I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1986 when I was sixteen. I was lucky, though. I had a good family doctor. Despite the fact that he gave me the anti-inflammatory Naproxen, which kicked my disease into high gear, he took me seriously when I started having bloody stool. It took less than a month to get my diagnosis.
On May 2nd, 2005, I had a total colectomy (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with a j-pouch). I elected to have the surgery because I was sick of feeling like crap and the constant flares. Also, my disease had become dependent on steroids and I did not want that. I never expected a cure, but I did expect to feel better, and I did for about two years. Then, I developed refractory pouchitis, meaning it does not respond to medications. In December 2010 I had my gallbladder out, and I was in and out of the hospital with a stricture from the middle of December to the beginning of February. They did surgery for that on February 9, 2011. At this point the surgeon told me that my disease was now Crohn's Disease, a kick in the gut. I was in the hospital nearly the entire month of February. I had an ileostomy for five months, and I honestly don't know how you ostomates do it; I hated it, but I did it knowing that it would be reversed. So now, I have a triple threat Crohn Disease, IBS, and pouchitis. I keep going, dragging my body around because there is no other option.
Still, I am more than my disease. I love reading and watching TV (mostly Sci Fi/fantasy and non fiction history and historical fiction), knitting, listening to music of all kinds, my dogs who keep me going, watching sports (mostly baseball), painting my nails, and spending time with family and friends who understand when I have to say "no". I guess you can see I'm not a type A personality, truly the exact opposite. I'm happy with a comfy chair, a cool drink, a good book or show, and a puppy or two.
At this time, I take Humira every two weeks, Imuran and Florajen 3 daily for Crohn's Disease. Along with other medications for the rest of me.
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