This is what I looked like when I met him. I'd never even heard of ulcerative colitis.

He diagnosed me with ulcerative colitis, and for almost seven years, he was my gastroenterologist. I still think he’s a wonderful man and a good doctor. He’s just not the best doctor for me anymore.

Why?

I’m glad you asked. Storytime, everyone. I know you’ve all been waiting on pins and needles to hear about the big doctor switch I alluded to last week. Oh. You haven’t? Hmmm. Well, I’m going to tell you anyway. So listen up.

Before I had my diagnostic colonoscopy in 2005, Dr. GI the First (yes, that’s what I’m going to call my first doctor) and my primary care doctor both thought I had Crohn’s disease. My B12 levels were very, very low, and that is pretty typical of Crohn’s disease, but not ulcerative colitis. However, the colonoscopy showed stage 2 ulcerative colitis, effecting my entire colon. I went on my merry way, grateful that my IBD would remain in my colon and not travel to other parts of my digestive tract.

But in the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered if I had Crohn’s disease that was misdiagnosed.

About this time last year, I had a colonoscopy that showed remission. Hooray! I also had bloodwork done that showed I was absorbing B12 on my own and would no longer need injections. Double hooray!

This is my friend Charlotte. She was actually cheering at a race in this photo, but for the sake of this story we're going to pretend she was cheering for Frank's good behavior.

And then that all changed again. My B12 levels are low. I’m having pain again. Arthritis pain and colon pain. I called Dr. GI the First to let him know that I was still having issues from my flare back in July, and he suggested another round of steroids. My problem with this? I hadn’t had a colonoscopy since last year.

So, armed with advice from some of my new friends with Crohn’s and colitis, I headed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, home to some of the best GI doctors for IBD in the world. I mean, if the best in the world is that close to home, it’s pretty silly not to check them out, right?

I had my first visit with Dr. Wonderful last Wednesday. I adored him instantly, because I could tell he was going to seriously look into my disease and find out everything he could. Take for example, this conversation snippet:

Dr. Wonderful: So, with that treatment, your Crohn’s or colitis or whatever you have was fine?

Me: Yes. And I have ulcerative colitis.

Dr. Wonderful: We’ll see.

Me: I have lived in secret fear for the last seven years that I have misdiagnosed Crohn’s.

Dr. Wonderful: Lauren, one isn’t scarier than the other. You just need a proper diagnosis so we can properly treat it.

On Friday, I had another colonoscopy and my very first endoscopy. The colonoscopy showed signs that ulcerative colitis exists, but it’s not currently active. And I’m still in pain. Dr. Wonderful took a bunch of biopsies and now I wait until Wednesday.

Dr. Seuss

But I wait knowing that I took control of my health, sought out a second opinion, and did my own research. Even if Dr. Wonderful tells me the same things that Dr. GI the First did and reccomends the same course of action, I feel good about my decision and the next step on this journey.

Phew. Long post. But it was also a long overdue decision. So there’s that.

Tell me about a decision that took you way too long to make, but made you so happy when you finally did it. I like happy stories.

So today, I’m not eating, getting ready for a lovely evening of taking pills (thank goodness I don’t have to drink that awful liquid prep stuff) and being attached to the toilet. Clearly, this is not the best day ever.

Let’s do this thankful thing and see if it puts a smile on my face. A big one.

Like this one.

I’m thankful for colonoscopy prep that comes in pill form. The preparations for a colonoscopy are bad enough without drinking a ton of liquid grossness. Some doctors don’t like to have their patients do the pill prep. I am thankful that my doctor isn’t one of them.

I’m thankful for a funny book to read. Last night, I purchased Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? for my Nook. I am ridiculously excited about this book and only hope it is as funny as it looks. Funny enough to distract me from my hunger? Oh yes, I hope it will be.

Please make me laugh, Mindy Kaling.

