What’s for Lunch?

Intro:

Hello, My name is Shelby and i was diagnosed with UC two weeks ago! I am 25 and have always been very healthy. I love to snowboard and cycle. There is a very long history of IBD in my family. Learning that i have UC was a surprise though, given the number of GI problems i’ve been faced with. I’m just so happy there are so many supportive sites and groups to turn to. Learning about UC has been a whirlwind and there is so much information. Sifting through it makes my head hurt. My family has been great though and have been very active in CCFA my whole life.

Some more about me:

I am from all over! i was born in CT then moved to FL, NC, WV, and CO. I am currently making my way back to FL. I am going to miss the mountains in CO! I love to snowboard. i have spent all season trying to get better at it. I also love to sing and have sang in choirs all over the country!

Symptoms:

I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. I am having a pretty bad flair and have basically just been on a fluid and soft food diet for a month now. The stomach cramps and severe diarrhea have gotten the best of me, I’m afraid. I have had limited blood thank god! I’ve been going to the bathroom about 10-20 times a day.

What’s for Lunch?

I have had digestion problems my whole life. I could never go out to eat and order a steak or i’d be in the bathroom for a week. Originally they told me i had IBS and i took it with a grain of salt and ate pretty much whatever i wanted and figured the pain would subside. For a years that worked but i noticed a huge difference about 6 months ago. That’s when i noticed the blood. Anyone with UC will tell you the first time you see that much blood in your crap its terrifying!! Fortunately my family has been very involved in CCFA for many years. My aunt has Chron’s disease and UC. She has had many surgeries and after she had the bag put in her life has gotten loads easier (still sucks to empty it but not as much pain). I dont mind the doctor stuff so much yet but i also am newly diagnosed. I will update after a few more visits.

I am a single mom of a beautiful 3 and a half year old daughter who really doesn’t understand that mommy is sick. She cries for me to pick her up but I’ve been so weak! My parents are being gracious enough to let me move home for a while until i get better. I gave my notice at work and i will be moving home from CO to FL in two weeks! One of my biggest fears is finding a new job that will understand about the doctors visits and that sometimes i have to go to the bathroom 20 times in a day.

My biggest issue is what to eat! if its solid, i feel like death! if its liquid i feel like i cant get enough nutrients. Whats good for on the go? I work long shifts and i don’t know what to snack on! Any brand advice or things i could find out at restaurants (fast) would be great!

Right now I’m enjoying some Metronidazole (Sarcasm)

written by Shelby M

Ask Adam:

“What is your favorite snack to indulge in that is UC safe?”

Hey Shelby, thanks so much for sharing your story and picture. MY favorite snack food is actually pretty simple. I like simple stuff for snacks like a plain old banana, or sometimes some guacamole and cucumber slices. I’ll make a smoothie every once in a while for a snack also. Also, if I’m out and about, I’ll sometimes go to a deli counter and order a few slices of roast beef (as long as it looks as though its not contaminated with too many preservatives).