Hi all

I just wanted to quickly check in and say that I'm doing OK. It's been ~1.5 years since I had the take down and it's been quite a roller coaster. I was diagnosed with arthritis so I went back on azathioprine.

I take probiotics 4 times a day to prevent pouchitis. I also dilate myself because my anus gets too tight and I can't get air out. The only way to pass gas is by laying on my belly. Sitting over the toilet doesn't get it all out for some reason. Gas pain is painful.

So I've been able to setup my new routines around these things and I have been doing OK. The only thing I'm missing now is my weight. I lost a total of 30 pounds since the beginning of my colitis flare until now and I'm still declining. I'm currently trying to count my calories and see if I can eat least stop the loss.

Speaking of loss, my hair loss got better. My hair is growing nicely. I had it all chopped off before my colectomy. So that makes me happy. I hope to have long hair again in the next 1 or 2 years.

I still don't eat everything. No nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables. But I eat what I like. I also try not to eat too late so I can usually sleep through the night.

Edit: It's hard to tell what's normal and what's not. I have ischemic pouchitis and I had no idea. Even though I felt good I wasn't.

That's great news, Andrina!!!!!! My feeling is that coming to grips with UC, whether via Rx meds or surgery, requires us to accept a "new normal". I do much better by avoiding hard nuts, seeds, popcorn, and most raw veggies. The so-called "baby" spinach & lettuces I can tolerate in small amounts, but everything else gets steamed or baked. *** Good luck growing your hair long again; use a mild shampoo & de-tangle by hand or with a wide-tooth comb, if that becomes necessary. I've not been to a hairdresser for decades; it's very liberating & also saves money for other "extras" like French perfume. / Old Hat (40 yrs with left-sided UC)

Andrina,
So happy to know you are doing better!
Hope you gain back your healthy weight soon...
Not sure you can tolerate - Chicken soup, eggs, Avacado, Almond butter are the list came to mind while reading your post...

Best wishes..

Awesome news you're doing much better...it's been a very long haul for you to get to this point.

Hugs,
q