On Living With Ulcerative Colitis: 11 Random Things

Because I’ll take any excuse to write a blog post of randomness, I was delighted to see that Amy tagged me in a post, asking me to share 11 random things with all of you. But in an exciting twist, instead of just sharing 11 things about myself, I’m going to tell you 11 things about my life with ulcerative colitis.

I know. I’m so exciting and creative.

I know more than I ever thought I could about public bathrooms. When I’m out at a restaurant, bar, or other public place, I always take note of the location of the bathroom when I walk in the door. I’m also full of random information, like hotel lobbies have the best public bathrooms, and Walgreens almost always has public bathrooms, but you often have to ask for access and they are hidden in the employee only area. I’m also well-versed in  the legislation that exists in Illinois  (and eleven other states!) to protect people like me when we’re out and about.

I always know where these are.

I miss strawberries and red meat. Although I can eat a lot more things than I could when I was diagnosed, there are a few things that I just can’t tolerate. Over time, I’ve stopped craving most of them. But I’m not sure I’ll ever get over my longing for strawberries and red meat. (Mmmm… steak.)

I have serious toilet paper loyalties. I actually woke Goose up from a sound sleep once to yell at him about what brand of toilet paper he bought lovingly suggest that he may want to consider sticking to my favorite, Charmin, in the future. You know, just for his own safety. (And yes, I did buy my own toilet paper for the dorms when I was in college. None of that generic nonsense for me.)

I love wearing my “Ask Me About My Colitis” shirt , and I love it even more when people do ask. My favorite was probably when I was getting a wax at the salon, but I’ve had several people ask and make comments about the shirt. Each time I talk about it, I feel a little more comfortable talking about my disease with strangers. It’s such a small, easy way to raise awareness.

Go ahead. Ask.

Note: Many of you have asked where I got my shirt. For those of your looking for your own “Ask Me About My Crohn’s disease” or “Ask Me About My Colitis” shirts, my shirt is from  The Great Bowel Movement . Head there if you’d like your own!

Because of my ulcerative colitis, one of the first things I brought to my new office was Tylenol Arthritis. Yes, I turn 27 this weekend, and I already need this stuff often enough to keep it in my desk at work.

Because of my ulcerative colitis,  I’ve met some incredible people . Not only do they empathize with my illness and really get it when I’m dealing with  the sucky parts of my disease , they’re good friends to have regardless. Hands down, the best thing about living with ulcerative colitis is the people it has brought into my life. From the two lovelies in the picture below to my “Girls with Guts” in Chicago to my Team Challenge teammates, I’m a lucky girl.

Friend love. Thanks to our colitis and Crohn's for introducing us.

My ulcerative colitis has a name, and it’s Frank. I use it when I’m angry at “him,” mostly. Usually with a string of expletives. It makes me feel better.

I have been living with ulcerative colitis for almost seven years now. And I still cringe when I hear someone talk about people who “suffer from” IBD. Yes, it’s a tiny detail, but I’m a words person. I’ll live with UC for the rest of my life, and I don’t like to think of myself as suffering day in and day out — I don’t!

Before I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I’d never poop when I wasn’t home. Now I don’t have a choice but to use public bathrooms sometimes! (How’s that for a confession?)

Talking about my ulcerative colitis has actually made me have a more positive outlook on it . Somehow, in talking to others and finding validation for my struggles, I’ve also found the strength to look on the bright side of this illness. It’s given me so many things, including a job I’m incredibly passionate about, supportive friends, and made me stronger than I ever imagined I could be.

My ulcerative colitis serves as a constant reminder to live every day to the fullest. I don’t want to waste a day where I’m feeling great, so I make sure to enjoy all of those moments as much as possible.

Look at that. Two days of randomness in a row. If you have IBD, tell me something random about your life with it. If not, care to share some other randomness with me? Clearly I like it.