I have ulcerative colitis | Hannah Witton

[@Orangenleo]

Dear you, who is reading all the comments in the desperate hope to find something useful because you have just been diagnosed with Crohn's or Colitis and feel like your whole life is falling apart (and I know that you exist because that was what I did all day when I was in that situation 4 years ago): You will not always feel like this. This is not what your life will look like for the rest of your life. Yes, you will have Crohn's/Colitis for the rest of your life. BUT: It will be better. You will have to try out different types of medication and have a look on what you're eating, and that time will be terrible, but you will find your way and you will in the end be able to deal with it. It just TAKES TIME. You will learn a lot about yourself and you will cry a lot. However, you will notice that you are way stronger than you ever thought you'd be. So don't panic and don't lose your hope - YOU WILL BE FINE.

[@anastasiafelix8767]

Thank you

[@alexatbn2239]

Ok, I am on meds that mess up with my emotions and i didn t think to burst into tears reading the comments but that s actually the case :P So thanks for saying (or... typing) those nice things, i think i needed to hear that bc i have UC and am having a huge flareup right now which is not nice but i m handling it ;) that s all i wanted to say.... just thank you for thinking about us and cheering me up :D

[@Orangenleo]

Oh this actually made me a little emotional! I know exactly how you feel. Stay strong & get well soon xx

[@alexatbn2239]

thanks, i m actually feeling a bit better medically wise ;)

[@pauljh74]

Once I was diagnosed, I was a bit down because I now had this permanent condition that I had to take meds for. Combine that with financial problems due to less work hours and spending more than I earned for a while. What was going to be "normal" for me? Fortunately, with the initial treatment of Prednisolone (these can make you moody and mess with your immune system, cause weight gain etc) and the daily use of Salofalk to maintain it (Salazopyrin gave me a drug rash after 2 weeks, but was otherwise working) - within 2 weeks I was at 80% normal and now I'm at 90-95% normal long term and can live my life pretty much unrestricted. It sometimes flares up, but it is generally limited to some discomfort for 3 or 4 hours and 2 or 3 trips to the toilet. Then it is like a reset. Half the time that is caused by eating bad. This happens once every couple of months. If you're getting symptoms (like some blood from the bowel) and are undiagnosed, don't do what I did and put it off - see your doctor. Getting treatment - which is typically medication - is very likely to be better than doing nothing.

[@Ethanisgood4u]

So glad you have access to the NHS! Hank Green, who also has UC, has said before how his medical bills for dealing with it cost him thousands a year.

[@evercuriousmichelle]

Not to mention a colonoscopy which could also cost a lot depending on how much his insurance is willing to cover.

[@Soraking007]

not for very long though is the sad and short version.

[@sarahbailey3561]

I'm British but live in New York and have UC; I have amazing insurance but it still costs me $6,000+ a year for all my medical bills (I miss the nhs!!). Also the FDA banned Asacol in the US just before it was about to come out of patent (and get cheap) so I had to switch to a mega expensive form of exactly the same drug. Absolutely nothing wrong with Asacol it's still happily available elsewhere in countries with more rigorous drug screenings! This video sums up my feelings so much - the loneliness I find difficult as I find the illness very isolating (either you're trapped and can't socialize or however lovely people are they don't understand). Plus constant stress and anxiety from having to think about how you're going to get through all the things you need to in the day 😔 Thank you for talking publically! How have you dealt with it in relationships?

[@phillysub5115]

Maybe Hank Green should get better insurance

[@sruthidinesh3173]

phillysub maybe america shouldnt try and profit off of sick people how bout that

[@thekenneth3486]

Here's a little trick for colonoscopy prep from back when I was having a bout of colon cancer. You can mix those prep powders with "clear liquids". Well, it dawned on me that vodka was a clear liquid (the nurse later confirmed that was true, if unorthodox). A little added spirit made the nasty prep drinks MUCH more palatable, and by the end of the evening I wasn't worried about the colonoscopy at all!

[@Cocologs]

Kenneth Tyssen Y

[@maireadmaguire4589]

Kenneth Tyssen this is hilarious lmao

[@elfriedeFranz]

Interesting approach... but it might not be the best idea for someone with uc to down all that vodka (especially during a flare up). I have uc and I recently stopped drinking alcohol completely, because it worsens my condition. I really could use a way to make the prep stuff more bearable though, last time I had to take it it kept coming straight back up...

