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What have you gained from having UC?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/20/2012 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Since been diagnosed, I've made alot of changes to my lifestyle. Some of them, you and I would probably look at as negative changes, but infact the changes (such as lifestyle and dietary) are those that lead in a more positive direction.

I can say I learned to become a better cook! Living with this condition involves alot of alternative cooking that I probably never would have tried until having this condition...
Posted 2/20/2012 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have learned to be less concerned about using public toilets, work toilets & toilets at people's homes. I used to be very anti-public toilet and now, when I gotta go, I gotta go and I don't care where I am so long as the restroom is clean.
Posted 2/20/2012 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have learned to not worry so much and get stressed out about things I cannot change. Stress whether it be from work or home life has a major negative effect on me and it took a long time to learn to control it.
Posted 2/20/2012 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have learned to say no. If I dont take care of my own needs, I will not be well enough to care for others.

I have learned to ask for help when I need it, I am not wonder woman, even though I try to be-

Carlie
Posted 2/20/2012 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have gained so much. I don't sweat the small stuff and every day is a wonderful gift not to be wasted.
I stopped caring about what other people think, stopped making excuses of any kind and have just gotten on with my life.
I think I've gained a balance in my thinking that would not have happened otherwise.
UC sucks, but thanks UC!!
Posted 2/20/2012 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
I gained the knowledge that there are some things in life you cannot control no matter how hard you try and what I lost was my rotten colon! smilewinkgrin
Posted 2/20/2012 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Who would stand by me when I really needed support and it was not who I expected.
Posted 2/20/2012 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have gained a friendship with pain meds!! A lot of weight from pred. A lot of clothes of varying sizes depending on how Ill I am or how many steroids I am on. But mainly I gained a few good friends on here.

Marty
Posted 2/20/2012 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Not to complain. It is what is. Complaining won't change the fact that it happened so you might as well move on.
Posted 2/21/2012 12:19 AM (GMT 0)

killcolitis said...
Who would stand by me when I really needed support and it was not who I expected.

 

I second this for sure.  Also, I learned to appreciate good health more than anything else.  It is so true when people say that your health is the most important thing. 

Posted 2/21/2012 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
BTW: love, love, love this thread. Thank you Stereo. Reading other people's posts, I have to agree their lessons are my own as well.

I learned to be careful what you wish for: After years battling with my weight over 10 silly pounds, always wishing I could loose them and wishing I could be skinny, I GOT skinny: on the "sick from UC/diarrhea/lack of appetite" diet plan. 35 lbs in 3 months! After being so weak I couldn't get out of bed to enjoy Christmas, I realized how silly I had been being concerned about my weight.

Now that I am slowly getting better, and gaining weight, I need to constantly remind myself "It's ok". I have gained the perspective that being a little heavier means I'm healthy.
Posted 2/21/2012 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
I have gained so much from having UC for the past 18years.

 I have learned to be a  healthy cook and my family has learned to eat better as well. 

I exercise daily now and constantly push myself to do more.

I have learned how to control this disease better as in the being it controlling me. 

I rarely complain anymore as noone really cares to listen or understands what I'm going thru at times.

I have also learned that I need to keep up to date on this disease because the doctors are there to perscribe, , they are not the ones with the disease so sometimes we need to know more about our problem than them.  Im sure they learn more from us patients than their textbooks.

 

Posted 2/21/2012 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
i have learned who is really there for me and who has my best interests in mind. when you're sick, it's the ones who support you and stick by you that you want around you when you feel better again.

i also learned to not take anyone's bull. i am a very strong individual and if something is bothering me, i will definitely speak up.
Posted 2/21/2012 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Since I'm new to all this I feel like I've only gain weight and stress. Hopefully I have all of your insights very soon! Call me self pitty but I'm very down lately.
Posted 2/21/2012 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I have learned to be more accepting and flexible. I am by nature a control freak and very demanding. When I am in a flare I need to ask for help, accept that help and then allow those who are helping to do it their way. I need to release control and not strive for perfection in every moment. It has been very liberating to actually sit back and let things slide. For example, my son has been to school more than once last week without brushing his teeth or hair and his clothes don't match the way I would like them but he still has a smile on his face and a hop in his step. I am always trying to remember, "Don't sweat the small stuff."
Posted 2/21/2012 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Had to chuckle about the post of overcoming fear for using public toilets.  My wife is always making the comment - "just hold it until you are home".  Doesn't work that way!

