Hi Everyone,
I’m 31, and was diagnosed 2.5 years ago. Before I was diagnosed, I worked 3 jobs just to stay busy; competed in triathlons; and was a personal trainer. I was also training for, my first ever, half marathon. —I was fit! haha
I love to laugh, be active, and be outdoors. I’m one of those strange people who actually enjoy every season! I’m a skier/snowboarder in the winter; hike in spring and fall; and normally I spend my summers training and competing in triathlons, plus boating. I’m grateful, that I live somewhere in which I can enjoy all of these activities.
Symptoms:
Currently, I have the odd days with sheer exhaustion (normally if I have to work an unexpected 12 hour day); sometimes blood (when I’m really tired, or super stressed); but all in all, I’m in remission!
How to Date with Colitis
I had a very large flare last year after running my first half marathon in May of 2014. I caught strep throat two days after the race; then the antibiotics, along with the strep virus, threw me into my first ever major flare. After 65 days of uncontrollable pain, bathroom visits (20+ a day), and dropping 20 lbs (off my 120 lbs frame), I was rushed to the hospital—I was allergic to every medication they tried, so finally the hospital was the last resort. I was there for 10 days. Needless to say, it was taxing on myself, my family, and my fiancé at the time. The doctors discussed remicade, surgery (as I went from having 3 inches of UC, to having 24 inches of it), and the fact that I might not be able to have children. A lot to take in as in my mind. I felt like they were just pulling my “old” life away from me. Luckily, I responded to prednisone, and 6MP.
Now it is a year later, and I’m doing great! I was weaned off prednisone in December (after a 5 month run of it). And by April, I felt like my old self again. I’m back to swim training with my triathlon group; gently biking, and hiking. Nothing intense for me, but that’s okay. I’m grateful for every day I can get outside and enjoy it!
During the flare, I had amazing family and friend support. But, like any chronic illness, it took me longer than I (or anyone) expected to recover–I was off work for 6 months. Unfortunately, my main caregiver, and best friend, ended our relationship just as I finished the prednisone. Now that I’m fully back to feeling like myself, I guess it’s time to start dating again. Honestly, I’m nervous. I haven’t dated in years. I swear there should be a dating site for UCer’s haha. Less explaining required!
(my medication and supplements: 6MP, 5 ASA suppositories as needed, iron, vit B complex, probiotics, multivitamin, zinc, calcium, vit. D, potassium as needed, slippery elm bark tea, and go yin juice)
written by Lindsay L
submitted in the colitis venting area
I love to laugh, be active, and be outdoors. I’m one of those strange people who actually enjoy every season! I’m a skier/snowboarder in the winter; hike in spring and fall; and normally I spend my summers training and competing in triathlons, plus boating. I’m grateful, that I live somewhere in which I can enjoy all of these activities.
