WORLD IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE DAY
@crohnsandcolitisuk
Ulcerative colitis is a medical condition where the immune system attacks the lining of the gut, which causes inflammation and ulcers in your colon and the large bowl.
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in August 2021 at 18 years old, after frequent A&E visits, being referred on a cancer pathway in the NHS and a never-ending constant cycle of worry and pain. I started developing symptoms a year prior to this in the COVID lockdown, which I brushed off. Then they started to become severe with regular GP visits, trialing different medications, diets and lifestyle methods. I thought I may have had an intolerance to a type of food, so I tried being gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian etc. but nothing worked. The symptoms I had were awful but I’m not going to go through detail on here.
This is when I started to learn to cook balanced meals for myself and I wanted to start becoming healthier, so I began exercising, learning new recipes and adjusting my lifestyle.
I never told anybody about my symptoms, until they became severe, and I was bleeding up to 20 times a day in absolute agony. I couldn’t enjoy going out as I needed the toilet constantly, I didn’t enjoy eating and I was constantly restricted from things I wanted to do.
After being referred through the cancer pathway, I had a colonoscopy which then I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I currently take medication 3 times a day and I will have to take medication for the rest of my life. I also have regular checkups with the irritable bowel disease team at my local hospital
I still experience stomach pains and bloating 4-5 days a week, but I manage this the best I can, but I am grateful I am in remission and not experiencing any of the symptoms I had pre diagnosis.
If it was not for this diagnosis then I probably would not have found the importance of looking after my body, eating a balanced diet and prioritizing my health. It’s so important to be kind to your body💚
#nutrition #recipes #healthyrecipe #food #healthy #healthyfood #healthyeating #nutritioncoach #fyp #eat #worldibdday #collitis #crohnsandcolitis #ibd 
