Ulcerative Colitis

So, lately I haven’t really had that many issues. It’s up and down, but it’s definitely something that I can live with (although it does get annoying at times). I am currently recovering from a cold and I’m taking things that I wouldn’t normally be taking and I think that has been causing me a few issues over the last few days / week.

Other than that I’m just checking in to say that I really haven’t had that many issues. I took Delsym and I think that had an effect. Also, I’ve been chewing on Halls (Cherry) and I think they’ve been giving me issues as well. Obviously nothing I can’t take, but it’s just a bit of an annoyance.

All aside, I believe that since I have been able to control my emotions (the stress), I really haven’t had many issues AT ALL. The mind-setting thing before going to bed definitely touches on this insight. To me, it seems to have something to do with being “centered.” When you don’t allow anybody to have the power over you (psychologically) and you realize that you are control of what you do, everything else seems to fade into the background. Not to get too deep, but honestly, this seems to have worked for me.

Since I’m still figuring out how to actually manage this, I believe that’s why certain issues have been “up-and-down.” Don’t worry, I’m still attempting to completely center myself.

WOW!!! Once again, it has been forever.

Currently in a “flare-up” yet again. Apparently I only remember this thing whenever times are really bad with this disease. Interesting, huh?

This UC stuff really sucks!!! Sorry I haven’t been updating as much as I used to.

So, essentially this means, “back to the drawing board”. I really don’t want the doctor to have to cut this thing out of me, but to a certain point, I just want it to be over already. Find me a cure and get rid of this junk. (same as most, I’m sure).

Anyway, right now, my tummy is really bubbling and twisting and turning (again). It’s not too bad right now. I’m actually trying to learn about it now (pattern-recognition) and see if there can be any other changes, etc. I’ve tried so many things, but to no avail. I was just looking at e-cigarettes (nicotine assists in going into remission), but then I started thinking, “you know what will happen, I’ll end up getting addicted to THAT CRAP.” I don’t know for sure, but I’m really not up for putting myself in that situation. Maybe if it’s to a point of “get cut or do the nicotine thing”, I’ll go down that route, but not yet.

It’s not killing me right now, but it’s definitely taking a toll on me. One thing that I’m noticing about this UC thing is that it’s all about STRESS, PERIOD. I attend a support group here and there (Chicago Loop area) and there are a lot of things that point me toward thinking that UC first manifests itself at a very very stressful time in the victim’s life.

For example, mine showed up in college, right when I actually started to care about school and there was a genuine desire to succeed in school. Before that point I never really cared. I did enough to get by. However, once that desire showed up, that’s when my UC showed up. I was balancing school (now a driving force), work, and sports. For me, it was probably my most stressful time (probably ever). I stopped crying all together (natural stress relief), because let’s face it, you can’t be a cry-baby in college if you’re a male.

Time after time I hear that UC showed up in other peoples’ lives at very very stressful points in their lives. Who knows, maybe I’ll try and start crying at least once a day now and see if that helps relieve stress.

I also found something called Neuromodulation Technique (NMT – The Feinberg method) that was developed by (I think) Dr. Feinberg. It seems a little bit far-fetched, but at this point, I really don’t care. I see this method simply as a way to develop stress management strategies. There was at least one person who said they were cured from UC by using this method, so, I don’t know what to make of it just yet.

2400 mg Asacol (Doctor kicked it down a bit)

• Miscellaneous Foods

Oops!!! I didn’t realize it has been this long. I am doing a lot better. This Asacol stuff if really helping me out. I’m still going through a few odd occurrences here and there, but I’m sure it’s all fine.

By the way, the doctor said that I’m in pretty good shape as far as the UC is concerned. I was finally diagnosed with Lower Left UC. I just wish I had a control group (prior diagnosis). That would have insured whether or not the MMS was working. Now, I’m just going to put the MMS off until further notice. This was my first colonoscopy, so there wasn’t any way to tell if I improved or not, compared to my condition a number of years ago.

The other reason that it has been so long is that I have just been SUPER BUSY! Graduate School is really taking it’s toll on me. I barely have enough time to rest. All I can say is thank god for the Asacol showing up now (just in time for this high stress level period of time).

3600 mg Asacol

• Miscellaneous Foods

Still feeling better. Stools are actually starting to form. (New President – Barack Obama)