Ulcerative Colitis is described by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America as "a chronic disease of the large intestine, also known as the colon, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers, that produce pus and mucous. The combination of inflammation and ulceration can cause abdominal discomfort and frequent emptying of the colon.
Ulcerative colitis is the result of an abnormal response by your body's immune system. Normally, the cells and proteins that make up the immune system protect you from infection. In people with IBD, however, the immune system mistakes food, bacteria, and other materials in the intestine for foreign or invading substances. When this happens, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation and ulcerations."
As you can imagine this type of disease can greatly effect ones life.
First stages and symptoms:
For months I had been experiencing major discomfort and cramping in my abdomen, ultimately resulting in me going to a walk in clinic. Of course, they go through the standard process of compiling my symptoms, they took an X-Ray of my abdomen thinking that I was simply just constipated. After the results came back, they said that they did not know what was wrong with me, and suggested I make an appointment with my family doctor. Soo.. Of course I made an appointment. They began testing me for Celiac Disease, among other allergens that could be causing me pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. They were certain that I had a gluten allergy, and advised me to stay away from it until the test results came back. Then.. the results came back negative, and I was then referred to see a specialist, a Gastroenteritis.
The GI:
Among some of my first visits at the gastroenteritis they did more blood work, suggested I begin taking a probiotic, and fiber supplements. I had scheduled my first colonoscopy, which was a nightmare for a 22 year old. The prep is absolutely horrible, fasting, and constant trips to the bathroom (when you thought your symptoms were bad enough). The procedure itself, was a breeze, I woke up, droggy as hell and enjoyed a burger on the way home, and slept off the anesthesia the rest of the evening. During this very overwhelming experience the doctor had taken some biopsy of my colon, and I was diagnosed with Moderate to Sever Ulcerative Colitis.
Drugs:
I was prescribed a drug that I would need to take 3 of 3 times a day, the purpose was for the medication to make it all the way down to my colon and create a protective lining. "This drug is able to travel through the intestine unchanged until it reaches the end of the small bowel (terminal ileum) and colon. There, intestinal bacteria break apart the 5-ASA and the inert molecule, releasing the 5-ASA. Because intestinal bacteria are most abundant in the terminal ileum and colon, Colazal is used to treat inflammation predominantly localized to the colon." (medicinenet.com). After a few months on this medication, I was then prescribed another drug, to replace it, which I was then taking only 4 every morning (however, this one cost 173% more)
This process was ongoing for a few years, new drugs to try, bone density tests, blood work every few weeks or months.. A colonoscopy at least once a year. In addition to a video endoscopy, which, similarly to a colonoscopy, I swallowed a pill that had a video camera inside it. They then tracked my entire digestive process from start to finish with a monitoring system which I had to wear all day long.
Needless to say, this disease and process was not only never ending, it is quite overwhelming, costly, and depressing. I found myself sad, miserable and alone, although I had no reason to be sad, others with our without this disease had it way worse then myself, I had no reason to feel alone, I had a family and significant other that supported me and was at all of my larger procedures. BUT only people battling this disease, or the symptoms of other digestive problems truly understand these struggles.
How I fixed myself....
My last colonoscopy determined that even though I was feeling better and had few symptoms, my colon and inflammation was not. In fact, it had been getting worse. I was prescribed even more medication, one in which was an enema.. This was my last straw.
1 year ago this month I discontinued the use of any medications, I began eating better, more clean, I started getting more sleep, now an average of 7-8 hours a night. I also began working out more regularly, rather than whenever I had the time. I found meditation and yoga to be my go to for relaxing and relieving stress on top of my weight training and cardio routines. Almost 6 months ago, I also began to dive into personal development and change my mindset.
No medications - you must think that I am a crazy person! Well, maybe I am, maybe I am not.. Carrying around a pill container labeled Sunday through Saturday (and didn't even fit all of the pills I was needing to consume) wasn't exactly my idea of living! And why was I taking any of them, when not a single one worked for me? How much of my time each month was wasted talking to pharmacists, my doctor, and my insurance, to find that no drug was worth my time or my money. I chose to do more research, and start helping myself.
Clean eating - I started to journal everything I ate, every time I went to the bathroom, and how I felt. Surprisingly enough, there are many apps these days that will help you track each of these things, and you don't need to carry around a note book! After some tracking, I started to limit my intake on gluten, although, I had been tested for Celiac Disease early on, I had started to realize this is one thing that was triggering symptoms, along with tomatoes, orange juice, apples, and greasy foods. So I eliminated them from my diet as much as I could. Then, to take it a step further, I began eating more almonds, strawberries, and blueberries, spinach, and kale which have been found to decrease inflammation. In addition to that, I recently began eating even more clean, my diet today consists of salmon (wild caught), chicken (cage free), eggs (also cage free), fresh veggies, some fruits, a ton of water, and the occasional treat. Not only do I feel my best when eating these foods, I am also performing at my best. Chemicals, processed foods, and junk are becoming a thing of the past!
Sleep - As mentioned, I am getting way more sleep than I was when I was first diagnosed. I was working multiple jobs and going to school, getting 5 hours, MAYBE 6 a night, and this was not helping my body, I now, get about 7-8, and when I don't get enough, i can really tell! I try to stay on a consistent schedule and not deviate from it too often.
Exercising - I grew up playing soccer, and also running track, and cross country. So when I used to go the gym 3-4 days a week, all I did was run 3-4 miles. I began weight training, and doing some cardio. Within the past year, I have incorporated Yoga into my weekly routine, which also helps with any stress I am barring. We all know that getting daily exercise is important, but it is becoming increasingly important!
Mindset - I think this is by far one of the most important things that I have encountered since being diagnosed with UC. Personal development has not only changed me from a depressed, unhappy state, it has given me the mindset to concur the world! I listen to podcasts such as The Tony Robbins Podcast, Bulletproof Radio, The School of Greatness, Mind Pump, and WMFmotivation every day in the car to and from work, I have a million YouTube videos saved that are nothing but inspiring. I have read books or listen to audio books such as You Are a Badass, by Jen Sincero, The 10X Rule, by Grant Cardone, and Wellth, by Jason Wachob. And also, I have surrounded myself with people that are nothing but uplifting, and inspiring!
Now, don't get me wrong... I am no doctor. I am not telling anyone to stop their medications. Personal development will not cure everything.
BUT these things have worked for me, and my point is this.... in most illnesses, or diseases, or heck, just life in general, there are so many changes that can be made, or adjustments that may help you live a happier and healthier life. Before any doctor can help you, you must help yourself. Do some research on diagnoses, do your research on medications and what you are putting into your body. Be mindful of the foods you are eating, get a work out routine down. And never stop developing your mind, improving your mindset can help you kick any negative thoughts while encountering life, or battling diseases!
Take your life... into your own hands.
xoxo, Brittany