[@ella7286]

Thank you so much this is very helpful!

[@TooShortPlancks]

this is literally my plan for colonoscopy number 6 next month. Moviprep is vile!

[@sapphiccore]

petition for more people to talk about poo openly? like seriously i have ibs and it used to really rule my life and i just wish poo was more acceptable to talk about, luckily i'm more comfortable with it now but i still wish more people would talk about their poo related problems and just poo in general, thanks for making this video

[@sapphiccore]

(i'm only halfway through the video) speaking of triggered by stress oh my god i had my last college exam today and i was actually late to it because i couldn't get off the toilet literally i got up and had to sit back down four times before going sobbing to a teacher because i didn't want to poo myself in the exam that i was already 5 minutes late for i was scared they wouldn't even let me in it was traumatic which is another reason we need to talk about poo more :)

[@KristanShuford]

I live in America, where there is no NHS and my husband has possibly irritable bowl syndrome. they haven't really been able to figure it out, but it's not chrones or UC. Anyways, we HAVE insurance and still had to pay upwards of $600 for his colonoscopy. I just don't understand how people in my country don't want Universal Healthcare like you have in the UK.

[@BlackkCobra]

I'm sorry :( I hope the US will catch up with the rest of the world one day and get universal healthcare. I'm a major hypochondriac and I go to the doctor and e-mail him often, and have gotten to the hospital several times b/c of injuries and stay there for hours to get treatment, never had to pay anything for it.

[@Katie819172930]

Kristan Shuford my self, my sister and her son all have different forms of IBS. it is so frustrating to get a diagnosis, praying for you and your husband. (in the US as well so I def get it)

[@jemima885ify]

Kristan Shuford with our current government doing everything they can to cut funds on the NHS and put strain on it so they have a reason to privatise it, we might not have it for much longer:(

[@mrsuperguy2073]

i think i big reason that a lot of conservative Americans don't want universal healthcare, is because that means their tax dollars are going to pay for the healthcare of people they will never know, and they don't want to pay for other people's healthcare. i think another reason is because universal healthcare is a very left wing policy, and there seems to be this stigma in America where anything remotely associated with communism is bad because of associations with communism and the cold war.

[@bethany7247]

If he does have IBS, try a low FODMaP diet. It is a list of foods he should avoid. It by no means cures IBS, but it can help decrease the symptoms.

[@Fatheha95]

My mother has ulcerative colitis and has been suffering for some time now. Thank you for talking about it, I found it informative and hopefully others will too 👏

[@jory728]

I have IBS but all I can do to suppress it is avoid gluten and limit my dairy intake... needless to say I'm no longer phased by diarrhea

[@jougjimmadome]

same lmao

[@Jenz16x]

IBS gal here, i've had it for 7 years, i'm on medication that i take 3 times a day before i eat, same about diarrhea and any bad shitting experiences haha

[@kyivstuff]

jory728 Try Low Fodmaps diet or SCD. It worked for me. Now I'm looking to test for SIBO, because they connect it with IBS.

[@DystopianOverture]

jory728 I relate

[@banandababa]

My dad took antidepressants and his IBS improved so much and is now able to sleep properly, i advise anyone to try it if your doctor suggests it! These illnesses are highly linked to stress and anxiety

[@Popackle]

Jesus Hannah not only do we have the same birthday 19.02.1992 but now i see we have the same condition ... so weird! And I now think I have a new favourite youtuber

[@ForagebotanicalsUk]

'tis a sign! But not sure what of...

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

jetters It sounds worse than having a butt crack higher than your belly button, which is what I have. Chronic plumber's crack is what they dx me with. Also the same day I was dx'd with cankles...not on just one leg, but bilaterally! Friday lot of humans rolled off the line the day I was born.

[@Imanoth]

Pretty sure you're a Hufflepuff too! :O

[@JoyandSerenity.]

