Ulcerative Colitis, J-Pouches and Med School Oh My!

By Julia Gaspare-Pruchnicki

2 min read

Wow, I can’t believe we’ve made it to the year 2021. That feels like such a futuristic year. Yet here we are. 2021 also means I have been living with ulcerative colitis (UC) for 15 years, almost 2/3rds of my life.

While I don’t remember the exact day of my diagnosis, I remember how quickly my health, or rather, lack thereof, became serious. All within one year (2006) my life completely changed.

Complications and failed treatments

I was diagnosed with UC; tried and failed the available treatments at the time including prednisone, Pentasa, methotrexate, and others; missed months of elementary school from being sick; and finally ended up in the hospital the day after Christmas with toxic megacolon (scary word, I know).

In a matter of 3 days, the doctors and surgeons talked with my parents about the options and what was happening. I didn’t have time to try any other medications. Nothing was helping and I was miserable.

Miserable symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, NG tube, not able to eat. I just wanted it all to stop. Before I knew it, they were wheeling me to the operating room to have my entire colon removed and an ostomy placed as part of the J-pouch 3 step surgery.

That procedure absolutely saved my life but living as a 9-year-old with an ostomy and no colon was no easy feat. Thankfully, the year went well and at the end of it, my surgeons reversed my ostomy, created the J-pouch I now have and hooked me back up so I could poop like a “normal” kid!

Those challenges early in life really shaped my personality, outlook, and goals for myself. After being intimately involved in the medical system at that age, I knew I had to do something in the medical field as a career.

A bowel obstruction and feeling empowered

Fast forward to my senior year of high school – my life with UC and my J-pouch had been going well – then I experienced my first complication of UC post colectomy and J-pouch creation. I passed out during school and was transported to the hospital.

They found out my small intestine had twisted up over time and adhered to the inner wall of my abdomen, creating a small bowel obstruction that needed surgery to remove.

I had a wonderful female surgeon who sat down with me to fully explain what had happened, what the treatment was and answered all the questions I had. That was one of the first times I was actively participating in the management of my ulcerative colitis and felt so empowered by that doctor.

How my experiences with ulcerative colitis shaped my future

I now deal with chronic antibiotic-resistant refractory pouchitis for which I take Entyvio.

My journey with UC also played a large part in where I am academically – currently completing my first year of medical school! I hope to be able to provide care to my patients from a perspective of really understanding what it is like to live with a chronic illness. Thank you for reading my story.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The InflammatoryBowelDisease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
Thank you for sharing your story! My gosh, what a journey you have had. I can't imagine going through all of that at such a young age, but you pulled through like a true warrior. It warms my heart that you are taking your hardship and turning it into something positive by giving back and helping others through medicine. I applaud you! We need more doctors like you, who truly understand the pain and hardship this diagnosis brings. I can't wait to hear about all your future endeavors. Keep us posted!! Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
mikejjb Member
I second the comments. I have UC and can't get any answers from my doctors as to my ongoing daily nausea. I keep on searching. Wish I could find a doctor like you!! Good luck.
Matt Nagin Moderator
You have been through quite a bit for someone so young. Hang in there and hopefully it gets better for you. Best, --Matt (Team Member)
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford Moderator & Contributor
Thanks for sharing your story Julia! I was diagnosed in 2007. Quite a whirlwind it was. I went from healthy to sick basically overnight. 2 weeks off work, just at home sleeping and pooping. I can’t even imagine how tough it is having IBD whilst at school! I went to A&E after those two week at home, was diagnosed on the day, and admitted for IV hydrocortisone. Had my colon whipped out a week later. I thought it was tough for me, after such a swift diagnosis and surgery at 19 years old, but you were only 9! I just want to give you a massive hug! Like you, I do feel like the journey I have been on with my IBD, Jpouch etc, has shaped me. It’s made me better. It’s made me focus on what matters. I also had surgery for a twisted intestine and an abscess which led to a Jpouch revision and temp stoma again for a while! I did go back to the Jpouch, but again, like you, I had chronic antibiotic-resistant refractory Pouchitis. I had my Jpouch removed in 2018. I can relate to sooo much of your story. Thanks so much for sharing! Stay well. ~ Sahara (team member)