My Journey with Ulcerative Colitis
Over-coming severe Ulcerative Colitis to now living my life!
In my early 20’s, I was that person who was confident in my health. I was young, I worked out regularly keeping myself fit and believed I was… bullet proof. I never in one million years would have thought I’d unexpectedly fall so unwell from an inflammatory bowel disease.
Upon being first diagnosed with proctitis, I thought it was nothing to be concerned about. I had mild symptoms at this stage and had full faith in the pharmaceutical medications I was prescribed. Unfortunately no medications worked. I went from the lowest grade medication, to regular stints of steroids, to infliximab biologic infusions every 6-8 weeks. No change, and the worst part about this was that my condition progressed from mild proctitis to pan ulcerative colitis. Meaning, I went from inflammation in my rectum to ulcerations covering my entire large bowel. You could only imagine how unwell I had become.
I lost over 17kg’s, weighing in at 45kg. I was having blood filled bowel motions over 20 times daily and unable to sleep for long periods through the night due to needing the toilet. I had no control over my bowels, which got me into numerous embarrassing situations where I missed the toilet… My mum and I still laugh at a few of them! I learnt to see the funny side to my difficulties, as a way to lighten the load. I started to loose my hair, my energy and my overall quality of life.
By this stage, I was desperate for a new path forward. I knew I could not continue this way. I wasnt living my life, I was surviving. The only option presented to me by my specialist was the surgical removal of my colon. However as a 25 year old girl, I wasn’t ready to accept this as my fate. I knew deep down there had to be another way through!
Now we enter the transformational journey I embarked on for over 1 year. I worked with multiple nutrition professionals, completely changed my diet to one that was supportive of inflammatory bowel disease, I prioritised my sleep quality, consumed countless infusions of marshmallow root and yarrow, re-connected with nature and wild medicine that grows in the native bush, dove deep into my emotional health acknowledging German New Medicine principles and breath work and began to prioritise pursuits / new career pathways that bought me joy!
You can see why I call this a transformational journey. My entire life changed, from the inside and out! I managed to heal my body completely, entering clinical remission in 2021. My weight returned and stabilised, my hair began to grow thick again, my skin brightened, my energy returned, my hormones balanced and most important of all - I had healthy bowel movements! Without any urgency, a dream that once felt so impossible!
I still feel my heart jump with gratitude as I write this. This experience has completely shifted my perspective on life and my relationship with nutrition. I am 100% committed to “eating well” and “thinking well” to maintain both my physical and emotional health - as I have learnt, they are both so interconnected.
I am now free to go on hikes up many of NZ’s beautiful mountains, pursue my career as a passionate nutritionist, enjoy social outings indulging in the occasional wine with friends and begin to plan my next phase of life - to start a family.
Grateful is an understatement and I hope whoever is reading this finds some inspiration into what is possible! Disease truly does not have to rule your life - there is a way through!
Best wishes, Kendall