I am a day older than you hahahaha! but yeh I have digestive problems too :( Mine is from a connective tissue disorder which suuuuuuucks. Its weird that its a Feb thing tho :P

[@Popackle]

Imanoth explain lol

[@chelseyvasquez7010]

My daughter was just recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and I'm so depressed I wish I could take it away I feel like this is my fault. You are right about how it takes alot away because she's missed so much school her grades have dropped she's on 6pills a day. To go from completely healthy never missing a day of school to now the unknown waiting by my phone to ring because I know the school nurse is going to call. This is all new to me and all I ever wanted was my kids to live a happy healthy life and now my daughter has this disease. Thank you for this video made me cry but it helps me to know that others are going through the same and the information is def beneficial so thank you and I'm praying for you and everyone going through this debilitating disease.

[@megl8084]

I have crohns and I've been in remission for about 4 years!!!!! :)

[@magdarose4629]

Meg L OMG yayyyy! That's so good! ;)

[@mrd4518]

yay i'm so happy for you!!

[@JD-sr3ie]

How did you do it ?

[@cypress2432]

Congratulations hope you stay in remission

[@beyondbackwater4933]

Are you still in remission?

[@mtl199813]

So happy that I'm subscribed to you, because you don't bullshit. You get to the real talk, and you don't beat around the bush when it comes to typically 'embarrassing' things (that can sometimes just be normal bodily functions dammit society). You really help people who are going through the same stuff, with videos like this and The Hormone Diaries.

[@alisonlaett9625]

LOL "you don't bullshit", but she DEFINITELY does ;) Sorry, couldn't resist >.

[@HannahHodgson]

I have intestinal failure which involves stuff like this. My stomach and bowel don't work properly and so I can't eat or drink. So amazing of you to make this. I make videos on my channel about my conditions and review books. Love you! X

[@cinemoni]

hey Hannah! i met you in your creator's chat at Vidcon and i just wanted to say it was SO NICE talking to you and getting KZbin advice 💕

[@Beauty461105]

I suffer with quite bad IBS and my dads suffers with Chronns disease and its such a pain dealing with it, having to constantly manage what I eat because it might flare up and having to know where I can find a toilet can be exhausting, so glad that you've made this video and are raising awareness of IBD and IBS so people don't just turn around and say 'it's only a little stomach ache, get over it' (which I've had in the past) and actually become educated about things like this, love you're videos as always, much love xx

[@katieamoTV]

This makes me so happy that i'm not alone!! I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when I was 12. Doctor's didn't really know what was wrong for about 3 years. After a colonoscopy, they diagnosed me then tried using steroids and anti inflammatory infusions but nothing worked. The last resort was a temporary ileostomy surgery and it totally changed my life. My entire large intestine and all of the ulcers were removed. One year after the ileostomy, they performed a reversal surgery and everything inside was reconnected with the small intestine. After that, it was like I never had colitis at all. If this operation is available, I would highly recommend it. Thanks for sharing your story Hannah x

[@siobhanmulvey]

A reversal surgery?

[@georgiavinall]

'I could have had a couple more inches in me' Hannah Witton, 2017.

[@Narbaculus]

Thank goodness; I was really worried we were just letting this go.

[@matrixrory]

Paused video at this exact moment, scrolled down, was not disappointed

[@acex90]

Looooool best comment in this video

[@gorillaau]

Timestamp required

[@jesscalynn2440]

I am lactose intolerant and have ibs I don't know if its anything more serious because I haven't been to a doctor about it because it has made my anxiety insane. I never leave the house anymore. its so hard but it's great to hear you talk about real issues and give us inspiration to keep going!

[@erint8550]

I have IBS and when I went to get my colonoscopy, I literally could not swallow the prep that they gave me because it was making me gag so hard. I called my doctor and he told me to take an entire bottle of miralax dissolved in Gatorade which did the same thing as a prep but was sooooo easy to drink. Thought I'd mention it in case anyone else had a terrible reaction to the prep and wanted to look into alternatives!! (Obviously contact your doctor before trying it, I'm not pretending to know exact dosage information)

[@evercuriousmichelle]

Thanks!!