Worst nightmare for me was having to go in the NYC Subway!

Posted 2/21/2012 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
I've learned to enjoy the small things in life. To take one day at a time. Don't take a good day for granted. To be more patient and compassionate to others - tho I admit, this does still try MY patience every once in a while. I've learned to let go of the "reins" and just accept things for what they are. That smile and the world smiles with you. So I have had gained a lot from having Uc but truth be told, I wished I have never heard of it! lol
Posted 2/21/2012 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
It has definitely made me a better nurse because I can relate to my patients. I have always had a lot of empathy but this disease has given me so much more!
Posted 2/21/2012 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
Because having UC led to a stroke and ICU hospitalization with paralysis I learned that life is an awesome gift. Having all of my health restored and no UC flare since recovering I have wasted little time in 18 months. I barely sleep because there is so much I want to do. My daughter is with me most of the time thriving, my career is on fire and I just built a 2nd home that is 4x the size of this one on the same street backing to the same mountain view openspace. We take possession in 5 weeks and I am happy to be alive ! I dumped the upgrade money into the kitchen, double oven granite extra lighting cabinets walk-in pantry. We are going to keep cooking our way to Optimal Health! This house will be always entertaining guests and I have decided to put a large pool table in the dining room off the huge window....now when all my friends and neighbors stop by we can accommodate them and live fulfilling lives.

I do not know how much time is left in the tank so living every day like its my last chance to enjoy the Best life in every way. Maximum Effort for Maximum Reward.
Posted 2/21/2012 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
    I no longer have UP because of surgery two years ago.  However, I suffered for twelve LONG years with it. 

     It taught me to have much more compassion for those suffering with illnesses.  I think it taught my husband the same thing because he was always there for me when I was ill, which was a LOT!!!

Posted 2/21/2012 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Mostly that it's up to me to make a conscious choice regarding how I feel about having UC. For a *very* short time after I was diagnosed, I felt pretty sorry for myself - then I decided that it certainly could be a lot worse (and I was still in the midst of the flare at this point and having some nasty symptoms) and that I wasn't going to let it get me down. I had a new baby, a wonderful husband, and a supportive extended family, that that was a lot more than many people have.
Posted 2/21/2012 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
It has reminded me how fragile life is and how much we can take it all for granted.  I have learnt to put myself first and I eat much better and am healthier than I was before.  I cuddle the children more as all the cuddles and kisses seem more precious now as do the holidays away in the caravan, spending time with family and friends. 

I give thanks every day I am in remission and am loving living life.  As it is a precious gift not to be wasted.  I hope I get to see all our 3 children grow up, marry and have children or just have children which ever path they choose.  It has reminded me to be humble and grateful for when we are healthy.

mum of 3

Posted 2/21/2012 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
It has also reminded me to be strong, not to accept every answer given by those who have the power to heal or diagnose. It has taught me to look for a cure and seek a result that I can live with as Doctors/GI's can be just like cars and mechanics you can get a Lemon.

mum of 3
Posted 2/21/2012 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
I second everything posted so far.... Don't sweat the small stuff, to sum it all up. Life is short, you have to enjoy it. And a big one- people notice far less than you think they do!!!!!! You can be walking around with a load in your pants, & guess what??? Nobody knows...... tongue    And to take care of yourself first, do what you feel is right, not what others expect you to do.  
Posted 2/21/2012 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
I third everything posted here, specifically comment below by Marty. Just learned yesterday that none of my trousers and jeans fit me anymore. Had to make almost emergency trip to the store to buy new trousers. Guess the waist change, 4 inches..

fatboyslim said...
I have gained a friendship with pain meds!! A lot of weight from pred. A lot of clothes of varying sizes depending on how Ill I am or how many steroids I am on. But mainly I gained a few good friends on here.
Marty


More specifically, I unlearned to be clean freak and decided to give my immune system some work to do.
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