I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in my early 20’s.
I thought I would be the first one to beat it, using exercise, diet, yoga and meditation.
I was on prednisone without ever stopping for 11 years. I had several resections and tried 6MP with no success. In fact, I had blood transfusions on the day of my wedding and still went through with the ceremony even though I had a fever of 102 degrees. I was a fighter. But even the strongest among us have our limits. After my first marriage failed as badly as my health, I met an incredible man who taught me that I was beautiful, even wearing a bag on my side. After almost bleeding to death many times, he talked me into having a standard ileostomy so that I could get pregnant and carry a baby to term. I wore that bag on my side for five years before I was able to sustain a viable pregnancy. When our son was 8 months old, I converted to a continent ileostomy which was the best thing I could have done. Now, twenty five years after my first surgery, I am happy to be alive and tomorrow will celebrate our son’s 21st birthday.
Thank God for enabling me to live to this season.
Don’t be afraid to have surgery like I was. Talk to others who have gone through the surgery. Know that you are not alone. Becoming pain free is a miracle in itself.
Submitted by “Gutless Wonder” in the Colitis Venting Area
Other Colitis Surgery Stories:
Curtis and his 2nd Ulcerative Colitis Surgery Success
Surgery As an Only Option to Cure Colitis
Considering Surgery For Ulcerative Colitis
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in my early 20’s and then went on a very long run of using prednisone. Eventually, I had surgery and am so happy to have made that decision.
