Ulcerative Colitis: How One Man Learned to Lead a Normal Life

Thomas Wright's life took a drastic turn in 2004. Thomas really didn't know that he was starting to show symptoms of something that was about to change his life. Thomas began suffering from diarrhea that would last for days. At first he thought it was just the stomach flu because it started with a slight abdominal pain then diarrhea. Then one day in the spring of 2004 he noticed blood in his stool. "I wasn't really too concerned when I first seen blood," says Wright. Then the blood persisted in his stool. When he mentioned it to his sister who was a nurse, she insisted that it wasn't normal and he should visit a doctor. Thomas immediately telephoned his general practitioner and scheduled an appointment.

When Thomas went to the doctor visit he was told that it could just be something harmless or something major and recommended that he see a specialist to see if there was anything to be concerned about. His doctor referred him to a colorectal specialist. "I was starting to get scared. I was only 32 at the time. I had to wait about two weeks to get into the specialist for an appointment. The bleeding was still an on going thing and disappearing to the bathroom was getting more and more frequent. I started feeling fatigue during the days at work. I would have to leave my desk a few times during the day. It was really getting scary," says Wright.

Wright was finally able to see the specialist and then he was scheduled to have colonoscopy to find out what was going on. Thomas also had to have numerous blood tests performed to rule out anemia and to check his white blood cell count. Within two days Wright was able to have the colonoscopy procedure done. "It was awful. I had to drink a gallon of this liquid stuff. The nurse gave it to me so that it would clean out my intestinal system. They sure were right! I went to the bathroom so many times over a period of hours. Then I was given something to knock me out. The next thing I knew, I woke up in a room with a few family members sitting around," explains Thomas. A nurse shortly had came into the room and told Wright that she would send the doctor in to speak with him. Shortly, the specialist came in and told Thomas that he has what is called Ulcerative Colitis. The specialist explained that it was a disease that affects the colon. The disease can be managed but he would have to take precautions like a diabetic does on a daily basis.

How exactly has Thomas Wright's life changed since then? "Well, for starters I have to see the specialist at least every 6 months and every year I have to have a colonoscopy to monitor my situation. They told me this was a standard procedure for those who are diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis can lead to colon cancer. It's scary I know but I am doing what I can to try and lead a normal life," explains Wright. Wright was also prescribed a steroid to help with the inflammation and several other medications.

The most important thing that Thomas recommends is to have a great support system. "I wouldn't have been able to cope this long without my family and wife. If anyone is experiencing Ulcerative Colitis they need to find a support system. If someone has no family then I would urge them to join a support group. Ulcerative Colitis is an emotional baggage that really does take a toll on someone. I am so afraid to go anywhere and to not know where any bathrooms are located. I have to make it a priority that if my family and I go anywhere then there has to be a bathroom nearby."

Thomas believes that changing a diet is very important for someone who suffers from Ulcerative Colitis. Thomas stays away from foods that contain a lot of sugar, seeds, and foods that are deep fried, diary and spicy. Other foods that he avoids are certain meats and raw vegetables that take a long time to digest. Those types of foods he feels would upset his digestive system then they would cause flare ups. He sticks to a diet that includes drinking a lot of water, fresh blueberries, and low fiber foods. Just remember that everyone is different and that there is no set diet for those who suffer from Ulcerative Colitis. He has also found it helpful to take fish oil pills, acidophilus pills and to eat natural yogurt for his Ulcerative Colitis. Acidophilus pills contain good bacteria that are found in the digestive tract. Thomas recommends that anyone who has Ulcerative Colitis to keep a journal of foods that they consume and any health activity. He feels that it's helpful for his doctor when he has a flare up from his disease.

"I would also tell someone dealing with Ulcerative Colitis that stress does contribute to flare ups. If you think about it, stress can take a toll on anyone regardless if they are suffering from a disease. Just imagine suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and having to deal with stressful situations everyday and what that will do to your health. I'd recommend someone who has a very stressful job to consider another career. Long hours can also play a toll on the health if someone suffers from Ulcerative Colitis. Try and get adequate sleep every night. Sleep is essential to having a good health," claims Thomas Wright. When Wright feels stressed out about something he'll take a walk, listen to relaxing music, or exercise. He urges that anything relaxing such as a hobby help him cope with Ulcerative Colitis.

Anytime that Thomas Wright has a flare up he takes it seriously. "I schedule and appointment and see the doctor. I was told by my doctor that it's better to be safe then sorry. Flare ups from Ulcerative Colitis are much more easily manageable with the help of my doctor. I have a great relationship with him and I feel that it's another contributing factor that has helped me cope with my disease."

Raising a family has been tough for Thomas. "I've missed a lot of activities that my daughter has been in for school. I compromise that by having my wife videotape the events and we watch it together as a family at home. Ulcerative Colitis has been a tricky situation to deal with over the years but I try and lead a normal life. As a family we still are able to do what other families do. We just have to plan things a little more in detail in case something was to happen. Anyone that suffers from Ulcerative Colitis needs to realize that they can have a happy and normal life. They have to be in charge of their life and to not let this disease take over. Be good to yourself, enjoy your life, and relax."

*Thomas Wright's name is a pseudo name to protect the privacy of him and his family.