Most positive thing to come out of your UC?

Sara - you are so right.  I always thought being able to pay the bills, etc. more important and what I ate or my exercise.  NOT TRUE!!  I would give up every penny I have to be healthy or go back and do things differently when younger.

ElaineNY

Sara14 said...
I've learned a lot -- both about the medical field, the body and about myself.

I have gained confidence. If I can survive dealing with severe ulcerative colitis symptoms, I feel can do anything. This mindset helped me quit smoking last May. After telling myself for years that it would be too hard to quit, I remembered the days right before my UC diagnosis when I was sleeping on the bathroom floor in excruciating pain unable to even walk because it hurt so much. I realized then I could definitely quit smoking if I could deal with the physical and psychological struggles UC has challenged me with.

I've learned the importance of sleep and relaxation as it relates to my physical health.

I've gained a greater sense of empathy for people with chronic diseases.

I understand that our health really is the most important thing and I try to remember this and not worry so much on the little things...(some days this is easier than others :)

I've learned so much about my body

I've changed my diet, I exercise more

I no longer take people's illnesses for granted

By researching this illness I have learned about all aspects of the human body

I believe that by having this illness I will actually live a longer and healthier life

I've learned so much about health professionals

When i go to my appointments, my specailist looks at me through glazed eyes over a pile of patients folders

Doesn't ask about what I've been doing or trying just reaches for the pen to write a new script

No more ...no thanks

Stay absolutely positive...always