by Jake Sinclair

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2011

If you have recently been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis then congratulations; then end is in sight. I had a severe case of ulcerative colitis, but am currently in remission. For those of you who have just been diagnosed and for those of you who are in the process do not fret. This does not go on forever. I know you have swallowed what you hope to be the last bottle of barium, taken your last x-ray, your last CAT scan, and the first of many colonoscopy, & flex sigmoidoscopy's. You still have to take countless prescription medications, have numerous doctors' visits, and of course change your diet. But it will not be forever. You are on the road to recovery.

At first it can seem like the end of the world. You have scoped out every clean restroom with in running distance of your most frequent destinations. Your going broke paying for meds and doctors. But it does not last forever. True the disease is chronic and can flare back up. But with each instance you begin to tolerate it better. The meds help, the infusion therapies that are now available are great, such as infliximab, and are far a better option than steroids, and the diet is easily discernable. Just begin to try things and see what causes you problems and what does not. Make a list and stick to it. Try the pro-biotic food additives, like VSL#3, and eat yogurt daily. If you stick to the doctors plan and a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fish; the day will come when you are medication free and no longer have to buy toilet tissue in bulk.

This is not an easy thing to go through; I know! Always remember to keep a positive outlook. Be careful how you eat and follow your doctor's instructions. Do not get bogged down with all that you read on the internet. You are not going to die from this! You will survive. You may even begin to feel better than you have in quite some time. On the plus side you will always know where the best bathrooms are in town! Look to organizations like the Crohn's Colitis Foundation for education resources and support. Do not be afraid to ask your loved ones for support. Explain to them how you feel and how the disease works. It is hard for people to understand what you are going through if you do not share your needs. Good luck and stay healthy.

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