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I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis nearly two years ago.  My symptoms seemed to be fairly controlled since then.  I had a fairly healthy diet in hopes of losing weight.  I avoided fried food like the plague, knowing I would run screaming to the bathroom, same thing goes with ice cream.  Otherwise I always ate lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies, and some dairy by means of yogurt and some cheeses.  I also had a very bad sweet tooth...but I knew what foods to avoid (damn gummy bears!)  Just last week though I was hospitalized for an aweful flare up, the cause of which I do not know!  My parents picked me up from school, 2 hours from home, and took me to my doctor for some tests.  The tests lead to me being in the hospital for three days, a parent being with me at all times except at night.  I fully understand that post flare up I need to watch what I eat, but I am really getting sick of starches like pasta and rice, applesauce, etc.  My main concern is my family's reaction to my food choices.  I feel like when I go home for the holiday this weekend my every bite of food will be analyzed!  I know they only want the best for me, but I also feel like I know what my body can handle.  How do I ask them to not worry so much, especially when they have sacrificed so much time for me this past week. Is there going back to my old diet? Is it selfish to want a cookie now and then?  Anyone have any family advice?

 Reply posted for musicmom.

I totally understand. My 19 year old daughter was diagnosed 4 years ago. My husband refuses to accept the fact that my daughter can eat things (that bother him so therefore must bother her!) and I am always worried about her. As she has become an adult, she has had to tell us to back off, that this is her body and her decisions. It is not easy to hear but I respect her decisions and I respect that she lets us know when we are making her crazy!

It is so hard to watch someone you love suffer and when your parents have been your "boss" for all these years, it is really hard to let go. I am sure if you talk to them and let them know how you feel in a respectful way, they will respect you too. Good luck and hope you are feeling ok...Jan

 Reply posted for jilliansamantha.

I'm so glad things are going better for you! And I'm glad you can eat around your family now. There will be situations like that on and off - so just prepare yourself! :-) When we go to visit my in-laws and they serve some wonderful "healthy" things I can't eat if I'm in a flare, it almost feels as if I'm insulting them to not eat those things. But...you already have a  great start at knowing what your trigger foods are, so.... be strong!
Places like this forum are great, because we all REALLY understand.

 Reply posted for musicmom.

I did get through the holiday fine...thank you for your support.  I am able to eat around my family and not feel uncomfortable....I guess we've all realized that I can make the right decisions for my own body.  It is very much a trial and error disease when it comes to diet, and so far I know a lot of my triggers.  I have also begun seeing a counselor to deal with emotional triggers.  Thanks for your support musicmom!

 Reply posted for jilliansamantha.

Hi - It's rough. I have UC, and so does my son, who is 16 now. It's really hard for me to see him eat the way he does sometimes, but I try not to say too much because I really don't want to stress him! (He's in remission so pretty much can eat anything.)
And your comment about gummies was interesting - my son's pediatric GI allows them while doing coloscopy prep! So, I guess unless the high fructose corn syrup is your concern, they metabolize like a clear liquid (maybe sort of like hardened jello?) So - they don't seem too bad to me! lol
I know there are many theories about diet, but in the 23 years I've had UC, it seems to me that we're all different and we can only tell what works and what doesn't by trial and error - I don't believe there are hard and fast rules that fit all of us. And what works for us sometimes might not work other times!
Have your folks watched the webcast on the CCFA website, the one about diet and nutrition? The point of it is basically that no food makes the course of the disease worse, but some foods can make the "symptoms" worse (more poops, D, etc) depending on if we're inflamed and where.
And - both my son and I want to lose weight, and it's so hard when all those things people are "supposed" to eat to be "healthy" - salads, beans, etc - might not sit well for us!  One thing I'm into right now for a sweet treat is mini rice cakes, caramel-corn flavored. Healthy? lol not really, but better than the things I'm REALLY tempted by!
Good luck to you and your family.