Hi y'all

[Vailgirl]

I just recently moved to Austin, Texas from Colorado and I have to say living at sea level and in a more moist environment has helped me feel much better and has helped with Lymphedema. Like some of you here, I"m an anal cancer survivor (out 15 years now), I'm 67 years old. In 2015 or 2016, after spending four days stuck in a NY apartment because of intense bowel distress from eating brown rice and an apple, I decided to research to see if I can find answers to my problems. I stumbled upon PRD which I think is still not recognized in the US. So, good news I'm still here, still kicking and living life fully, but still dealing with all the symptoms and still always wondering if a bathroom is nearby or when I should eat. Things have improved but it's still tough and I've learned a lot along the way. I hope to share some of that with you and I know I will be able to learn things from all here.

[Blue_Hawaii]

Welcome to this lovely group xxx

[Sarah_PRDA Partner]

Hi Vailgirl

Welcome to the group. It's wonderful to hear your recent move to a different climate has been beneficial to you. Unfortunately, you are right in that PRD isn't recognised in the US as yet. There are members in the group from the US and Canada who have come up against the same issue, who can hopefully share any tips/help available your side of the pond 🙂

Thanks so much for sharing your positive outlook and we hope you will find the group helpful. There is also information and support for self managing symptoms on the PRDA website (a UK based charity): prda.org.uk

[Vailgirl in reply to Sarah_PRDA]

Thanks Sarah, Ive had to be my own advocate for the past 15 years and have learned so much. Luckily I have found doctors that now believe me when I show up in the ER due to blockages followed by constant vomiting and loose stools that this does not need a CAT scan, I just ate the wrong thing and need fluids! This issue started about 3 years after my treatment and of course, the docs insisted that I have my gallbladder out even though I knew that was not the problem. You do not get a gallbladder attack after eating oatmeal with berries! lol

[Hidden]

Hi Vailgirl,

I am glad to hear that you are doing well. I used to live in Colorado and it is a very dry climate. I think you are right that the US does not yet recognize PRD. Unbelievable. Welcome!