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Living with Ulcerative Colitis: A Personal Journey

While my gastroenterologist provided little dietary advice beyond continuing my usual eating habits alongside medication, I felt compelled to seek additional guidance. This led me to a naturopath who recommended significant dietary changes tailored to managing my ulcerative colitis (UC). Adjustments included eliminating gluten, dairy, raw vegetables, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and other potential irritants that could aggravate my condition. Additionally, I was advised to cook with an iron skillet to combat the anemia often associated with UC; iron from the skillet can leach into food, providing a necessary nutrient for many sufferers. These changes in my diet resulted in notable improvements in my symptoms.

Despite these adjustments, I faced recurring flare-ups over the past three years. At the time of my diagnosis, I weighed 120 pounds, but during one of my worst flare-ups, my weight plummeted to 90 pounds. I recall attempting a simple walk, only to be overwhelmed by the urgent need to use the restroom, which left me hesitant to leave my home. My social life took a significant hit, and I unfortunately experienced incidents of incontinence in public.

A particularly challenging incident occurred while I was shopping at Bath & Body Works. Feeling optimistic about my health, I entered the store ready to treat myself, but was soon hit by an urgent need for a restroom, which was non-existent. I have faced numerous scenarios where the urgency hits unexpectedly, leaving me scrambling to find a bathroom with little time to spare.

During flare-ups, I also struggle with severe sleep deprivation due to constant abdominal pain waking me every hour. This restless state leaves me utterly drained, contributing to brain fog and difficulty concentrating throughout my day. Such side effects of UC often go unmentioned but are deeply impactful. Even during periods of remission, I find myself avoiding road trips or adventurous activities for fear of potential symptoms flaring up, which could limit restroom access.

I continue to identify my flare triggers, with stress being a significant factor that exacerbates my symptoms. When stress arises, I often experience pain, urgent bathroom needs, and blood in my stools. However, focusing on dietary management, relaxation, and medication has proven effective in alleviating these symptoms. The duration of flares remains unpredictable, lasting anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

The mental toll of this condition cannot be overstated. Previously, I led a healthy lifestyle and adhered to all the right choices, so the diagnosis brought feelings of hopelessness, frustration, and confusion about why this was happening to me. Yet, through finding the right care, my perspective began to shift. Embracing my condition, I viewed it as a catalyst for self-discovery. A little over a year post-diagnosis, I left my job, realizing that pursuing a law career was incompatible with managing UC, as the inherent stress often precipitated flare-ups. I transitioned from a role as a secretary to working at a wellness start-up, ultimately reinventing my career path. I am now a holistic health coach and a yoga instructor, channeling my experiences into helping others navigate their health journeys.

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