[@rebeccastevens7522]

Erin T also tips- gummy bears dissolve at body temp so they're like liquid so you can eat them during the prep. i took them and they gave me a good taste after the bad tasting prep. also its better if the drinks really cold and use LOADS of double strength orange squash or squash your choice it seriously helps- it made ot taste like Lucozade rather than vomit 😂

[@KiwiCakeful]

That's what my doctor gave me too! Though, she had me take two Dulcolax a few hours before then I had to drink the whole thing of Miralax in a bunch of Gatorades. I'm so thankful for this new way

[@lennanicholson9972]

Definitely refrigerate it before drinking- it still tastes awful, but marginally better if it's cold (and given it tastes like some kind of puke/pain/suffering mix, marginally better is worth it)

[@Catyy5]

this is all such great info I am absolutely dreading my next colonoscopy, the first one was horrnedous :((((

[@LauraLovesBrian]

I have crohns, so glad to see someone else discuss something like this! I am on daily tablets (immune suppressants) and infliximab every 6 weeks. Thank you so much for this video x

[@sweetracoOon]

Me too! I also have Chrons (for 2 years now), and I'm just starting to get a hang of it. I haven't had that bad symptoms though. :) It's nice to hear someone talking about it, thank you Hannah! You're amazing!

[@zaraelysia]

I love meeting people who you can truly understand, I have had ulcerative colitis for just about a year now, and have had A LOT of flare ups!!! you guys are so positive, and I wish you well for the future❤️ also well done Hannah for this brave and uplifting video, I hope you are also doing well, love and support always, zara elysia. x

[@kaylajaniee]

LauraLovesBrian I'm on infliximab too! Every 7 weeks. Glad to know there's other people out there 💟

[@elinevve]

Me too! I'm on Infliximab and just have gotten better after a bad year

[@gizanglyer5299]

how do immune suppressants improve crohns? just wondering

[@rocksmyguts7834]

It's nice hearing more and more of people stories about thier Crohn's or Colitis and people should not feel embarrassed having a conversation about poo! I was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis in April 2013 age 18 and I've gone 27 months living without on steroids. Great tips and love hearing your story Hannah!

[@gklinger]

It’s impossible not to like this young woman. I wish her nothing but the best.

[@likeimemily]

THANK YOU!! I have Crohn's disease and I actually just came back from an Infliximab infusion today and I also take azathioprine everyday! And it really sucks! I really wish people would talk about IBD more often. I was diagnosed 2 years ago, and I'm 22 now and I have had a really hard time coping with the fact that I'll have Crohn's for the rest of my life. Hannah, I have been watching your videos for years now, and I am so glad that you finally decided to talk about your UC. It makes me feel not as alone in my health struggles. Additionally, I unfortunately live in the US which means that my healthcare is SHITTYSHITTYSHITTY. And having to pay for Infliximab infusions, with all the doctors visits, and more means that I am so afraid of losing my health insurance, or somehow becoming unemployed. You are so lucky to live in the UK. Anyways, I'm really glad you did this video. I hope we can talk more about IBD. XOXO

[@pyrrhogaster]

It's an interesting video to watch knowing what happened six months later. Hope you're feeling better and that we will see you again soon.

[@Gigachick]

How didn't I find you sooner? I was diagnosed with UC when I was 12, so 5 years ago. No one speaks about it or knows about it so it was great finding this video, hearing about your similar experience, similar meds etc. This is really comforting

[@ShutUpKirstie]

My dad has Crohn's disease, and ended up going through so many operations and treatments to battle it. Even after all of that, it's something that never fully goes away and impacts everyday life more than anyone on the outside would ever realise. I'm so glad you're talking about your experiences and raising a little bit of awareness Hannah, and i hope you continue to improve health-wise and prevent those awful flare ups :)

[@bakadesu]

I've been following you for AGES and watched this video 4 years ago. I've followed your UC journey. My first flare up started this february and today I got diagnosed. I just came back to this. Thank you so much for all the information. Thanks to you and your channel I already knew what this disease was 4 years before I even had any symptoms. ❤️

[@amandawesley580]

Try contacting Dr folonsho, he Is a herbal doctor, he healed me from UC, this disease is really terrible, I can only feel what you are going through now

[@StephCook]

I've had IBS for around 10 years. I recently found the low fodmap diet and it changed my life! Really great you are talking about this sort of stuff it doesn't get talked about enough.

[@Jay-ir1vc]

Its super nice to hear about other peoples experiences with UC. I'm 23 now, but I've been having flare ups since I was around 8 and got officially diagnosed when I was 12. For so long I was super afraid of talking about it because I was worried it was too gross or annoying for people to hear about. I love your channel- you talk about all the things I wish I saw someone talking about when I was young.

