Thursday, June 3, 2010

A Life Chronicled

Since my diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis, I have wanted to start a separate blog for my two diseases. After writing the last post I decided I had much more to say and it would bog down this blog. So, instead of writing a short series, I will be going into great detail on my other blog.

I realize there may only be a few people who will follow me on both blogs, and that is just fine. It takes a special person to find the details of medical conditions interesting. WARNING: If you are not okay with reading details about bowels, poop and all things related, you might want to stick with reading this blog and not read my other one. After all, Ulcerative Colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. It is not a pretty disease and there is no candy coating it! After typing this I am VERY glad I made the decision to move these details to their new home.

I know the idea of blogging about these issues will seem strange to many of you and may make you uncomfortable. Some of you may have cringed a little when you read the words ‘bowel’ and ‘poop’. I know I am making the right decision. Both Type 1 Diabetes and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) can be diseases people are embarrassed to have. I have spent the last 10 years putting the emphasis on ‘Type 1’. There is nothing shameful about ‘Type 2’ diabetes, but it gets a bad rap. No one wants to talk about UC and, certainly, no one wants to hear about it. I have had many embarrassing moments because of my UC. It is for these reasons that I am stepping out there, letting my guard down, and speaking up for myself and others who know these diseases all too well.

Speaking of bowels, please pray for my dad. He was admitted to the hospital yesterday with an obstructed bowel. He will be having surgery this morning in hopes of removing the obstruction. They are going to try to remove it laparoscopically first, if that doesn’t work they will have to make a larger incision.

If you would like to follow me on my other blog, A Life Chronicled, please feel free to click on this link.

2 comments:

Tracy said...

Wow! Good for you for writing about and giving a voice to important issues that some are too shy/afraid to talk about. I hope others can/will benefit from them. God bless you.

Shannon said...

Hi Katie,

I found your blog through another Ethiopian adoption blog that I follow. My husband and I have started our Ethiopian adoption process, and my husband is also a UC sufferer. Two years ago, his doctor was ready to do surgery, but my husband wasn't ready to take that step yet. He started acupuncture shortly after that and it has made a HUGE difference in his life. His colonoscopy 3 years ago showed a fully ulcerated colon. He just had one on Friday and he is showing no signs of active UC! Although I am the spouse, I totally understand what you are talking about with those embarrassing moments...we have had them too!
I look forward to reading about your adventures as we go on our own journey!