Familial polyposis

[Sleeve304]

I was diagnosed with Familial polyposis when I was 13. I had a total colectomy when I was 24. It was a very hard recovery, I was in the hospital for 12 days, had pancreatitis while there and it was a very slow recovery. After surgery I lost my health insurance and was not able to see my gastro dr for 6 years. I went back and finally saw him last year for an endoscopy and colonoscopy and found that I had more polyps in my stomach duodeom small intestine and what is left of my rectum. I have had many blood tests in the past year and I now have hypothyroid disorder I am borderline diabetic and my good and bad cholesterol are all screwed up. I also have a 3 inch complex cyst on my right ovary and a 2-3 inch simple cyst on my left. I saw an OBGYN for the first time in years the other day and he gave me a taste of what I think is the truth and told me my body is on its way to shutting down and I need to make major life changes to fix this. My question is how I'm scared and I don't know what to do. My diet is fairly good. I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables I don't eat anything white or processed. I don't go to the gym everyday as I used to but I am fairly active through my job and life but my energy level is horrible. I really could sleep all day sometimes. I had somebody tell me I should look into a teaching school where they could use my body in study's and they could give me some answers. I'm just scared. I don't know how to reverse what my body is doing and I want to be here for my daughter for many years to come. Any advice or help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

I understand what you must be going through with a multitude of medical problems. However, one would have to make the best use of whatever is in ones hands. Half the battle is won if you have courage to go on. Instead of looking at the whole complex situation, one should look at them individually. I assume you have not had another surgery after the first total colectomy. I would suggest consulting your treating gastroenterologist for suggestion of further management at this time. While hypothyroidism is purely managed on medications, diabetes and hypercholestremia would need lifestyle changes such as regular physical exercise, diet modification etc. OBGYN issues are best dealt by a gynaecologist. I would also suggest finding a good primary care physician/ internist who could juggle you between specialists when required. Things are likely to improve with consistent efforts and treatment.

Take care!

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Have you discussed all of this with your doctor?  How old are you now?