Introduction:
I’m a performer who lives with Ulcerative Colitis. It’s an interesting situation being on stage and having an immediate attack, let me tell you!
My Story:
I’ve been singing for a living since I was 13 and have always had stomach problems, which is awful for a singer or a performer of any kind! In the specific instance I’m going to tell you about, I was performing at Universal Studios Orlando in their Christmas show, Grinchmas, which is based on the “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” book by Dr. Seuss. It’s a very popular show at Christmastime, so I was extremely excited! I was performing as Cindy Lou Who, one of the main characters. My colitis was flaring a lot during rehearsals, probably because of the stress and the late rehearsals. I had told the cast about my problems and we just kind of made a joke of it, because for me that’s the only way I can get through it! The cast called me “Cindy Lou Poo,” respectively. So, on a normal 6 show day, we were nearly finished… I kissed the Grinch, saved the day, and the finale music started. I sang my solo at the be ginning, and then realized something AWFUL was about to happen.. I was about to soil my tights! I looked over at my mom and gave her “the look” and the message started getting passed around the stage… “Cindy’s gotta go!” “Everyone get ready to move at the end! She’s gonna be runnin’!” I heard the message get to the techs backstage over the loud speakers… and I knew the second I finished my last line I was RUNNING
I'm the girl in pink in the middle
through my house and to the bathroom! I didn’t even stay to wave after my line and BUSTED out of that place!! I don’t think I’ve ever had to run so fast, usually in an attack I get right to a bathroom, I’m not in the middle of performing for 1,000 people! When I finally came back from the bathroom, the breakroom had my lunch all prepared for me so I just sat comfortably and relaxed! My cast was so supportive and helpful, thankfully. It could have been a disaster!! Now, I’d tell you about the t ime I was “best friends” with Tinker Bell at Disney World and nearly the same thing happened… but we’ll save that for another rainy day!
My Medications:
Taking 4 Lialda daily and a mesalamine enema at night, also atropine when I’m flaring!
Submitted by “Cindy Lou Poo” in the Colitis Venting Area
I’m a performer who lives with UC. It’s an interesting situation being on stage and having an immediate attack, let me tell you!