[@amandacarvalho4063]

You make me want to move to the UK even more Hannah lol. Having Crohn's and living in the states is v expensive. I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 12 (I'm now 25). As far as my initial symptoms, all I remember was having a poor appetite, having to use the bathroom after every mean and being very thin. That summer during my year physical my pediatrician was concerned that I had lost a significant amount of weight compared to last year and referred me to a gastroenterologist. There I had my first of many lovely colonoscopies, I was diagnosed with Crohn's. In 2004, no one really knew about the disease nor did anyone in my family have any gastro issues. After being informed of the treatment plan with steroids and then maintenance medications, I was nervous but I just wanted to be better. All of the typical symptoms were present: the moon face, mood swings, and the increased appetite that I swear could not be fulfilled no matter what lol. It didn't really bother me at first because I knew it was just temporary. From that point until present day 2017, I never kept an exact count of how many flareups I've had; I do know its more that 6. I too think I would've been maybe 2 inches taller if it wasn't for the steroids during puberty (can't complain I'm 5'5). In combination with steroids I've tried a lot of medications for maintenance and for a while I knew that that steroids were affecting my mental health, but I had no other choice in treating my flare ups. This past October I felt very ill but not the usual. I had massive abdominal pain and was always nauseous with a poor appetite. It escalated to not going to the bathroom at all with vomiting. So after an upper gi, an mri and a colonoscopy I found out I had a narrowing in my small intestine due to massive inflammation. The only solution was surgery, and not steroids, so I was relieved but scared shit non the less. Long story short, surgery was successful; the technical term for it was an ileocecal resection (if you want to Google and be technical lol) I'm about 5 months post op and my stomach has never felt better. I don't want to scare you or other people with my story because I know it's dramatic lol. Like you, I just want to make topics like this a more open conversation because we can't help what we have. Also, I believe our diseases are 100% stress induced. As a child I was very stressed due to a strict upbringing which carried into my school years and into adulthood. If I'm nervous or worried about anything my stomach is the first place I feel it; once the task/issue I'm worried about is done, it's like it has sucked the life out of me and I need a day or 2 to recover. Steroids as well as a lack of support during my experiences with Crohn's has negatively impacted my mental health as well. My journey may not have been an easy one, but it has taught me to take care of my body and mind. It's slowly getting easier to talk about my disease without being ashamed and I know I'm a stronger person because of it. Amanda xx

[@willlindsey5352]

Great video! I was diagnosed with UC last year and had a pretty torrid time in hospital around December time where the flare up got so bad, no meds were working, that they were debating taking out my bowel.. was pretty scary stuff. But I managed to get through that time and am now living happily and healthily eating all the foods under the sun! Obviously, medication is keeping me in check. For those who have recently been diagnosed, stay positive and find people to talk to! If the people around you know your suffering it will be such a help

[@mablesmith994]

Thank you for addressing difficult subjects with such maturity and respect for others. You are doing a great thing online for educating many people about things they don't feel like they can ask others! I love you, keep on doing what you are doing

[@hannahp4955]

My dad has just been diagnosed with UC brought on as a result of complications with this chemotherapy. He's still in the middle of a flare up I think. He's lost a ton of weight and get worn out easily and is irritable and tired all the time. It's comforting to hear that that is normal and he will get better. He's on more drugs than I can count because of his chemo, UC and hormonal problems (another side effect) but I can't tell you how relieved it makes me to know he'll get better. Thank for you being brave enough to make this video Hannah, it honestly couldn't have come at a better time xx

[@JasmineAmber]

Thanks for this Hannah, I've actually just been diagnosed with Crohns disease today (strange timing!) and I've been having a little cry to myself about it, but you've made everything seem so normal. Time to stop feeling sorry for myself I think! x

[@blueblack3591]

I hope you are better today

[@mal1949]

I also have ulcerative colitis and both Hank Green and yourself have been absolute role models to me in so many aspects of life, like productivity, motivation, and general positivity. You guys have really helped me out when it gets rough, and I wanted to say thank you on the off chance that you see this. Your flares sound very similar to mine and I am so glad about that, because my GI doctor is confused as to why I don't really have symptoms when I'm not flaring. I also tend to flare around the times of final exams or whenever I'm under a LOT of stress. I got diagnosed when I was 13, about 7.5 years ago, and I have also been managing my UC with Remicade (infliximab) for about 3 years now, which has been the only medication to keep my in remission for longer than 3 months. I am grateful for this medication, but it bills my insurance about $300,000 per year (yikes). I live in the US and I am terrified about what's going to happen to my insurance in the coming 4 years, but I cannot live scared of hypothetical impending doom. I guess what I'm getting at is that you are an inspiration to me, and I will keep fighting alongside you, hank, and everyone else with IBD for better Healthcare, and maybe a cure someday. ❤️

