Good morning beauties!
Today we are going to talk about something that affects my life every day. My long-time struggle with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). It affects so much of my life and since Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects about 900,000 people in the United States, I know I am not alone. It’s a frustrating and confusing disease. Symptoms can flare up at the most inconvenient times. You’ve got a big event? A wedding? A vacation? UC doesn’t care. These important times in your life seem to be the time it chooses to make an appearance. This probably has to do with how closely my symptoms seem to be linked to my stress levels. That is why keeping a journal of symptoms, diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors is really beneficial. I am excited to share my journey with you all because I believe if we share our struggles and our wins we can help each other find relief!
If you are one of the many people suffering from UC and other gut related conditions including IBS, ileal pouch, etc. You are not alone! If you think this might be you, read on! There is hope and we are about to embark on this journey together!
I have been maintaining my symptoms through lifestyle changes since 2012, when I was finally able to get a diagnosis for all of the severe symptoms impacting my daily life, causing anxiety, and preventing me from enjoying activities.
As I mentioned earlier, UC is an unpredictable disease. This inflammatory disease affects the digestive tract, and during flare-ups can cause abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and chronic, bloody diarrhea. Sometimes you feel in control and that your symptoms are being managed. But sometimes they flare up and are very hard to control. This up and down can make you feel out-of-control and can affect both your social and emotional health. Some people go for years without symptoms, while others experience frequent flare-ups. Symptoms vary depending on the extent of the inflammation, as well. Because of this, it’s important for people with UC to keep track of how it affects them on an ongoing basis.
More interesting info on Ulcerative Colitis:
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Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a serious GI issue that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon, and commonly causes cramping, pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation; there is no known cure or cause for UC.
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The combination of inflammation and ulceration can cause abdominal discomfort and frequent emptying of the colon.
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People suffering from ulcerative colitis often experience loss of appetite and may lose weight as a result. A feeling of low energy and fatigue is also common.
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Among young children, ulcerative colitis may delay growth and development. Yes kids can be affected so if this sounds like one of your kids talk to your doctor today!
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Ulcerative colitis is the result of an abnormal response by your body’s immune system. Normally, the cells and proteins that make up the immune system protect you from infection. In people with UC, however, the immune system mistakes food, bacteria, and other materials in the intestine for foreign or invading substances. When this happens, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation and ulcerations.
The Good News
While it may seem all doom and gloom there really is good news. We have options! While every one’s experience with UC is different, there are a few factors that seem to be universal in helping to bring relief and helping manage symptoms.
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Rest
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Diet
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Probiotics (the serious kind)!
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Prescriptions
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Surgery
What I Am Doing Now
I am here today to share with you how EXCITED I am to begin a new journey using one of the best probiotic medical foods on the market today – VSL#3.
Yes! This means I am taking back my life and taking control of my symptoms. Pretty exciting right?!
I was thrilled to be invited to join the VSL#3: The Journey Back campaign where I will be trying VSL#3 every day for the next three weeks. I will be sharing my journal, my experience, my ups and downs along the way - and I will be bringing you all along with me! I hope this not only helps me manage my UC symptoms, but that you too are able to find the answers you are looking for.
Ulcerative Colitis is a serious digestive condition that requires a serious approach in symptom management. When combined with traditional therapies, VSL#3 DS is the only high-potency probiotic medical food that has been recommended by the Triennial Yale/Harvard Workshop for the past 10 years showing benefit for patients who suffer from UC.
What Is VSL#3
VSL#3 is a high-potency probiotic medical food that is clinically proven in the dietary management of the serious digestive issues irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis (UC) and ileal pouch.
A bit more about VSL#3, and why I’m choosing to try it:
- VSL#3 is specially formulated with eight strains of live lactic acid bacteria and is 10 times more potent than the average probiotic, making it the first choice for many doctors because it is one of the strongest available with a proven track record in helping patients with serious digestive conditions.
- In cases of ulcerative colitis, patients have been shown to benefit when adding VSL#3 medical food to traditional therapies.
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VSL#3 – and only VSL#3 – has been the subject of a collection of more than 170 studies and published in peer-reviewed journals over the past 15 years.
According to a Harris Poll* conducted on behalf of VSL#3, it was found of 607 U.S adults ages 18+ who have been diagnosed with IBS, UC, or ileal pouch that 41% don’t understand which strain of probiotics is best to help treat their symptoms. With so much info out there and so many products, I know it can be hard understanding which probiotic to take and how to do so! I’m excited about the opportunity to begin my “journey back” with VSL#3 today!
More Great News
VSL#3 also has a Patient Savings Program! Simply print out this VSL#3 Patient Savings Card and bring it to your pharmacist, along with a prescription from your healthcare provider, to save up to $80 each month on your purchase of VSL#3 DS and up to $40 a month on VSL#3 unflavored packets. Visit here for more information and talk with your healthcare provider today so you can take part in the savings program!
In 3 weeks, I will be sharing my experience with you. I’ll be sharing my daily journal, weekly videos, and of course how I feel after taking VSL#3 for 3 weeks. I hope you will join me for my #VSL#3TheJourneyBack!
Do you or someone you know suffer from a digestive tract disease like UC or IBS? I’d love to hear about YOUR experience and what has worked for you! Would you consider taking a probiotic medial food for the dietary management of IBS, UC or ileal pouch? If you want to join me in this journey join VSL#3 on Facebook for giveaways and exclusive offers!
XOXO~ M&D
More Reference Information to Help You Along Your Journey
For more information on VSL#3 please visit www.vsl3.com or order VSL#3 here.
Check out their series of videos including helpful hints about managing IBS & UC on YouTube.
You can find delicious low-FODMAP, IBS friendly recipes at http://vsl3.com/discover/ibs-friendly-recipes
*Harris Poll conducted the GI Issues Survey on behalf of VSL#3. The survey was administered online within the United States between April 1-7, 2015 among 607 adults ages 18+ who have been diagnosed with a digestive or gastrointestinal condition, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, ileal pouch (“sufferers”).
VSL#3® is a high-potency probiotic medical food that’s clinically proven in the dietary management of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and ileal pouch. To learn more visit www.vsl3.com and LIKE the brand on Facebook
Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.
This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions and experiences are my own. VSL#3 is a high-potency probiotic medical food for the dietary management of IBS, UC and ileal pouch and must be used under medical supervision. Please speak with your healthcare provider for any specific questions. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
VSL#3® is a high-potency probiotic medical food that’s clinically proven in the dietary management of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and ileal pouch. To learn more visit www.vsl3.com and LIKE the brand on Facebook.
This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. VSL#3 is a high-potency probiotic medical food for the dietary management of IBS, UC and ileal pouch and must be used under medical supervision. Please speak with your healthcare provider for any specific questions. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
