Introduction:
Hi, my name is Melissa. I’m 42 and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2006. I initially took Asacol but eventually was up to 4 pills, 3x a day. Steroids were the next step. That is when I went to a naturopath and eventually had testing done to see what foods I am sensitive to. For several years, eating well and avoiding the “bad” foods has kept me off of medications and pretty symptom free. However, the last few months I have been a bit lazy and cheating on my diet. I started back with a few symptoms here and there. However, the last few weeks have been crap (no pun intended). I’m glad I found this site.
Current Symptoms:
My current symptoms range from diarrhea to constipation. I currently can eat only very small amounts of food without nausea and vomiting. Stomach cramps and lots of fatigue.
When I was diagnosed in ’06 I was very diligent about focusing on my health and getting better.
Between then and now, I only had a few flare ups. I’m not sure what made me ignore things… maybe because I was feeling pretty good for so long. I now know that I can’t let things slide anymore. I’m currently in the worst flare I’ve had since my diagnosis.
Last summer I was supposed to go to my GI doc for a check up and colonoscopy. I blew it off, which I probably should not have done. My family has a history of colon cancer, so I know that this is not something that I can ignore and just treat when I am feeling really bad.
My friends and family are very helpful when it comes to trying to accommodate meals for me. I tell ya though, it gets boring and frustrating sometimes when there are things that I really want to eat and know that I shouldn’t. (I’m sure that is why I am feeling so bad right now) To make things even more challenging diet wise, I don’t eat meat and can’t tolerate dairy. My family never knows what to make for me on holidays. I just tell them not to worry about me.. I’ll find something and bring what I need. As far as my diet though, what I miss most is wine! I’m slowly learning that when I have wine I also have symptoms. That really sucks!
I hope that by finding this site it will keep me focused and motivated to take care of myself. I really don’t want to end up back on meds for a long time and I definitely don’t want the disease to destroy my colon. I’m looking forward to advise and insight from you all.
Where I’d Like to Be in 1 Year:
Hi, my name is Melissa. I’m 42 and was diagnosed with UC in 2006.