[@Loucilette]

This video is so important. I have IBS, it is linked with my anxiety and even though it's not as bad as UC or Crohn, I can relate to a lot of things you mentioned. This is a topic that needs to be talked about, we still have a lot of taboo around it, especially women. Thanks for the great content. Keep up the good work. Poopers of the world, unite! :D

[@stephenpboyle]

I have Crohn's and have had a pretty bad year (two surgeries, Stoma then reversal, then a massive flare up 6 weeks after reversal that I'm currently on steroids for). It's really great to see somebody with your platform speak so openly about IBD and how difficult it can make life for us! Thank you! :)

[@charlottebyrne5892]

I'm glad you've broached this topic! I don't have IBD or IBS but I'm a nurse and worked on a children's gastro ward for some time, so I've met a lot of lovely people who's lives have been completely taken over by their symptoms and it is heart breaking to see, I agree that IBD is in fact shit. I definitely feel its a condition that not many people know about in detail and is something I feel passionate about, so I'm really happy you're sharing your experiences!

[@TheMinniis]

I don't work with UC patients but I do work as a nurse in a hospital setting and I know how much patients stories and experience can help others in the same situation which makes this video the best. Hannah Witton keeps making the world a better place ❤

[@heatherewert9934]

Just came back to this hannah just after you posted about your operation - hope you have a speedy recovery!!

[@Purstiltski7]

Thank you for talking about this. I don't have UC, but I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 8 years old. Having a brother and a good friend who are also diabetic has been a gift; we can talk candidly about the everyday realities and be completely understood. My friends without diabetes are also supportive, from busting t1 diabetes myths (t1 diabetics can have and sometimes *need* sugar) to helping me track down batteries for my insulin pump or a snack for a hypo. I'm grateful for friends who are so caring. Thank you for a great video!

[@marinashutup]

I haven't figured out what my exact stomach issues are (already diagnosed with acid reflux but there's definitely more going on than that.) It makes me feel better when people speak out about their gastrointestinal issues though :)

[@maddyp5084]

marinashutup me too! I am going through the same thing. I am so scared I have UC because I have all the symptoms and am a 1 candidate for it. One of my blood test comes back Monday so wish me luck

[@faye_elizabeth1478]

marinashutup same, I have an undiagnosed stomach condition aswell but I’ve been told I have low grade atrophy??? But medication doesn’t work for me. If you don’t mind me asking what symptoms do you get

[@emyemyemyyyy]

Faye Nelson Maybe check into gastroparesis 😊

[@oliversong1256]

be aware of GERD, or hiatal hernia.

[@Latenite-yq4ld]

marinashutup Amen for people speaking out. I wish had found this a few yrs ago when my flare ups started. They still don't know what is exact trigger. But I have learned to go into recovery, ice cold watered wash cloth on tummy, keep warm. And now on terrific med that keeps flare up manageable. I'm 70!!!! And did not start the ailment until 64, can you believe. Thx to everyone keep speaking out it helps so so much.

[@kellylaura4]

Thank you for speaking out Hanna. I am currently having my first flair up in 3 years and it is almost unbearable. I wish more people would talk about these issues, however since it is about poop not a lot of people will. When I was being diagnosed I could barely eat and lost a lot of weight, I still had to go to work and when I would try and talk to coworkers about it, once they heard the world bowel, they changed the subject and acted disgusted. It's such a cruel response when someone is going through a lot of pain and agony.

[@mooremackenziel95]

You're so lucky you have access to the NHS! I'm very jealous. I live in America and have a ton of health problems. But I basically have to pick and choose which ones I want to just live with and which ones I want to get care for because I can't afford to get treatment for everything. Health care is SOOO EXPENSIVE here!!

