Mistakes She Made with her Own Ulcerative Colitis

Mistakes made about Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
This is an article written by a brave young woman who was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at age 16 and eventually required a total colectomy.

This is a very well-written article.

The only bit that I don't necessarily agree with is that the wording in this makes it appear as though 'lack of disease management' by the patient is the sole cause of the disease spreading, requiring a total colectomy.
In this post, the writer has admitted to not taking a proactive role with managing her illness and that that is what she believes wound up causing further progression. While that may be true for her particular situation (we will never know), there are many sufferers who DO take a full proactive role in trying to improve their disease and health but still experience the same progression.

The rest of the article - which tackles the subject of being honest about symptoms to your physician, refusing to 'just power through' because you don't think symptoms can be helped, and deciding NOT to take an entirely passive role in health care - are all incredibly valid points and amazing advice.

Just remember that this is a disease, and one that cannot always be controlled. That if you are doing your best and trying your hardest and taking an active role in trying to improve your health, your symptoms, and your quality of life, then that is what is important.
Unfortunately, that does not guarantee that the disease will not spread. It does not guarantee remission, fewer symptoms, or a slower progression. What it does guarantee is that you will know wholeheartedly that you have tried to do everything to help your own situation.
Then, there won't be as much second-guessing or guilt. As an extra bonus, when others judge or peddle products or diets or various ways to 'cure' a disease with no known cure, you can honestly say that you have tried everything that you know of up to date to help.

Taking an active role in your own health is essential. It does not, however, ensure a better experience.

Your fate is not sealed. There are various treatment options and several ways to improve symptoms, side effects, and quality of life. No need to give up or let go and stop trying - there is always something new being discovered.

Above all, (and most importantly), poor health does not equate a poor or miserable life.

Sincerely,
An IBD sufferer who takes an extensively active and proactive role in her health and still required emergency surgery to remove her entire large intestine.
And then developed Crohn's Disease afterwards.