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How I think UC has helped me.

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Posted 12/21/2009 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yep, I'm with mumbles. I didn't ask for this nor has anyone else who has a chronic illness, but heck; there isn't anything I can do about it but accept it, and try to help others out who seek it. Life has been one big trial for me, and sometimes I get down, but instead of looking back I try to look forward. Has UC helped me? Well, it has helped me learn more about my body and that's always a good thing. Something I took for granted before. Even though I exercised and watched what I ate, I never really "listened" to my body -- if that makes sense. I just think it's given me a different perspective on life...as with everything else that's been thrown my way!
Posted 12/21/2009 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
This thread has made me realize there are a few positive things that have come from having UC - not so much in the vein of appreciating life more, but the following:

* It has forced me to reduce my alcohol consumption to minimal, occasional amounts. I think I was drinking too much, too frequently before this. Trying to abstain just for the heck of it didn't work, but I've had no problem at all once it started to have immediate health ramifications.

* Made me realize health is so much more important than wealth. I quit my job and while the bank account has taken a hit, we can manage. More importantly, I have never been happier with my day-to-day life; I am not bored at all as so many people predicted.

* I am a lot more understanding of others' health issues. I used to be impatient and of a "just suck it up" mindframe.
Posted 12/21/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)

You are so right ack!  At 69 I found out how important money is - not much at all!  I inherited quite a lot of money when my Dad died in the Spring.  However, I would give it ALL to charity if I was in better health and my husband did not have lung cancer.  Really wakes one up.  Now we have to deal with both diseases plus I need two knee replacements.  We take one day at a time - enjoy when and what we can as we know life is short!!

I am hoping that when most of you younger people get my age that there is good treatment for UC - maybe even a cure!!!

ElaineNY

Posted 12/21/2009 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
UC taught me patience.
Posted 12/22/2009 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I dunno, it showed me how strong I was and it's keeping me at a healthy weight... lol... I was getting chubby then I got that horrible flare and it took care of that. Then I gained some and have been great ever since. I've also been eating better and I'd like to help with something IBD related but I dunno what.

As for the suck it up mindframe, I think I might've gotten less sympathetic. But I'm not a butt about it, I don't say anything and just try to help out anyways. Unless they start wallowing in their own self-pity. Anyways, I try to be cool and 99.9% of the time I am.
Posted 12/22/2009 3:54 AM (GMT 0)

Desdwel, you have a good point that I didn't think about when I was answering before...I definitely have decided that it is important to me to help other people who are in need. I have a degree in education, but the idea of working in a hospital with sick kids and making them feel better sounds great to me, just because now that I have been so sick and felt so alone, I really understand what a huge difference one person can make.

Hooray, I found a positive! :)

Posted 12/22/2009 6:14 PM (GMT 0)

kops2da said...


I am hoping that when most of you younger people get my age that there is good treatment for UC - maybe even a cure!!!

ElaineNY

AMEN!
Posted 12/22/2009 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that everything happens for a reason so I feel that getting UC has helped me to be a more senstrive person to others suffering with diseases. This is true for my anxiety and Fibro too. Before I was diagnosed I would only train athletes or those wanting that fitness model body. Now I have changed my focus to reach out to those with Fibro and chronic disease. People who want to find exercises that wont hurt them or aggrivate their condition. If I was not a sufferer I'm not sure I could be as effective. I know what its like and therefore I'd like to think I'm more sensitive and caring. As bad as UC is, it could always be worse. My friends husband, mom and dad ALL died in 2009 and I lost my sister, brother and grandma during the last 18 months. I'm thankful to still be here with my family and friends.
Posted 12/24/2009 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Good topic.....a way of trying to look at the positive in things, which we could all use a bit of I suppose.

I have learned volumes about proper diet and nutrition. I have learned about good and bad habits that I have. I have lost weight, and have tried to help friends with their IBD/UC. No, I am not glad I had to learn these things from UC, but do try to look for opportunities to see the glass as half full, on this, whenever I can.
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