So here is the deal, my name’s Adam. I have ulcerative colitis. But let’s just call it UC. Gastro problems go way back in my family. My grandpa had some type of colon problems, the same deal with my uncle who had Crohn’s Disease and an ostomy. And here I am in the new millennium living with UC. But that’s alright, I’ve learned how UC IS NOT the end of the world. That’s for diggidy darn sure.
I started iHaveUC.com back in January of 2010 with the hopes of connecting with other UC’ers. If you are new to the website or my e-Book, you’ll learn very quickly that I’m a firm believer that interacting with others is crucial to beating this disease. Too many people that I meet believe that their lives are over with a UC diagnosis. Far too many people, and often it’s young people who believe their lives are doomed to “being sick forever”. I can’t stand to hear people thinking like that. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
So what about my colitis? Am I some rare or special UC patient?. Actually, I’m more or less the common story. A UC patient who not very long ago felt terribly crappy (let’s call it very very sick, rectal bleeding, nasty cramps and joint pains all day sure isn’t close to healthy right), I struggled with finding the right medications, and eventually I was forced to considering surgery.
Luckily, I was able to take control of my colitis, and the majority of my post-diagnosis days have been medication free.
As the months have gone on, this site’s daily use has grown exponentially. UC’ers from over 50 countries use the website and share UC stories daily. The constant communication between different individuals living with UC is what keeps this website alive. There’s absolutely no reason to feel alone with UC anymore. I understand how it can be very hard to talk about UC with outsiders who don’t have it. That is NOT going to be a problem here. The same is true for family and friends of people living with UC who are just wanting to learn more. iHaveUC.com is built by and for people who are somehow connected to colitis. It’s that simple.
This is a place to:
- share your story
- get feedback from others
- and a great place to FEEL NORMAL AGAIN!!
I’m in my early 30′s and I’ve lived in Santa Barbara, Boulder, Prague, Geneva, and back to California once again. Someday, Michaela and I hope to have kids. Crazy enough I got married right before I was diagnosed with UC, and Michaela stuck by my side all through my most horrible UC days of 2008-2009. She also was there in 2009 when I found my way and became medication free. Remission didn’t come easy, but it did come.
I get emails every day from mom’s and dad’s asking if their kids are going to be able to have a normal life. A BIG FAT YES is what I almost always reply with. Life with UC can be everything you want it to be: Fun, Challenging, Relaxing, and of course Worth While!
My absolute favorite thing about iHaveUC.com is hearing from other UC’ers. Since I’ve released my complete story as an e-book for download, I’ve been blown away by the emails and letters I’ve received from UC’ers (and family members) all around the world. I never thought my story would have such a positive effect on so many people, it’s been pretty cool to say the least.
If you want to write a post ( similar or different from one that is already on the site, there are over HUNDREDS already) feel free to do so HERE. After you submit your story, it gets sent directly to my email box, and usually within a day or two or three it will be posted on the homepage of this site. (There are more details on posting your story once you join the newsletter too.)
It’s been quite a while since I was real sick, I guess it’s been over 3 years now. I credit how I’m feeling with the way I’m treating my UC: symptoms, flare ups, bloody bowel movements and all the other thoughts that come to mind are not even on my radar. Those days are long gone and I hope that becomes the same story for thousands of other UC families all over the world.
Enjoy the site.
Write comments on other people’s stories. It will make you feel better. And no matter what, no matter who or where you are, you’re never gonna be alone with your UC again. Tell me that doesn’t feel good!
Adam Scheuer
There’s thousands of people who are part of the site’s FREE newsletter, I’d encourage you to join as well:
Newsletter Sign Up — CLICK HERE
Just so there aren’t any questions:
I am not a doctor or a medical professional; you should consult your doctor before going on any diet or taking any health related steps to treat your own disease. This website is purely informational. No decisions should be made concerning your health based off this website. Consult with your doctor. Show your doctor the website if you want.
***If you are interested in learning my entire UC story, You can purchase the “Colitis Package” which includes my most recent e-Books. Click here for more details.
