Community Forum

Hi,
I have been diagnosed with UC for almost 2 yrs now and on remission. It took me almost 6 to 8 months to feel healthy physically. I am working on my Phd, and had to take a 6 month break from school when I was diagnosed. But, mentally I was always disturbed after that.My mood swings ranged from good to bad. One day seemed good and other two days were bad. I didn't know what was happening, until recently. I used to just feel low and sleep all the time. I started cooking and cleaning my apartment and my boyfriend's too. Initially, he was understanding and caring, later due to my mood swings, everything got hayway. My temper was too bad. Even though I explained few things, probably he didn't want to listen, he used to comment that would hurt my feelings. It was very hard for me to accept the fact that even though I am on remission, I had some side effects due to medicine or whatever on my daily life. Well, recently he broke up with me to be with other girl. I am just angry with myself, shattered and broken due to all these. Even since I was diagnosed, life has just not been the same. It has effected my school, my relationship and everything. I don't know if these things are normal with this disease. I hope I can be me again in my life.

I would really appreciate if anyone could share their experience similar to mine.
Thanks.

 Reply posted for radhikamh.

These feelings are not unusual for anyone who has a chronic illness.  Seek out a mental health professional who can evaluate your condition.  There is no shame in it nad it can help you get you life back.  It can also help you with your emotions so that you do not trigger another flare-up of your disease.

 Reply posted for radhikamh.

I have had UC for 8 years, symptom free for about the past 7. started dating my HS sweetheart my senior year (jan 2005). In sept. of 2010 i went completely off meds thinking that i had everything in my life stable so there shouldnt be anything so stressful that it would throw me into flare. I did excellent off meds. Then on our 6 year anneversary (jan 14) we got into and argument. I didnt think it was that big of a deal but next weekend she told me she wanted me to move out. Within 2 weeks i was full blown flare again and have been ever since. It sucks, im 24 and im back at my parents till i can get my health/finances straight and get my own house. Never dreamed i would be in this position. I can def understand how UC and the relationship effect eachother and it really throws a wrench in things.

 Reply posted for carolgeb58.

I definitely understand how you feel. I have UC and most of the time I do not feel well. It really takes a toll on you mentally and physically. My husband actually has Crohn's so he does understand.  Just know that you are not alone and you will find the right person.  If he doesn't accept you for who you are then he is not worth it.

Take care of yourself:)

 Reply posted for radhikamh.

I get very depressed sometimes.  I would like to have a colectomy or maybe even a J-pouch done.  I think we all need probably a therapist for this.  I have my days believe me.  I am in AA so that helps me a lot.  I have a good sponsor.  I have been told by people to try the alternative medicine type thing.  Who knows!

 Reply posted for radhikamh.

i completely understand how you are feeling. i am 22 and have been with my boyfriend since i was 19, we've been living together for about one year. i was diagnosed with colitis when i was 17 and am just begining to get the disease under control now. i am also on steroids, and my mood swings have been so intense that i am staying with my mom for a week until i can decrease my dose because i've been a nutcase.

you have to remember that you are not alone. the weight loss, the anxiety about where the closest restrooms are, it really sucks. everytime i go somewhere i am aware of how long the drive/trip is and what the bathroom situation is. if i am going out for dinner sometimes i take immodium just so i don't feel worried or embarassed (which my gi doctor has said is totally fine to take to help control your symptoms).

sometimes when you're tired or depressed you just need to literally force yourself to get up and just go for a walk. go outside. call a close cousin and check in. call a friend. call the people who you know are there for you, it makes you feel good to vent to someone who can give you feedback or just listen. i also read a lot when i'm not feeling good; it helps ease your mind and take you away from what you're dealing with.

as far as your boyfriend goes, forget about it. the right guy will be with you for who you are and will support you. this one was not the right one for you: trust me, my boyfriend and i have gone through *** and back with this disease. how attractive is it that everytime your girlfriend leaves the house she needs an extra 10-15 to go to the bathroom? it's not. and the mood swings from the medication and just being down from being sick takes a toll on the relationship, and we're going through some drama right now, and in the end if it doesn't make us stronger then i know it's not meant to be.

i wish you the best of luck in feeling better, emotionally and physically. im right there with ya girl.

 Reply posted for radhikamh.

i completely understand how you are feeling. i am 22 and have been with my boyfriend since i was 19, we've been living together for about one year. i was diagnosed with colitis when i was 17 and am just begining to get the disease under control now. i am also on steroids, and my mood swings have been so intense that i am staying with my mom for a week until i can decrease my dose because i've been a nutcase.

you have to remember that you are not alone. the weight loss, the anxiety about where the closest restrooms are, it really sucks. everytime i go somewhere i am aware of how long the drive/trip is and what the bathroom situation is. if i am going out for dinner sometimes i take immodium just so i don't feel worried or embarassed (which my gi doctor has said is totally fine to take to help control your symptoms).

sometimes when you're tired or depressed you just need to literally force yourself to get up and just go for a walk. go outside. call a close cousin and check in. call a friend. call the people who you know are there for you, it makes you feel good to vent to someone who can give you feedback or just listen. i also read a lot when i'm not feeling good; it helps ease your mind and take you away from what you're dealing with.

as far as your boyfriend goes, forget about it. the right guy will be with you for who you are and will support you. this one was not the right one for you: trust me, my boyfriend and i have gone through *** and back with this disease. how attractive is it that everytime your girlfriend leaves the house she needs an extra 10-15 to go to the bathroom? it's not. and the mood swings from the medication and just being down from being sick takes a toll on the relationship, and we're going through some drama right now, and in the end if it doesn't make us stronger then i know it's not meant to be.

i wish you the best of luck in feeling better, emotionally and physically. im right there with ya girl.

 Reply posted for radhikamh.

congrats on getting your PhD!  that is quite an achievement. 

 I have found that some people just do not understand how devastating a diagnosis can be. Maybe your boyfriend feels frustrated that he can't help you (?)  One of the hardest parts I have found since my daughter was diagnosed with UC 2 yrs ago is that life is a roller coaster.  It is so hard to plan things because you never know if you are going to be having a flare or just not feeling well. Nothing is ever the same and it takes time to come to terms with that...I am still working on it. I hope you can find some peace