Stress and IBD

I am so thankful for what I just read, I'd been wondering if stress was a true factor to flares and so forth. It's just seems that I stress so easily that it's out of my control but I am working on some things to do and getting myself involved in new activities that will help me to keep more relaxed. I feel like that story was a confirmation for me so once again thanks. 

Hi Ali, 

Congrats on the wedding! You're dress is gorgeous!!

Glad you've been feeling better

my son graduated from high school and I had a big bash planned for him. I had tables set up around my pool (which never looked better that early in June - I was busy) and other tables in separate locations. His father and I divorced years ago and the separate families would be coming together. The wind blew 25 mph and it was 99 degrees, which meant no

one went outside (I live on a hill in the country). I had to come up with plan b and thank god it was my house and I have a bathroom upstairs. This was my first and last flare until

the dr. diagnosed my uc, but now i live with the asacol and wonder if pills are the only way. I am so glad to read about someone else who shares UC and I can not imagine what getting married with this would be like. I worry about everything and am high strung any way. I am trying to destress my life also. Can it be done?? Did you make any dietary changes? You are a lovely bride and I guarantee stress has something to do with flares.

"But even on days that I didn't FEEL stressed, I still felt crappy."

When you wrote that it was very comforting. Stress has such a lasting effect on our bodies it's amazing! Our bodies will identify what our minds may not acknowledge.  I would bet money that my present flare has been caused by job stress and I received the "de-stress" chat from my doctor as well, which always makes me chuckle because I know this already.  Sometimes I think having IBD helps to remind me what's really important and keep my priorities in check. It forces me to put myself first whereas I would never do that before.

Congrats on your wedding! Reading your story reminds me how I was flaring when I got married as well!  Worried that my dress wouldn't fit because I was bloated and afraid it would show in the photos, (thank goodness I had a large bouquet, I took it with me everywhere Lol!)  I flared pretty badly throughout our honeymoon too (Bermuda), but managed to make it through all our excursions and my new hubby was very supportive always rubbing my back or legs when needed and still does God Bless him!

Good Luck with your new home! Blessings and happiness!