It's been a week since my appointment and the increase in Asacol and I'm happy to report that my skin is cleared up and my wedding ring is back in its proper place. My gut is calmer and my BMs are normal, and I'm even feeling just a tad more energetic.

I'm grateful that there are medications out there that can help me. And it's times like this, when a flare has hit, that I realize the formula to keeping me healthy is a mixture of mind/body techniques and modern medicine. There may not yet be a cure for IBD but there are many, many more medications out there that can help than when I was first diagnosed ten years ago. I'm thankful to the people who are putting money into IBD research and that we are making strides forward to help us treat UC and Crohn's more effectively.

For me, living a good life with IBD is a combination of listening to my body, hearing what it needs, working with my doctor, and using all the tools and options that are at hand.

You can read more about me and how I live with IBD at www.ibdandibs.com