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I'm a world traveler because of UC!

Sat, May 22, 2010 12:00 AM

I know this will sound odd, but I became a traveler because of my illness. I was diagnosed as a teenager and I was sick the entire time I was 17. By the time I was 19 I had learned how to manage my symptoms well and did a semester abroad, in part to prove to myself that I could be adventurous despite my condition, that I wasn't going to let it keep me down. That was a strong motivation. If I could go through all the trials and pain of colitis, I could make it on my own traveling the world.
I did a semester abroad in Costa Rica and actually found that I became much much healthier there. I think it was partially because of the stress free lifestyle and partially because of the simple, rice and beans based diet, but for the first time in years I felt completely symptom free.
I came back to the states and experienced my usual ups and downs again. At 21 I spent 5 months traveling through south america and a year later I spent a few months in central america. Besides a few bugs that anyone could get, I was totally healthy. I felt like a normal healthy person. And I felt accomplished and proud that I didn't hold back because of my colitis.
I'm not writing this to brag, but to maybe inspire people to do things they didn't think they could do because of IBD. It can be a devastating illness, and I gone through some really hard times myself, but it shouldn't stop you from living the life you want to live.

tobykai
Joined May 20, 2010

Thu, May 27, 2010 12:00 AM

Reply posted for kevin63z.

I was on imuran for years but I think that's it. I take probiotics too.
But I really believe that it was the lifestyle and diet changes that kept me healthy.

tobykai
Joined May 20, 2010

Wed, May 26, 2010 8:33 PM

Reply posted for TobyKai.

What medications were you on when you traveled and what are you on now?

What were you on in costa rica when you felt symptom free?

kevin63z
Joined Mar 30, 2010

Sat, May 22, 2010 12:00 AM

Reply posted for TobyKai.

It was great to read something positive. I would like to see a catagory where we could post positives. I think it would be an inspiration. I've always said that I have Crohns. I don't let Crohns have me. Good Luck in your future adventures. Marilyn

marilynaz
Joined Jun 4, 2008

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