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Question for those in Remission

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/12/2008 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
For those of you who are in remission do you feel "good" - I mean do you feel as good as you did before UC entered your life?  Not feeling sorry for myself so much as I wonder when the day comes that I go into full remission will I be able to feel as good as I did before my flare.

 

Gigi1227

Posted 11/12/2008 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Absolutely. I feel as good, if not better.
Posted 11/12/2008 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Can't remember. Except... I used to have an hour commute to work (car to bus to subway, walk), work all day, then hour commute home, and never use the restroom once...amazing...
Posted 11/12/2008 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Wonderful ! Now I know I will have something to look forward too one of these days!

Gigi1227
Posted 11/13/2008 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I am never not tired, but it could be from other health problems also.
Posted 11/13/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Not to be a downer, but I've had UC for 7 years (I think my signature thing is wrong - actually diagnosed in 2001) and I've never been back to 100% of how I used to be. I've been between 90% and 95% over the years, which has been perfectly fine. But I can't say that my BM have ever been "back to normal". Always been a little soft, little bit of urgency, always need to hit the bathroom before I leave the house in the morning. I've been in enough remission to train for and ride a few centuries though (100 mile bike rides), so that is good enought for me. But at far as stool goes, it's never been the same. That's just me though.
Posted 11/13/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
1-2 solid BMs per day, no meds for anything, soaring energy levels, no pain, active lifestyle. When in remission I am physically back to where I used to be pre-UC, which has been my goal for my post college years. Perhaps I may even be better due to taking better care of myself and watching more of what I do and eat. A small drop in athleticism/stamina but I think that is just from getting older. :(

I still have occasional flares over the years but I address them quickly and try to limit the damage they cause with no medication so I can return to remission as soon as possible. I would not recommend this action for anyone with the disease and follow one's GI advice. But it can be done...

I must admit my mind will never be the same until a cure or my colon comes out, no matter how long I stay in remission. The constant "alert" status of every bout of D, or subconsciously locating a bathroom wherever I go. This disease affects you mentally as well as physically. Maybe even more so, because even when the physical problems go away, the mental part remains.
Posted 11/13/2008 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
I've been in remission for over a year and a half. I feel the same, but my UC still tells me it's there. Sometimes I tend to almost forget my meds, but thankfully I haven't. I tend to have abdominal pain off and on due to stress.(Oh! The joys of working in child care.) wink When I get sick, I have the "D," but not constantly. I also tend to "live" in the bathroom in the morning, my body takes time to get it out unfortunately, maybe 3 times before 9 o'clock.
Posted 11/13/2008 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
I've been in remission almost 3 years and I feel pretty good. Not as well as I did before UC and IBS but decent. I do have off days but that is excepted being that I probably have IBS and I'm lactose intolerant. I do enjoy MOSTLY solid bms almost everyday and I only go 1-2 times a day and sometimes not at all. I still take immodium on drive trips or when I'm in a situation where I can't deal with d. Its not because I need it exactly but more as a precautionary tool because like ucwarrior said my mind is constantly aware of my UC.
Posted 11/13/2008 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
I usually flare once per year in the spring and go into complete remission shortly after, I take no maintenace meds between flares (GI said no reason to if I can get into complete remission for a length of time).

I work out regularly, bike home 40km when the weather is good, other wise I am on an eliptical machine after work.

I find I need more sleep then pre UC and don't have the energy I did before but like ucwarrior stated, could be age (I am 46). UC is ALWAYS on my mind and seems to control and cause stress when I make arrangements that may not have bathrooms around.
Posted 11/13/2008 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
When I was in remission right after diagnosis last year, I was almost back to pre-UC normal--I just needed a little more sleep. I've been in a flare since February this year so even if I get into remission, I know I will always be paranoid about a flare.
Posted 11/13/2008 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
     In remission for two weeks this Sunday.  It is heaven and I cherish every moment because I know Mr. Nasty (UC) is lurking in my rectum waiting to pounce.  In the meantime, I eat anything I want and when I go, which is once a day, it really IS laying some cable (don't mean to be gross).  But it makes me so happy I could frame it.
Posted 11/14/2008 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Gigi,

You ask if I feel good, and I would say this.   My guts feel good and normal, no constant rumbling, no gas churning, no intense urge.  But my body has generally gone down hill in other ways like joint pain, fatigue, lumbar pain.  For a person my age, 44 I ought to feel a lot better.  Good news is my guts feel normal.  Hope that helps.

Posted 11/14/2008 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
I would agree with most of the other posts here. I feel amazing compared to when I am in a flare, but it's never perfect. I go about 3 times before I leave the house in the morning, often with some pain and urgency. But then I am fine the rest of the day-have gained weight back and eating normally. I guess I have made my peace with this situation and I am just thankful every day that I am back to my normal life, so even though it's not 100% it still seems pretty good to me. Though I do still have hope that one day it will be perfect : )
Posted 11/14/2008 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Given the fact that I'm seven years older, yes, I feel as good as I did before. I have some new things that we develop as we age - arthritis in my knees, for instance, but that's not unusual at my age. As far as the UC, I feel fine.
Posted 11/14/2008 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for your responses.  Goes to show us once again that this is such an individual disease.  I know I am not totally in remission, but will be interesting to see how I feel when I get there.  I am 51 so I am sure I will still have some pains - who doesn't at my age - mostly arthritis before.  You guys have once again helped - thank you!

 

Gigi1227

Posted 11/14/2008 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 54 and 23 years older than when all this stuff started. So many things have changed, but in actual truth...my pains are less, but more mildly constant. My body has changed and now that I"m more mature....ahem...I'd say Im doing better than I was before diagnosis when my whole body was totally wonky.

My anxiety levels are improved as well as depression....therapy helped.

In reality, I'd say that although I miss my youth....I'm in a better place mentally/physically. I can work on improving them at least...

Do make sure you get your vitamin D levels checked...although I hear those tests are backlogged. Maybe an independent where you have to pay?

My vitamin D is low although I was taking supplements (I've upped it a bit)....my husbands was extremely low and since taking the vitamin D3, his mood has improved as well as energy levels. Now, his emotional state needs a bit of tweaking.....and I believe proper exercise will help.

You might also want to make sure you're eating enough healthful calories, not too much fat during your peak functioning periods. Coffee can lift your mood/clear your mind and give you some energy. Even if you have a bit of caffeine, that will help. No, I'm not talking the energy drinks either...but do the homework to see where you can improve somewhat.

Hormone imbalances can cause fatigue...get your thyroid checked as well follicle stimulating hormones...if you're in perimenopause...you can be tried from that.

Hope you feel better soon. I have days where I'm totally slugging it...other days where I'm so hyped ad doing too much. Balance helps..lol!

quincy
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