that they took it seriously. I went back to the samedoctor and told him once again what was going on, and again he prescribed me hemorrhoid cream and sent me on my way. I immediately began looking for a new doctor in Terre Haute, where I was finishing up college (this is in June of 2018 at this point). I found a female doctor who, within 5 minutes of hearing my symptoms, had a strong opinion that I had Ulcerative Colitis. By the end of the appointment, I had a referral to a GI and a colonoscopy was scheduled. I had my first colonoscopy in July of 2018, where it was confirmed I have Ulcerative Colitis. We began treatment shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, I failed all of the treatments I was on, so we just kept trying new medications. Fast forward to August of 2019, and I found out I was pregnant. I had to stop the medications I was on at the time. I began flaring extremely bad at this time, and in October of 2019, I made the move back up to the Lafayette area to be closer to family when the baby got here. Unfortunately, in November of 2019, during the height of a flare, I delivered my Emerson Michael at 22 weeks, and he did not survive. I was able to restart medications after this tragic event. In January of 2020, I started on Entyvio. This medication was able to throw me into remission, which was good with COVID running rampant. Unfortunately, in January/February of 2021, the Entyvio stopped working. Cue the beginning of my current situation. We have been struggling to find the medication concoction to send me into remission again. Since March of 2021, I have been hospitalized upwards of 20 times, each time for at least a week. That being said, the updates are where my story continues...

Newest Update

Journal entry by Brooke Milburn — Jul 6, 2023

Hey guys! It's been awhile since I've updated this site! Things settled down for the most part, with less hospitalizations, but still a ton of pain. I had a GI appointment a few weeks ago, and we have decided to move ahead with a colectomy. I had the option of a jpouch, but given that I would still have the potential to develop UC in other parts of the colon that would be left from the procedure. I also would still be using the bathroom 10+ times a day, which I already do, so there were really no benefits for me with that surgery. My surgery date is August 11th! I am super excited, and ready for this journey to be over. Surgery will take around 6 hours, and I will be in patient no less than 3 days afterwards, but when I go home will depend on how well I am adjusting and healing at the hospital. This is the only part I'm nervous about. With that being said, I have had people reaching out to see what they can do for me during this time. I have created an Amazon List with items on it to keep me entertained at the hospital, and at home. My list also has practical items on it, such as meal replacement shakes, and gowns/night dresses. Much love to you all. I will update more as I can! ❤️

Read More of the journal titled "July 6, 2023"

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