Introduction:
I am from Fresno CA and I was diagnosed with UC in August of 2010. I have a BA in Business Management and currently I am working my way up the corporate ladder at Coca-Cola. I love traveling, experiencing new things, meeting new people, and I am a sports nut. I have traveled to Romania, Africa, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Canada, and all over the US. Do no let this disease stop you from enjoying life!
Symptoms:
Currently I am experiencing fatigue and the usual abdomen cramping and bloating…..but what else is new…. My most recent flare just ended about two weeks ago and it lasted for over 2 months. I experienced loss of appetite along with weight loss during those 2 months when my UC was flaring up. Mercaptopurine was just added to my medication regiment and it has helped immensely.
My Story:
I was diagnosed with UC in August of 2010 after I had about two months of intense abdominal pain and bloody bathroom visits. I had never heard of Ulcerative Colitis and I remember feeling very depressed and almost in shock when they first told me about all the horrible outcomes that are associated with this disease. But THERE IS HOPE! For anyone out there that has just been diagnosed do not let yourself be overtaken by all of the bad press this disease gets. Yes it sucks, and yes it is serious, but if you want to take control of your disease and live a normal, healthy, and exciting life then it has to start with a positive outlook.
The first 7 months of my disease were by far the worst. I constantly had abdominal pain and was actually unable to work for a full month. But after doing countless hours of research I found that many people have success treating there UC with a healthy diet. I implemented this strategy in my efforts to control my disease and it made a huge difference. I still take all of the medication that has been prescribed but I noticed the most significant changes to my mood and overall health once my diet was altered. A balanced diet of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grain carbohydrates will make a huge difference.
I just want to encourage anyone out there that is struggling with this disease to STAY POSITIVE! I have been there, Ive experienced the depression, the pain, and the embarrassment. But you have the ability to look at it in a different way and you can live a full and normal life….It all starts with your mindset.
I hope this post is having the desired affect, I just wanted to express my take on this disease and share what has helped me. As we all know most of the information out there is doom and gloom and can leave you feeling hopeless. But I believe that the way you view a situation or a struggle not only dictates what type of person you are; but it will determine the outcome of whatever challenge you face. If you can find the strength to view your struggle in a positive way then you have taken the first step to success. I promise you this works and I hope that this helps at least one person out there. It might seems impossible to see the good in this situation (especially when you are using the bathroom 20+ times a day) but there is hope and things can get better….you just have to focus on the goal of being healthy and do whatever it takes to achieve it.
If anyone needs encouragement or would like to correspond more about this disease and what I have found through my research please do not hesitate to contact me.
Where I’d Like to be in 1 Year:
In one year I see myself in remission, without experiencing any flares, and in the best shape of my life. I am determined to be in complete control of my body and my UC. I WILL NOT LET UC CONTROL MY LIFE!
My Colitis Medications:
I take 4 – 1.2 mg Lialda pills daily along with 50 mg of 6-MP and this combination has left me feeling great. I also take fish oil, iron, vitamin C, fiber, and 1 Activia yogurt daily. The 6-MP, or Mercaptopurine, has definitely been the medication that has helped the most. Besides the medication DIET is the key! Clean eating and a balanced meal plan has changed everything for me. Since changing my diet I feel stronger, I have more energy, and I guess you can it has helped me feel “normal”. Anyone who has just been diagnosed with disease I promise that diet is the key and Adam has done a great job of providing very useful information concerning this topic….take his advice it works.
written by Mike
submitted in the Colitis Venting Area
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I am from Fresno CA and I was diagnosed with UC in August of 2010.
