5 Things I Wish I Knew When Diagnosed with IBD

As I continued to take the Asacol and implement the changes in what I did and didn't eat my symptoms continued to improve.

4. Stress can make IBD symptoms worse

It wasn't until about three years after my diagnosis that another doctor explained to me that the gut is where we store many of our emotions. It's like when you're a child and you used to get "butterflies" in your stomach when you felt excited or scared or nervous. I used to tend to think that my emotions came from my mind, but have come to believe that the mind is where we process our feelings and emotions but the gut is where we store them. But, emotions are what make us human and so we aren't just going to be able to get rid of them like an old stinky sock. Instead, I realized I had to learn how to get a grip on my emotions when they became negative in the form of stress. And to do this I came up with some "tools" that include everything from journaling - getting my thoughts and emotions out of my body and down onto paper or my computer - to rhythmic breathing, massage, Reiki, yoga, exercise, and even spending a little time at the gym with the punching bag where I can physically release those pent us emotions from my body.

5. Even if there isn't one cure that works for everyone, other IBDers can really understand what you're going through

I have a fabulous husband. And he's very understanding and supportive of me and my life with IBD. Now, that said, he doesn't have IBD, never has stomach issues, and can eat anything he wants, plus stress just doesn't seem to affect him in any adverse manner. And so, as wonderful as he is, he'll just never really be able to "get" my situation. That's why it's so great to be able to reach out, through the internet and support groups, and connect with other people who do "get" it and can really know what you're feeling both physically and emotionally. Plus, since there are so many ways of treating IBD and so many things that work for some and not for others, it's a great way to share our success stories as well as those things that didn't work so well.

For more in-depth information about any of my experiences listed here be sure to read my previous posts on this web site or my book, Living with IBD & IBS: A Personal Journey of Success - www.ibdandibs.com

Learn more about Ulcerative Colitis.

How about those Ulcerative Colitis drugs...

Or the Crohn's Disease meds.