Chance
Chance didn’t worry about his abdominal problems at first. But getting his ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis revealed he had the strength it took to find care and take proactive control of his lifelong condition.
The path to diagnosis
In 2008, Chance began having symptoms, including abdominal pain and blood in his stool. Because he owned a bar/restaurant and didn’t have health insurance, he let symptoms slide, thinking “the gut does what the gut does.” Getting insurance in 2012 finally made it possible to have a colonoscopy, which showed a very inflamed colon and resulted in a UC diagnosis.
If I could go back and do it again, I would tell myself that this is where I really needed to recognize the importance of taking action.
A new reason to seek care
In 2016, Chance's UC symptoms worsened right as his first child was born. He felt that his symptoms, and proximity to a restroom, controlled his life. But looking at his daughter crystallized Chance’s need to take care of himself in order to properly take care of her. This was a turning point toward Chance taking a more active approach to his healthcare.
Full of possibility
Chance shored up his healthcare team, finding a GI doctor (gastroenterologist) who matched his energy and suggested an infusion. Within weeks of the first infusion, his body began to feel better, and his symptoms lessened to the point of remission. His condition is now managed and predictable, allowing him to stay active, including completing a week-long yoga and camping retreat.
For the first time in who knows how long, I didn’t feel attached to the restroom, and I felt like I could relax and focus on what was in front of me.
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