A Message of Hope to Those with a New Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis

When I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I really wished that I had someone to turn to. Someone that I could talk about UC with, that I knew wouldn't judge me or think I was disgusting because of the problems I had. Someone who truly knew what I was going through, and who could sympathize with me from the point of view of someone who had been where I was. Unfortunately, I had no such person. I was scared and relatively alone. I had been informed of the effect the condition would have on my health for the rest of my life, and I had been put on steroids that didn't really quell my symptoms. This is what I wish someone would have said to me:

Don't be afraid. Ulcerative colitis is uncomfortable, annoying, embarrassing and awkward. But it won't always be that way. Sometimes your symptoms will go away, and at some point they may even disappear altogether. Just remember, this is not the worst thing that could have happened.

Don't believe everything your doctor tells you. Just because your doctor says that it is incurable, doesn't mean that is true. There are many ways to stop your symptoms. Try eliminating different things from your diet for a period of time. Stop eating dairy for awhile and see if that helps. If it doesn't work, try discontinuing meat. Go on down the line until you find something that works. My doctor told me that it didn't matter at all what I ate, but I figured out that meat is my UC trigger. So now I'm a vegetarian, and I feel fine. Try colon cleansing. Try tea or meditation. You never know what might work for you.

Yes, UC does increase your risk of colon cancer and other complications, but that doesn't mean that it will happen. Do everything you can to keep your body healthy, and you will be fine.

Above all, try not to stress. The more you stress yourself out about the symptoms and the complications, the diet and the embarrassment, the worse your symptoms will get. Your body knows how you are feeling, and reacts to it. Calm down. Relax. This isn't a life sentence, it can be a temporary condition if you play your cards right. Don't get me wrong, UC is not a fun thing to deal with, but don't be afraid. You don't have to let this run your life. Take control.