December 28th 2024.
On a Saturday morning, while at my local parkrun, I noticed a young woman walking towards me. She pointed at the logo on my shirt, which happened to be the Crohn's & Colitis UK logo, and told me that she also has Crohn's disease. Despite having a flare up since 4am that day, she was determined to come to the parkrun. Impressed by her honesty, I shared with her that it took me an hour to leave the house that morning, but I made it. As we lined up at the start, we exchanged stories about our diagnosis. Then, the countdown began.
Before disappearing into the crowd, the young woman asked me if we could take a selfie at the end. I agreed and put my head into "running mode." I have been a regular at the Rutland Water parkrun in the Midlands, despite living with ulcerative colitis, a long-term inflammatory bowel disease. This condition has been challenging, but the parkrun has helped me cope with it and find an inner strength.
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 25. It started with some blood in my stool, which I initially thought was a stomach bug. However, I decided to double-check with my GP. I have tried various treatments over the years, but my doctor eventually fast-tracked me to a gastroenterology clinic at a big London hospital. After a series of bowel tests, including a colonoscopy, my diagnosis was confirmed in 1987.
The doctor explained that ulcerative colitis occurs when the body's immune system attacks the lining of the bowel, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and ulcers. Unfortunately, one in ten people with colitis may require major surgery within ten years of their diagnosis. Others may experience periods of good health between flare-ups. I walked out of the hospital in a daze and have been dealing with severe flare-ups ever since. They often involve urgent diarrhea, bleeding, and exhaustion.
Some of the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include frequent diarrhea with possible blood, mucus, or pus, as well as tummy pain. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, and lack of appetite. In my late twenties, thirties, and forties, I experienced particularly difficult times when my symptoms were barely manageable. It felt like having a never-ending stomach bug, and the birth of each of my two children triggered massive flare-ups. When my first son was just six weeks old, my symptoms worsened, and I had to be hospitalized for steroid therapy to reduce the inflammation. It was heartbreaking to be separated from my new baby.
Over the years, I have tried various treatments for my condition. While maintenance drugs have helped control mild inflammation, I have also been prescribed an immunosuppressant for more severe cases. I tried it about 25 years ago to suppress my immune system and prevent it from attacking my body.
Unfortunately, when that combination of treatments failed, I had to resort to taking short courses of oral steroids to calm the internal inflammation, which often caused my face to swell. Then, in September 2011, at the age of 48, I felt the familiar pain in my abdomen. I rested and modified my diet, but the flare-up showed no signs of stopping. Within a few weeks, I was hospitalized and given high doses of intravenous steroids. After five days with no improvement, the consultant informed me that if there was no change overnight, I would have to see a surgeon.
I immediately knew what that meant. The only real cure for uncontrolled ulcerative colitis is to remove the colon and replace it with a stoma and colostomy bag. While it may be the only option in some cases, I wasn't mentally prepared for such a significant step. That night, unable to sleep due to the steroids, I recited positive affirmations to my body, willing it to fight back.
To my surprise, there was a slight improvement the next morning, and I was able to go home after five days. The experience was traumatic, both physically and mentally, and I needed to regain a sense of control. I came across some studies showing that regular exercise can help people with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and colitis. Improved blood flow can reduce inflammation, and post-exercise endorphins can help with the anxiety and depression associated with the disease. I decided to try Pilates, which is often recommended for people with these conditions. I loved the combination of deep breathing and stretches, which made me feel like I was finally in control of my body. I signed up for more classes and also took up walking.
One day, while on a routine stroll around my village, I felt so energized that I broke into a run. I felt good, and my symptoms were also at bay. After six weeks, I was able to jog the entire distance. My husband, who had been a regular at parkrun, was astonished when I told him I wanted to join him. I was never athletic in school and had no competitive streak, so he was surprised. My first parkrun was in February 2019, and I was incredibly nervous as I lined up with 300 other runners. However, the relaxed atmosphere and the diverse group of participants made me feel at ease. I completed the run, and although my time was not the best, I felt proud as I crossed the finish line. From then on, I have completed 125 parkruns, totaling 625 kilometers to date.
I have always looked up to inspiring role models who live with ulcerative colitis. I wanted to share my positive experiences, so I ordered a running shirt from Crohn's & Colitis UK. However, it took me a couple of years to gather the courage to wear it. When I did, I was surprised by the number of people who approached me. Some were also sufferers, while others had family members with IBD. One young woman, in particular, asked to take a selfie with me and said that parkrun was her "happy place."
I couldn't agree more. Every time I participate in a parkrun, I feel like I have won a race. The cheers from the volunteers and the support of my fellow runners are a victory for me. It is also a defeat for my ulcerative colitis, which I refuse to let take over my life. Do you have a story to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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