Archive for March, 2009

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Sleep problems

March 9, 2009

Having colitis isn’t just about pain in the abdomen. Going through surgery isn’t just about the pain of recovery. With this disease comes side effects and other minor issues that you don’t necessarily think of when you think of bowel disease. For me, one of the difficult parts of this journey has been the numerous sleep problems that have accompanied me at every stage thus far.

You probably know what I’m talking about.

Keep fighting,

~Dennis

Question: What kinds of sleep problems have you had? Please answer!

Posted in Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Be proactive with your health

March 4, 2009

Living with colitis is a major health issue. It’s not like one-time health problems where you go into the hospital, get fixed up, leave, and never return, like having a broken arm or getting a flu shot. No, colitis is something you live with your entire life and the conditions of your colitis can fluctuate greatly from remission to flare up and back again.

Because you are the one that has to live with your colitis, you are the one who has to take care of yourself. The doctors and nurses will help you, but only when you ask for help. Ultimately, you are the one who makes the decisions about your treatment. Nobody else can manage your colitis for you.

Keep fighting,
~Dennis

Posted in Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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J-pouch: It helps to have an ileostomy first

March 2, 2009

When people consider surgery, by far the biggest stumbling block is the temporary ileostomy. Everybody is worried about it for some reason. They worry about their body image, they worry about pain, and they worry about managing the ileostomy correctly. These are all valid concerns.

But after living with an ileostomy, and now living with a j-pouch, I’ve learned that the temporary ileostomy stage is actually very important to the successful management of a j-pouch. When your colon is removed, your anatomy changes drastically forever. And managing your bowels thus changes drastically.

So instead of seeing the temporary ileostomy stage as a nuisance and frustration, see the positive benefits that come from it.

I know from experience that managing my j-pouch is a lot easier after managing my ileostomy.

Keep fighting,

~Dennis

Question: What have you learned from having an ileostomy? Answer below!

Posted in J-Pouch | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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