Being Active

I find myself wanting to get out more, and try new things that are active in sorts. Things like a local outdoor adventure group and country swing dancing. about half of my days I feel very reserved and want to not elevate my symptoms by jumping into a new situation where I might need to hit the pot. Other times I feel I could handle it.

Anyone with experience have advice on getting out more, and not letting the uneasiness sometimes associated with the UC symptoms get in the way of having a life? It's not the social awkwardness of having the disease that would bother me, but the actual fact that I may be needing to go poop 2 or 3 times while out. My mind is convinced for better or worse that I need to wait until I feel better for a consistent period of time before I get out to do those things.

I know this sounds like an excuse, but I also feel that I loose a certain amount of cockiness/flirtiness with this disease... and it leads me to pursuing less dating experiences. I HATE that. I know this is true, because on my good days I am literally a different person than the reserved person that I become when I'm having symptoms.

I'm spending my year working on my health as best as I can, in hopes of not having to go on Remicade. My average trips to the bathroom per day lately is 4.4 (don't ask about the .4 ;-) ). I've had great days where I go once or twice in the morning, and then either once or twice beyond that. There is no pain on those days. On those good days there is not any blood or mucos... and the stools are normal looking! On a bad day like today there is traces of blood and mucos, and much looser stools. I attribute today to a reaction to probiotics. I took a heavier dose on Saturday and ran to the pot like no other. lol.

Anyone been in this situation? Did you wait to head out? If not, how did you mentally handle the uneasiness of active disease while trying to have fun in new situations?

Partner knows i have UC and could care less. It doesnt define me.

Hi Zach,

Let me start by saying I've been a longtime lurker but never posted a comment until now...I just relate so much to what you said that I was compelled to reply. As a young single, sociable person in a fun city I want to be out and about all the time but my UC makes it difficult, particularly when I am in a flare. It's hard to get up the courage to go out, especially to a new place or with new people (don't even get me started on the topic of dating during a flare!). I'm constantly worried about getting cramps/urgency/the big D when I'm out, and that prevents me from fully enjoying myself. Plus, that anxiety makes my stomach churn, so it's a vicious cycle.

The best advice I have is to take it easy and give yourself a pass to just chill out on the days when you feel yucky. Take advantage of your good days - but know that it's OK to have bad days where you stay home alone and take care of yourself. When I'm having a bad bout, I wait it out until I'm absolutely sure that I feel well enough to go out and enjoy myself. (For things I absolutely cannot /do not want to miss, I suck it up and take Imodium... but then pay for it the next few days). Yeah it gets boring sitting on the couch so many nights in a row, but to me, it's worth it to have the peace of mind that I'm home and close to the throne if need be. Plus I know that I know the flare will eventually pass (usually with a round of Pred, ugh). I've been able to travel and go on blind dates and hike and dance and stay out all night with friends and do all sorts of fun things - but only because I listen to my gut (heh) and do things when and if I am comfortable with it.

I wish I had some better advice for you...but I'm still young and clueless and trying to figure it all out! I just wanted to send some virtual support your way and let you know that I relate and struggle too. You're not alone.

Take care.

If you're only going 5x a day u should be out living your life. I work from home for the most part, so im used to being home all day long for days straight. It never really hit me tho till i spent last xmas eve/day alone cause my flare was so bad. I have no night life since i quit drinking in december. Im saving money to buy a nice bike and just go riding at night and be weird lol.