Introduction:
I am a 27 year old girl originally from the Seattle area, currently living in Washington, DC. I work in politics, which I love and lead a very active life. I was diagnosed with colitis 6 years ago.
My Symptoms:
Although I am in constant pain I try to not let this disease become my life. I have diarrhea 5+ times a day, bloating, arthritis, joint swelling, lack of energy, sores in my mouth which limit my speaking abilities (I learned recently UC can effect the whole GI tract) and have been in and out of hospitals.
My Story:
I somehow tend to not let this disease get me down but it’s becoming harder and harder. My breaking point was last weekend at an out of town for a wedding – the entire time I was trying to find a ‘safe’ bathroom to use where nobody will bother me, hear me or come in right after. I just can’t keep living this way!
My GI doctor has recommended I remove my colon as my body continues to reject all medicines. Before taking that drastic step I would like to try to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, I figure I have nothing to lose and I continue to read how successful it’s been for so many people.
My biggest hang up is that I have an extremely busy social life and a very and on-the-go job, usually working 12-15 hours a day and happy hours most nights. I rarely eat at home or on any sort of a schedule, I can’t even tell you the last time I went to a grocery store. Having to limit myself to certain foods is overwhelming to me; I don’t know how to find the discipline, especially with being with the schedule I keep. It sounds simple to outsiders (mainly my family) but attempting to change my life in such a significant way is frightening especially since I’m doing it on my own. I just know I have no other option and need to get with the program.
I am wondering if there is anyone out there like me with an active social/work life who decided to take the steps and successfully went on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? I guess I am looking for motivation and any tips you have on how to manage. I wish there was a ‘weight watchers’ like meeting for SCD! I am feeling pretty alone in all of this.
Thanks for reading,
Kiley
Where I’d like to be in a year:
With a colon but not thinking about it all of the time!!!
Colitis Medications I’ve tried:
I have tried almost all of the UC medicines – Asacol, Canasa, Rowassa, Proctofoam, Lialda, Remicade. I am currently on Humira which is not working so am also taking 40mg’s of Prednisone and 50 mg’s of Mercaptopurine … which apparently is a drug used to treat cancer patients – scary! Sadly the only thing working is the Prednisone – it has terrible side effects such as weight gain and moon face but it’s worth it not to severe UC symptoms.
written by Kiley
submitted in the colitis venting area
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I am a 27 year old girl originally from the Seattle area, currently living in Washington, DC. I work in politics, which I love and lead a very active life. I was diagnosed with colitis 6 years ago.
