hello

[suhrim21]

well lets start off by saying what is wrong with me. other than all the injuries from living a life of extreme sports. when I was 18 I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitus. Now to some of you it may not seam like much. I know there are people in this world that have it far worse than I do. I dont even feel like I am living a full life anymore. I used to be very active would play sports ran cross country skateboard go hiking take 25-50 mile bike rides camping dirtbike riding... so forth but you get the point. well now because of it pretty much all I do is stay home and play video games and watch movies with my wife. I think she has the hardest part of our relationship in having to completely change her hobbies. and I will give her she tries so hard to understand what I am going through. though sometimes we do get in arguments because of my med problem. well anyways I was just saying hi and sharing a part of my life I am trying to become comfortable sharing with people since I have been embarrased and ashamed of it since I was diagnosed with it.

[ferretlovr]

Hi Suhrim, nice to see you here. I know the feeling of having to give up the things you love to do. It can be depressing sometimes. I think the only thing you can do is make the most of what you have. It's a lot harder for people who were really active. I can't drive anymore and I used to think if I couldn't drive I wouldn't want to live. But actually, I've adapted to it. I have my wonderful partner, daughter and some wonderful friends who don't mind taking me places. It just makes me appreciate and value them more. I've also grown a lot more tolerant and patient. It's not always easy but you just have to play the hand you are dealt. Hang in there

[Mary Kay]

I hear you suhrim21! My husband had open heart surgery and has other health problems. His life of doing anything he wanted was severly curtailed. Thank goodness that all this happened when he became an older man..if he had to cut back as a young man, he would have felt just like you.
All you can do is do what you can! Don't feel as though you are alone or that you need to hide out. It makes things even worse.
I am glad you decided to open up..it will help.
Welcome to Wrecked and Bonkers!

[suhrim21]

I greatly appreciate your kind words. it is hard. right now I am having a flair up and honestly I dont know if I will be able to make the 6 hour drive down south to spend thanksgiving with my in-laws. That really makes me feel bad as we havent seen them in a while. I know my wife will be dissapointed if we cant go see them, as I will to. My in-laws love me and we get along great. I know I got lucky there. but its hard to drive that when you need to be near a restroom at all times.

[Mary Kay]

Welcome to my world! I have seen the inside of every rest room between here and Tampa! That's only because I have a weak bladder. I can't imagine what it's like for you. My friend has IBS and hates to eat out..she has to run for the restroom after a few bites. She aslo travels for a living..3 weeks on the road or in a plane a month..9 months a year! Can you imagine what that does to your eating habits? Not to mention how much hotel, plane, and roadside food she eats? (and weight less now then in high school..the bum!) But with all her meds and little tricks she copes.

Maybe in time you will be able to find more coping skills. I know your situation is more serious..but there are tricks and aides. Have you gone to any Ulcerative Colitus help forums?

[suhrim21]

I just placed an order for a book from a dietition who also has UC it has some recipes and tips on foods that will help. I am really hoping this will help. as for the time being. i am going to start an ensure and yogurt diet. I figure the less actual food the less chance for me to run to the restroom. Right now this is my last option. I live on anti diarhea pills and hate that.

[suhrim21]

I talked to my wife last night about the possibility of me not being able to go down south to visit her family. Well she refuses to go see them if I cannot go. this sucks. I feel horrible now. I know she misses her family. when we got married she was living in the same house she was born in. she has never been apart from her family. now we live 6 hours away. She hasnt seen them in about 3 months. now she will have to wait till after christmas.

[SudokuGal]

I'm sure she is disappointed, but you cannot feel guilty over something you have no control over. You've found a good group of people here to be able to vent your frustrations to. Best wishes!

[suhrim21]

yes she was very dissapointed it about broke my heart to see her face when I told her that. I also understand that she doesnt want to be apart on the holidays. I still feel bad I know I have no control over it. but cant help to feel bad.

[Mary Kay]

You must have a very special wife! You are lucky. I would have gone...lol! But then I have been married 33 years and Hubby and I have a very easy relationship..if he doesn't want to go, I just make sure he has whatever he needs and go. If he wants to go somewhere and I don't..he goes. (I can do for my self!)
I still say you should try to get her to go. Make sure she knows how much you appreciate her!
Other then that, see what you can do to make it easy enough on you to go with her. maybe the recipes will help, but somehow I doubt trying to live on yogurt and ensure is a good plan. can we say MORE diarrhea?

I found this little tidbit on this site:
Ulcerative Colitis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment by MedicineNet.com
It has long been observed that the risk of ulcerative colitis appears to be higher in nonsmokers and in ex-smokers. In certain circumstances, patients improve when treated with nicotine.