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Updated 2 years ago,June 13, 2023
For seven years, I struggled with ulcerative colitis.
It affected every aspect of my life.
With colitis, you’re able to have good days and bad days.
On bad days, getting out of bed and taking care of oneself can be difficult.
Taking care of others, especially children, is another feat altogether.
With the prevalence of UC as high as it is, we know that it takes no prisoners.
Ulcerative Colitis affects all walks of life, every race, age, and sex.
It can affect the healthy as well as the sick.
I was a health coach, helping people with weight loss through diet and exercise.
I followed a vegan diet for many years and assumed I was impervious to disease.
However, getting sick with UC took a toll on my confidence.
Not only was I depressed and sad about the divorce, but I was also physically drained.
They were 7 and 10 years old and full of energy.
When you have small kids, you dont have time to be sick or to lay in bed.
They need almost constant attention, feeding, driving, and care.
UC takes a toll on your lives and the lives of those around you.
My kids were not aware of my illness.
I often said I had a tummy ache or tiredness, which was entirely accurate.
However, Inaccurate didnt expand on why that was the case.
They became accustomed to my limited energy on many days, but it didnt make life any easier.
Life goes on whether you feel well or not.
Another aspect of UC that many people dont realize is that it often accompanies depression.
So aside from the fatigue and discomfort, I often felt depressed.
Anyone who has suffered from depression knows how deeply it can affect your everyday life.
Parenting, especially as a single parent, requires us to be in the best health possible.
