from FOOD! to food to FOOD :)

I have persevered. I do it at work (I'm an RN). I do it when it comes to my health and well being. I do not persevere when faced with laundry, house projects, and dishes. I have been faithfully following the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) ( http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/index.htm ) now for almost 4 solid weeks. I HAVE persevered :)

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-ulcerative-colitis-beyond-the-basics) when I was about 15 years old. I had my first colonoscopy when I was 16. I tried medicated suppositories, medicated enemas, and oral medication. After being on mesalamine for approx 5 years and some adverse effects on the kidneys, I made the switch to balsalazide for several more years. Two colonoscopies later and being medication free for approx 4 years, I was given the title of  ulcerative colitis in "remission." I couldn't be more thrilled :). I remained in remission happily.

March 2012 I was 6 weeks pregnant with our first child and noticed blood in my stool. I was terrified. I attempted to rationalize that it was because I was pregnant and this blood would just be a really mild reminder of my once in remission disease. It didn't work. I suffered through the worst flare of my life. My original symptoms when I was a teen were a joke compared to this. Nothing stayed in me. I lost 10 pounds. I missed 2 weeks of work. I was in pain. 

I was placed back on balsalazide and given proctofoam. The same day I started on medication I started this journey on the SCD. I have been diligent, but I have been frustrated. 

This is my journey.