Chronicittles: Sarah's Ulcerative Colitis Story

{Chronicittles Disclaimer: Those that are sharing their personal chronicittles stories are sharing just that- their stories. They are people that are struggling {or have struggled} with the ins and outs of a chronic illness and have found ways of surviving and thriving. Their stories are meant to encourage, inspire, and challenge those that are struggling but are in no way meant to be a physician's advice. Please be aware that this is a space for learning and encouraging and not a space that will allow critical comments of any persons story. A reader should consult with his/her physician regarding any information gleaned from these stories. Thank you so much for reading!}

It's with great pleasure that I share with you Sarah's story! Even though I have never met her "in person" I am honored to call her a friend! She is truly inspiring and I am excited to have her share her story with y'all!

*all pictures in Sarah's post story are Sarah's *
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Hi everyone! My name is Sarah, and I blog over at Limited Space Organizing. Rebecca so kindly asked me if I would share my chronicittles story with y'all!

When I was a sophomore in college, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.  It is an autoimmune disease that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life.  I have a very mild form of it (luckily), but basically I have ulcers in my colon/large intestine.  I take medicine everyday to keep it under control, and will have to get colonoscopy's every three years for the rest of my life as long as it stays mild. I had a colonoscopy this past May, and they said everything looks normal, which means, the meds are working!

Being 24 years old and knowing that you have a disease is really hard to deal with. I know that there are people younger than me dealing with worse issues, but that doesn't mean this hasn't been hard to deal with. It's difficult being "young" and already having to take medication everyday. I always imagined I'd be A LOT older before that started. I often find myself asking, "Why me?", and  "What did I do to deserve this?"  Most people don't have to get their fist colonoscopy until they turn FIFTY years old! Although it has been four years since I've been diagnosed, I still haven't wrapped my head around it and accepted it. I have to make sure that I eat healthy and exercise, which is what we are supposed to do anyways, but I also need to watch my stress level and anxiety, which I have a real problem with. These could cause flare-ups, and an increase in medication, and I really don't want to do that. I feel like the first step in accepting this disease is announcing it, and stop holding it all in. I need to continue in prayer for God to heal my body and to keep this disease in a mild state.

Apparently, autoimmune diseases are hereditary and very common, and some are worse than others. This is not the only autoimmune disease I have, I also have Raynaud's Syndrome. Whenever I'm cold (could be in the snow, or too cold of A/C) my toes turn white and go numb.  It's nothing serious, and I don't take medication for it, but it's just something added onto the list of health issues I have at the ripe old age of 24. I am hoping that writing this will help me get over the fact that I will have this disease the rest of my life and help me to accept it, and for anyone else out there who feels alone. If anyone needs someone to vent to, or just some encouragement, please don't hesitate to email me! limitedspaceorganizing@gmail.com

Thanks Rebecca for letting me stop by today to share my story!! Don't forget to come visit my blog, Limited Space Organizing, I'd love to meet all of you!
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Thank you so much Sarah for your encouragement and strength in sharing your story with us! Your courage inspires all of us!