Coming out of the box

OK...maybe I'm dumb but I just couldn't take it anymore and I announced publically on my facebook page that I have IBD! I double checked my friendlist first so it won't get too public. The funny thing is...now I really don't care if people post a response.  I think it was just good to get it off my chest...a confession so to speak.  I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs "Yes I have UC and that's OK!" It doesn't matter whether I get support out of this or not. Don't get me wrong. Support will be great to have but I can't force people to give what they don't have to offer.  I'll take what I can get and for the rest who don't care or don't respond; oh well, life goes on!  YES!  I have UC and I'm OK! Your OK too and this forum is GREAT!!!! God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. 41 year old female Accountant, diagnosed July 2010 flaring as of 10/15/2010, Rectosigmoid up to 30 cm....very mild? Mesalamine 4gm enema daily Asacol oral 2 pills 2x daily - due to tolerance level Folic Acid 1 mg daily / Probotics / Calcium + Vit D / Bene-fiber Microgestin (birth control), Magnesium for leg cramp

I really hate that part of this disease. It is hard enough dealing with a chronic, debilitating disease, but on top of that, it is one that we feel we have to suffer in silence with too. Good for you for coming out! I wish I had your courage! I hope you friends will offer you tonnes of support and encouragement.

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35 year old female, diagnosed with UC in 2006.
At diagnosis, mild proctitis/proctosigmoiditis (first 15 cm), now moderate inflammation in first 40 cm.
Meds: 2x3 Asacol (Started 21 Sept/10) and 500 mg Salofalk suppositories per day.

I remember when I told everyone as well. It was very liberating. I always kept it close to my chest that I had Uc but once I let everyone know exactly what it is, it made me feel better for some reason. I think that the more we tell people what Uc is, the higher chance that we will get more funds for research. This is not a glamorous disease by any means but it affects millions of people in the world.

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SHERRY
Moderator-Allergies/Asthma and Alzheimer's, Co-moderator-UC
~Left sided Uc-'92**Unable to tolerate ALL mesalamines**
Colazal(9 daily)/6mp(25mgs), Allopurinol (100mgs)/Bentyl-Prilosec~allergies-Singulair/Zyrtec~Reynauds Syndrome~OA-Tylonel Arthritis~Scoliosis~Sacroilitis~Dry eye-Restasis/GAD - Klonopin (.25mgs)

Good for you! If it makes you feel liberated, then I'm all for it. I too don't have a problem telling people; I think it actually lets people know how human we are...everyone has something, right? And people don't have a fear of telling me when they have issues. It's all good.

Subdued, I love the sandal story. lol. People are too funny, arent' they? I'm in California too...glad I can finally blame the UC on my flip flops and having cold feet.

Post Edited (Lonie) : 12/9/2010 2:45:21 PM (GMT-7)

Good for you!  I tell pretty much everyone..... my true friends really stepped up when I was ill and in a major flare-up. 

I am also 41 and I was also diagnosed with UC this year.  I find talking about it does help me cope.  I have not tried a support group, but I am thinking about it.  We did put a team together for our local CCFA walk, which was a nice time to meet and talk with other people in the same boat.  In that arena, BMs are a common part of the converstion.....

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diagnosed UC April 2010
Remicade August 2010
Remission October 2010

Wait... someone told you wearing sandals would upset your stomach? **shakes head**

Bookworm, your profs should never ask you about the nature of your "disability" especially if you have disability services involved. They are not allowed to (at least at every university I've been to or my husband has worked at. He's a prof and has many students who go through disability services). I don't know if you mind or care, just thought I'd let you know in case you don't want to tell them.