Newbie

Hi all

I am new to this group. I can usually be found on the ulcerative colitis group. Well I have been flaring with UC since March and I am still having to deal with this chronic disease and symptoms. I am now on some strong medication to try to control the flare but nothing has helped me yet.

I have become a very weak and feable person since the disease flared up this year. I fear that I may eventually need surgery to remove my colon but I know that is a far prospect yet.

They say that most people with UC have a type d personality i.e. anxiety, negative feelings all the time. that is definitely me. The disease and getting better has become an obsession for me and it is taking over my life and taking me away from the good in my life such as my family and my baby daughter.

I used to love my life and I was fit and healthy. I used to go to the gym and swim and love life. However now everything has changed and I do not want to even get up in the mornings. If it was not for having to get up for my daughter to feed her, I probably would not bother.

I hate the thought of being on strong medication all of my life and/or one day face the prospect of having my colon removed and having to empty a crap bag everyday. I am only 32 years old for gods sakes!

I fear that I will never get better and that I will never be able to have another baby because of illness and medication.

Please can someone give me a boost!

Hi H.C. and welcome to the A/P

I am really sorry to hear of the emtional/mental toll that your chronic illness has caused for you. Know that you are not the only cross over member from UC that we have had, as this is a common issue.

Hibee is correct in his advice...

...you do all that you can to manage your physical issues...and it is just as important to address the A/D!

I agree that seeking out all possible treatments that could help you would be a great step. Your doctor could even help you to find a therapist who specializes in treating those with C.I.

Of course we are here to support and understand as well! Post with us anytime.:)

Check out our Resources at the top of the main page. You'll find some great stress relieving exercies to help lower your anxiety, as well as other great material and info!

Hoping to get to know you better and be of support!

Scaredy Cat

This is just the place you need to be for support and understanding with your anxiety and depression.

We may all have different reasons that led us to anxiety and depression but we all know how it feels no matter what got us here.

Are you in therapy or seeing a psychiatrist for anti depressants or anti anxiety meds? While both are personal choices, they both can be very helpful alone or combined. One or both treatments get you better faster... As far as medications, none of us want to take them but some can just take them short term to get you outta the hole and while you're in the process of getting your flare under control. Some of us take meds long term be it an anti depressant or anti anxiety med or both.

Please talk to your doctor about your anxiety & depression. It's very common with chronic illness and you can find relief sooner from the anxiety & depression. My friend took an AD temporarily while going through chemo & radiation for breast cancer. She took it for about a year then tapered off of it. It helped her get through that hell year of surgeries, radiation and raising 3 kids, often alone, bc her husband travels all the time for his work.

Hang in there girl & keep posting bc we are empathetic and love to help eachother. We carry one another when one of us can't walk. We'll carry you too ♥️

Sending love-
Lisa

I think you might be identifying too much with your illness/ what u said about type d personality.... That is not the real you - that is just your weakness, which we all have one. The real you is the fit, healthy, happy woman, who loves life...! You have to get back to the real you.

That is what I tell myself if I do not like how I have been acting and/or feeling. It makes it easier to snap back into my 'real self' the way I want to be and have it in me to be.

I think you are right about the emotional aspect potentially leading to/ contributing to physical problems....

I think u should just drag yourself to the pool, even if you do not feel like going at all. Once u get in there, you will have taken a big first step.

I remember being depressed, and going to take a pool class in the morning, and I started feeling better right then and there!
I hope u get in that pool and feel better too. :)

Also, acc to kundalini yoga, it is a great idea, physically and mentally, to take a freezing, ice-cold shower in the morning! This is said to snap u out of depression and negative thoughts, and be wonderful for u physically, as well. (I have only done this a few times, as, needless to say, it is not easy.) ;( lol

Post Edited (Stephanie2014) : 10/24/2014 1:03:29 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks everyone! I once was a Happy chick but now I suppose it's a little ironic i am on a anxiety forum with that name! I need to get my chronic illness under control which I can't do yet as none of the meds are working :( I am so worrried :( I know once my flare up is under control I will be much happier. But then I do not want to be a victim of this disease. It should not be able to control my happiness like this and I have let it!

Stay with "HappyChick"! Positive attitude is everything!