Tacom and others. Goodnews

[hannamaren]

Tacom just posted in MM about being worried her whole world will be different. 
I wanted to start a positive post about how we are / have done better. 

I had 8 mths of crap (pun intended) that seemed like forever at the time while my treatment was tweaked. But looking back, it was nothing and I have been almost 10yrs with few flares. I carried a baby to term (actually overdue) with no issues. If anything, my colitis was better while pregnant which was awesome. 
And even though for a time, I wore adult diapers for any travel over 15 minutes, now I have even ventured out in white pants! 

But overall, I consider myself pretty normal. I give myself injections every week but my condition is controlled. 

So, long story short, just be patient. It will get better after the worst! 

[anna7602]

Hi all. Good idea, hannamaren.

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1995 after a really bad flare up that landed me in a hospital emergency room. I spent months going through a batter of tests. It was all the semester before I was going to study abroad in college and I was so nervous that I wouldn't be able to go (or ever do anything normal again). I started meds in August 1995 and left for Spain less than a month later. I ate my way through that country for a year without any bad side effects and have since traveled a lot and lived abroad without having to obsess too much about what I am eating (as long as I am taking my meds consistently, managing my stress levels and getting lots of sleep & exercise). I have had a few flare-ups since 1995, but only one that was so extreme that I had to go on steroids. Happily, that was the last flare-up I've had and it was in 2007, a full six years ago.

Like hanna, my colitis was also a lot better during pregnancy. My lactose intolerance even went away during pregnancy, it was crazy. My OB/Gyn didn't know a darned thing about pregnancy & colitis, but happily my GI did. He was able to verify that my meds were okay to take during pregnancy and talk me through my general fears. I was also able to breast feed with the meds I was on.

These days, I have to keep an eye on making sure I ingest enough good fat so that my BMI doesn't fall below a certain level and I am constantly looking at lists of foods high in the types of vitamins and minerals that are typically harder for people with UC to absorb enough of, but I feel like that kind of consciousness is good for overall health anyway.

[bcv513]

Wow I had no idea so many people had this!

I was just diagnosed with crohn's in December. I let things go for over a year. I started taking Pentasa. I'm definitely doing better but I'm not in remission. I still have pain and I still go 3-5 times a day.

This has also made me very anxious. I'm always looking for the nearest bathroom. I'm getting married in June and I'm worried I'm going to spend the night in the bathroom. I'm also worried about flying to Hawaii for our honeymoon.

I'm actually going to my first follow up with my GI today so I'm hoping to get more answers. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I hope you all continue to do well!

[Deleted]

Thanks for starting this Hanna. :-) interestingly my problem has always been more constipation than anything else - so I am not worried about being out in public (luckily - my classes are four hours long!) but I am scared about inflammation creating another obstruction/perforation and ending up in the hospital again. I didn't read my body's signs well before and I'm nervous I will fall into that trap again. I need to get more in tune with myself and calm down. Lol

[hannamaren]

Feb 25, 2013 7:45:23 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

Wow I had no idea so many people had this!

I was just diagnosed with crohn's in December. I let things go for over a year. I started taking Pentasa. I'm definitely doing better but I'm not in remission. I still have pain and I still go 3-5 times a day.

This has also made me very anxious. I'm always looking for the nearest bathroom. I'm getting married in June and I'm worried I'm going to spend the night in the bathroom. I'm also worried about flying to Hawaii for our honeymoon.

I'm actually going to my first follow up with my GI today so I'm hoping to get more answers. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I hope you all continue to do well!

On my wedding day, I was paranoid. I would have needed help in the bathroom with that huge dress - talk about embarassing. So I loaded up on immodium. I probably took too many, so definitely take it easy and check with your doctor, but I highly recommend it for days where you are nervous. 

[Deleted]

Feb 25, 2013 9:30:27 GMT -5 hannamaren said:

Feb 25, 2013 7:45:23 GMT -5 bcv513 said:

Wow I had no idea so many people had this!

I was just diagnosed with crohn's in December. I let things go for over a year. I started taking Pentasa. I'm definitely doing better but I'm not in remission. I still have pain and I still go 3-5 times a day.

This has also made me very anxious. I'm always looking for the nearest bathroom. I'm getting married in June and I'm worried I'm going to spend the night in the bathroom. I'm also worried about flying to Hawaii for our honeymoon.

I'm actually going to my first follow up with my GI today so I'm hoping to get more answers. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I hope you all continue to do well!

On my wedding day, I was paranoid. I would have needed help in the bathroom with that huge dress - talk about embarassing. So I loaded up on immodium. I probably took too many, so definitely take it easy and check with your doctor, but I highly recommend it for days where you are nervous. 

Oh, gosh, I remember this feeling well. I was terrified that I was going to be sick and miserable all day.

bcv513 - Try not to stress about it too much. I'm sure that your day will be perfect. I hope your follow up with your GI goes well today!