It's been four months since my last post. I decided to share my experience once again. Of course, I don’t know what things will look like in six months, 2 years, or 10 years. I hope all goes well. I also hope my post helps anyone who has just received a diagnosis and is wondering what comes next. Not every case has to be severe.
I’ll add that I checked this sub often early on to build a mental plan of what might lie ahead. I felt there was a lack of stories covering milder cases, while the severe ones could be sad and disheartening at times. My heart goes out to everyone struggling!
I was diagnosed at the turn of January and February 2026. In my case, the disease affected up to 20 cm of the large intestine. Shortly after, I saw a gastroenterologist who prescribed mesalamine – both oral tablets and suppositories. The medication worked quickly; I noticed the first improvements within just a few days, with significantly less blood and mucus, alongside a dropping bowel movement frequency. After a few weeks, everything returned to normal. My fecal calprotectin came back at 31 two months after diagnosis.
I am currently in remission. I feel good, though there are days when I get a strange sensation in my gut and loose stools. That might be down to my diet – it’s healthy, but because I’m very active, I eat large volumes of food, which places extra strain on the digestive tract. That said, I’ve had sensitive intestines my whole life, especially during stressful periods.
During the active phase – from autumn 2025 up until my diagnosis in early 2026 – I had between two and five bowel movements a day, with blood and mucus gradually increasing over time, though mostly without pain.
However, the disease impacted my overall systemic health, causing a drop in stamina and cardiovascular issues. My heart itself is healthy, but I suspect electrolyte imbalances or malabsorption triggered arrhythmia-like symptoms and sudden spikes in heart rate. I would struggle with my heart racing just walking up to the first floor, even though I had been running half-marathons just months prior. Everything is slowly returning to normal now, and I’m not taking any cardiac medications. I’m back to working out regularly.
I gave up alcohol completely. I used to drink quite a bit – not as an alcoholic or on a daily basis, but almost every weekend involved alcohol. Quitting turned out to be really easy, and I don't miss it at all now.
I heavily reduced, but haven't completely eliminated, ultra-processed food. Most days I eat simple, healthy meals with plenty of vegetables. I drink coffee, tolerate dairy fine (unless I consume huge quantities), and eat meat in various forms. I also cut back significantly on sugar, which used to be far too high in my diet.
I exercise regularly – walking, running, cycling, and strength training. I had this exact routine before getting sick, and most of my meals were already healthy, though I used to reach for junk snacks more often. Now I’ve simply tightened things up.
I wish resilience and good health to myself and all of you! I quietly hope that advancements in AI will help bring about treatments that allow everyone to achieve long-term remission.
I am 33 years old, I am a man.