 I’m thankful for a particularly pushy friend. I never really fully recovered from the ulcerative colitis flare up I had back in July. My arthritis is bothering me frequently (and it shouldn’t when my UC is under control) and Frank has been giving me more trouble than he should. I followed up with my doctor, but wasn’t crazy about the course of action he wanted to take. (Back on steroids without any diagnositc testing.) I hemmed and hawed about what to do, all the while feeling worse and worse. A certain pushy friend of mine urged me to visit the University of Chicago Medical Center and see a new doctor, even just for a second opinion. I did that yesterday, and I absolutely loved the doctor I saw. Never before have I felt so sure that a doctor knew exactly what he was talking about and would give me the best possible treatment. I am thrilled with my decision to go see him, and know I’m in good hands. I don’t even really mind that it means two procedures tomorrow. (Okay, I mind that part a little bit.)

I’m thankful for all of my patient, understanding friends. Because Frank has been all kinds of annoying lately, I’ve been doing a lot of cancelling and rescheduling plans. I am so grateful that my friends and family are understanding and patient with me when I am sick.

I’m thankful for all of the people my new job is bringing into my life. Every single day I get to talk to people and make connections. I have heard amazing, inspiring stories almost daily. I have the best job ever, and I couldn’t be happier.

I’m thankful for all of you. I know, it’s all emotional and warm and fuzzy. That’s just who I am. I’m so thankful for all of you who read and comment on my  little blog. Your comments make my day and I love the little community that we’re building here. I especially love how brave you are when you comment on my ulcerative colitis posts. Thank you to all of you who stop by and read, whether you comment or not. I appreciate you!

Loooooooooove you.

 Help me stay positive today. What are you thankful for?

I suppose I’ll get there eventually. At least I hope so!

Anyway, as I was traveling last week it struck me that there are certain things about the way I travel that revolve around my life with ulcerative colitis. I suppose as it is with anything that is a big part of your life, I accomodate it without thinking about it. Still, it’s there.

When I travel, always keep my medication in my carry on. Just in case something were to happen to my luggage (and yes, I’m neurotic about that) I want to make sure I have my medication when I need it. I also always take more than I’ll need — just in case I get delayed or stranded somewhere.

When it comes to bathroom breaks, I don’t care about the seatbelt sign. Look, I have ulcerative colitis. There’s no waiting sometimes. So yes, I will stumble around a turbulent airplane, lock myself in the tiny bathroom, and hope for the best. There’s no other option.

Oh please. I'll fasten it when I want to.

 I only eat really safe foods while traveling and the day before I leave. To avoid the whole “stumbling around a turbulent jet” scenario, I only eat things I know I can tolerate while I travel. Vacation is not a time for me to experiment with new foods. Sure, I miss out on trying local cuisine, but it’s worth it to have peace of mind.

I’ve packed flushable wipes… and I wasn’t traveling with a toddler.

Fellow IBD-ers, what are your travel tricks?

I know. I’m so exciting and creative.

I know more than I ever thought I could about public bathrooms. When I’m out at a restaurant, bar, or other public place, I always take note of the location of the bathroom when I walk in the door. I’m also full of random information, like hotel lobbies have the best public bathrooms, and Walgreens almost always has public bathrooms, but you often have to ask for access and they are hidden in the employee only area. I’m also well-versed in the legislation that exists in Illinois (and eleven other states!) to protect people like me when we’re out and about.

I always know where these are.

I miss strawberries and red meat. Although I can eat a lot more things than I could when I was diagnosed, there are a few things that I just can’t tolerate. Over time, I’ve stopped craving most of them. But I’m not sure I’ll ever get over my longing for strawberries and red meat. (Mmmm… steak.)

I have serious toilet paper loyalties. I actually woke Goose up from a sound sleep once to yell at him about what brand of toilet paper he bought lovingly suggest that he may want to consider sticking to my favorite, Charmin, in the future. You know, just for his own safety. (And yes, I did buy my own toilet paper for the dorms when I was in college. None of that generic nonsense for me.)

I love wearing my “Ask Me About My Colitis” shirt, and I love it even more when people do ask. My favorite was probably when I was getting a wax at the salon, but I’ve had several people ask and make comments about the shirt. Each time I talk about it, I feel a little more comfortable talking about my disease with strangers. It’s such a small, easy way to raise awareness.

