Fear of "The Look"Fear of “the look” holds far too much power over me sometimes. I imagine we’ve all gotten the look at least once. Sometimes it might be a look of pity...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Medication Crossroads: Somewhere Between Comfort and ChangeSince being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) almost six years ago, I’ve taken mesalamine religiously. Whether it was two of the pills when things were good or four when things...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Here's My Flare Action PlanIn my experience, ulcerative colitis flares happen at the worst possible moment. In those times, I'm not able to think as clearly or react as well as I'd like, which...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Embracing the 2 Different Types of Self-CareI recently found myself presented with the perfect opportunity for a self-care day. My partner was hosting an old college friend at our place for the weekend, and being the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Tale of My Changing Food TriggersAfter having had ulcerative colitis for over 5 years, I had begun to feel confident that I knew what food and drinks to avoid. More than that, I thought I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Colonoscopy: A Necessary EvilThe liquid diet. The hunger. The downing of glasses of laxative. The lead-up to a colonoscopy is not a pretty picture. Unfortunately, though, colonoscopies are now a regular part of...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
I Suppose It's Time for My First Suppository...After finding rectal inflammation during a recent colonoscopy, I had the feeling my doctor would bring up adding suppositories to my UC treatment plan for the first time. I always...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Ulcerative Colitis Plus COVID: 2 Is Not Better Than 1More than 2 and a half years into the pandemic, I was starting to think I would somehow avoid getting COVID-19. I've always been an introverted homebody, and I thought...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Gift and Curse of PrednisoneUp until recently, I have been lucky to have experienced a long period of clinical remission from my ulcerative colitis symptoms. After an initial hospitalization with my first flare, my...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
First Comes Stress, Then Comes DiarrheaJust like death and taxes, change is guaranteed in life. While I think most everyone struggles with navigating big changes, having ulcerative colitis can make that process even more harrowing...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Bill You Didn't Ask ForAs someone who grew up in a working-class home, I’ve always been highly conscious of money and spending. As a graduate student, my attention to money has continued to be...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
UC Fatigue Is Deeper Than "Tired"Chronic illness fatigue can have you questioning yourself and being unnecessarily harsh when you most need self-compassion. Fatigue is one of the most common complaints for people with ulcerative colitis...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Coping With Unwelcome Comments About UCWe all know the comments. Comments like, "Should you really eat that?" or "You're sick again?" These phrases are all too familiar for people with ulcerative colitis, and they often...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis in the Prime of LifeA diagnosis of UC in the prime of one’s life can feel like a slap in the face, jolting you from the plans you had so carefully crafted, or causing...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
From Shame to Sharing: A Personal JourneyI have always thought of myself as a helpful person, yet I have always struggled with asking for help when I need it. When I first experienced symptoms of ulcerative...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Losing My Focus and Finding Myself: My Journey with IBD in AcademiaI started graduate school with a vision of what this chapter of my life would be like. I envisioned interesting research, compelling professional relationships, and, most importantly, success. During my...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
