I'm In Remission! Now What?

When my gastroenterologist finally said the words, “you’re in deep remission” I could have burst into tears. After years of riding the remission-flare rollercoaster, trying what felt like every medication under the sun, and finally finding my Goldilocks treatment, it happened.

The journey here wasn't linear – far from it. I've had periods where I thought I was getting better, only to end up back in a flare. I've tried and failed medications, dealt with insurance headaches, and switched doctors until I found one who understood that treating UC isn't one-size-fits-all. Each step taught me something about my disease and myself, but it doesn't make this moment any less emotional.

The reality check

Let's talk about remission. As any IBD warrior knows, remission doesn't mean "cured" – it means your disease is currently inactive. Think of it like pressing pause on a movie: the film isn't gone, but it's not playing right now. This isn't discouraging; it's empowering. Understanding this reality helps us make informed decisions about our long-term health and maintenance.

The mental game

Achieving remission after so many ups and downs messes with your head. I feel obvious relief and joy in my newfound freedom, but I can't shake this nagging feeling of "waiting for the other shoe to drop" that colors how I plan my future.

Let me give you an example. Four years into remission, I went shopping for my big white wedding dress. While other brides-to-be obsessed over style and silhouettes, I immediately thought, "How quickly can I lift this thing if I need to use the bathroom?" I put each dress through a bathroom test. The consultant probably thought I'd lost my mind, but my fellow IBD warriors? You get it.

This constant mental calculation creeps into everything. Booking vacation flights? I always choose an aisle seat. Planning a work presentation? I scope out the nearest restroom to the conference room first. It feels like I'm running a parallel thought process all the time.

But here's what I'm learning: while this hyper-awareness has become part of who I am, I don't have to let it control every decision. Yes, I'll always know where every bathroom is within a five-mile radius, but I'm also rediscovering the person who says "yes" to adventures. It's a balancing act, but one I'm getting better at every day.

My remission maintenance plan

Let's be real - I'm in remission because I finally found the right treatment that works for me. But staying in remission? That requires a different kind of commitment. It means not getting cocky when I feel good and remembering that maintenance is key.

For me, that looks like:

• Staying on my medication course consistently
• Keeping up with regular check-ups and scheduled scopes
• Speaking up when something doesn't feel right
• Maintaining my overall health through basic self-care

It's not complicated, but it does require staying vigilant. After the long journey to find what works, I'm not about to let complacency undo my progress.

Moving forward

The biggest lesson I've learned through multiple rounds of remission and flares is that while we can't control everything, we can control how we prepare and respond. I'm more confident now in reading my body's signals and advocating for my needs.

Some days, I still worry about flaring. Other days, UC is the last thing on my mind. Both are okay. What's different now is that I'm not letting those worries stop me from living. Yes, I bought that gorgeous wedding dress (with excellent bathroom accessibility, I might add), and no, I never had to worry about discomfort or bathroom urgency while wearing it.

Remember, your remission journey is unique to you. Whether achieving remission is a new experience or you're a seasoned pro at maintaining it, your experience is valid. We're all learning to balance hope with preparation, celebration with vigilance.

Here's to stable guts and healthy futures.

What strategies help you maintain your remission? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below.