Go ahead. Ask.

Note: Many of you have asked where I got my shirt. For those of your looking for your own “Ask Me About My Crohn’s disease” or “Ask Me About My Colitis” shirts, my shirt is from The Great Bowel Movement. Head there if you’d like your own!

Because of my ulcerative colitis, one of the first things I brought to my new office was Tylenol Arthritis. Yes, I turn 27 this weekend, and I already need this stuff often enough to keep it in my desk at work.

Because of my ulcerative colitis, I’ve met some incredible people. Not only do they empathize with my illness and really get it when I’m dealing with the sucky parts of my disease, they’re good friends to have regardless. Hands down, the best thing about living with ulcerative colitis is the people it has brought into my life. From the two lovelies in the picture below to my “Girls with Guts” in Chicago to my Team Challenge teammates, I’m a lucky girl.

Friend love. Thanks to our colitis and Crohn's for introducing us.

My ulcerative colitis has a name, and it’s Frank. I use it when I’m angry at “him,” mostly. Usually with a string of expletives. It makes me feel better.

I have been living with ulcerative colitis for almost seven years now. And I still cringe when I hear someone talk about people who “suffer from” IBD. Yes, it’s a tiny detail, but I’m a words person. I’ll live with UC for the rest of my life, and I don’t like to think of myself as suffering day in and day out — I don’t!

Before I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I’d never poop when I wasn’t home. Now I don’t have a choice but to use public bathrooms sometimes! (How’s that for a confession?)

Talking about my ulcerative colitis has actually made me have a more positive outlook on it. Somehow, in talking to others and finding validation for my struggles, I’ve also found the strength to look on the bright side of this illness. It’s given me so many things, including a job I’m incredibly passionate about, supportive friends, and made me stronger than I ever imagined I could be.

My ulcerative colitis serves as a constant reminder to live every day to the fullest. I don’t want to waste a day where I’m feeling great, so I make sure to enjoy all of those moments as much as possible.

Look at that. Two days of randomness in a row. If you have IBD, tell me something random about your life with it. If not, care to share some other randomness with me? Clearly I like it.

…and collapse.

But I’m happy. I love my new job to bits and pieces. I have a whole lot to be thankful for this week. Let’s get to it.

I’m thankful for my new job! I know I’m only a few days in, but it’s a dream. It is incredible to believe so strongly in the work that I am doing and feel so passionate about my job. Little by little, I’m learning all the new lingo and computer programs and co-workers names. I’m hitting the ground running and I love it oh-so-much. I mean, where else can you frame a picture of yourself with a giant diseased colon and hang it in your office?

Yes, this is hanging on my office wall. Yes, that's socially acceptable. Solid.

I’m thankful for Shit Liz Lemon Says. Have I mentioned that I’d like to be Liz Lemon when I grow up? Or preferably, a combination of Liz Lemon and Lily Aldrin? I saw this yesterday and it made me so happy that I watched it all night long. You’re welcome in advance. Lemon out.

I’m thankful for sleeping past 5:00 am. I don’t think this one needs any explaining. I’m not a morning person.

I’m thankful for old friends. This week, I had two dinner dates. One with a friend who I’ve known for 17 years, and another with a friend I’ve known for 11 years. I love them both dearly. I love that we can not see each other for months and pick up right where we left off. I love that they know me well enough to hear the things I’m not saying. And most of all, I love all the laughter that happens when we’re together.

Me, Ricky, and Blanka in 2002. We used to call that a "Ricky sandwich." Oh, high school.

I’m thankful for leftovers. Makes packing lunches oh-so-easy.

I’m thankful that February begins next week. My birthday is coming! My birthday is coming!

I’m thankful for raspberries.

I’m thankful for cucumbers.

I’m thankful for the lack of traffic on the highway this week.

I’m thankful for lots of sleep. I feel like I mentioned that already. Oh well, I’m really thankful for that, I guess.

I’m thankful for reading. And I swear I’ll get back to doing it once I settle in to my new job.

What are you thankful for on this fine Thursday?