[@edkennedy6120]

if you can cut sugar intake altogether go on lchf diet i believe it has helped me

[@clookaclaaka8007]

i have hEDS, and i feel ya. i constantly have to choose between living with pain or eating or living while fainting every day, the list goes on and on. it’s awful, and i’d rather pay more taxes so some kid can get heart surgery than have slightly more money and a sicker country.

[@lindareid8356]

@Matthew Familia I'm sorry that you feel that doctors have no incentive to be great at what they do. A close family member is a doctor in the NHS - 12 hours shifts and the rest and from what I have seen of her and her colleagues, they are a dedicated bunch.

[@liviegraceg]

Hannah thank you for being someone that openly talks about horrible, frustrating physical symptoms of diseases that most people hide. I honestly don't think I've ever heard someone really talk about how frustrating it is before. This isn't as near to that severity, but personally it sucks that no one talks about the gross physical symptoms of chronic anxiety, like diarrhea, constipation, extreme stomach pain, dizziness, nausea with hot or cold sweats, migraines and pounding headaches, acid reflux, sharp chest pain, the list goes on. It definitely may not be the same thing, but honestly just hearing someone openly and proudly talk about physical pain thats so "taboo" just makes me feel like I'm not alone. Thank you love 💖

[@lizstubbs2969]

"having colitis is just shit" well yeah I guess it is lol sorry I know the disease isn't funny but the pun is xx

[@EricAlanMarx_eric6red]

Hannah, thank you for sharing your Ulcerative Colitis story. My story is that I got Ulcerative Colitis when I was 18 or 19 and was put on Prednisone and Sulfasalizine. I have not had a major flare up in about 34 years. I still take Sulfasalizine and have Colonoscopy every other year.

[@chloecolvard699]

As a newly diagnosed person with UC going through constant flare ups and heavy bleeding it's so refreshing to know I'm not alone! I am hopeful I can get to your place of relief!

[@courtneyisstoopid]

My mum has uc and deals with the symptoms pretty much everyday and it breaks my heart to see her in so much pain and it's also so horrible how embarrassed she feels about it, it was so refreshing to hear someone talking about uc and not feeling embarrassed and spreading the word about such an awful illness, thank you so much for making this Hannah💖

[@shv5626]

I'm an IBS sufferer and have been for about 2 years now. I've found diet, exercise, and remaining low stress help to avoid flare-ups for me. It's definitely a downer, and getting on with life is difficult, but it is possible 👍🏻

[@Claymor621]

I'm an older man and UC sufferer (diagnosed 15 years ago) but I genuinely learnt from watching this. Thanks for posting and being so open. I would add that my experience is also hat stress is a key factor in flare-ups.

[@MisterGn0me]

Was diagnosed with UC when I was 17! Life has been crazy because of it, but somehow I’m stronger since I was diagnosed. I plan on making a KZbin channel dedicated to it soon!

[@ratikantapalai1540]

Take indian ayurvedic medicine , you will be cure...i am not a bussiness man for it..but i have seen people who cured their uc

[@evehayward1374]

I have Crohn's Disease and was diagnosed aged 16, after being unwell in the months leading up to my GCSE exams! After living with the disease for 3 years I'm in remission and finally coming to terms with having a life long disease. Thank you for talking so openly and clearly about IBD, it's a condition that so many people are unaware of but videos like this will help spread the word 🙌🏻

[@helenjames6982]

I'd never heard of UC until this video, so thanks for educating me hannah! I can sympathise with being ill just after finishing exams though. I've just finished year 11 and due to the stress of exams I got CFS again(I originally got it when I was 9 and recovered by the time I was 10) and I agree, it's rubbish being ill for ages and it disrupting your life.

[@crystalsparklydreams]

Hi Hannah, that honestly sounds so awful, especially as the flare ups last so long each time! I suffer with IBS, which changes all the time and I have bad stomach pains (that feel a bit like period pain) nearly every day as well as all the gross extras. I've been told it's another symptom of my Fibromyalgia and EDS, what a pain (literally!) I think it's so great that some youtubers like yourself, are happy to do videos like this, it's so informative and creates such a great support network for people who might feel like they're having to deal with these things alone x

[@KoldsnedLP]

I've bounced here from Twitter and the recent blog post about your UC. It's weird how relatable most of this. I've suffered from IBS since I was 10ish but only really got serious about it with doctors in past 3 years (Since I had an actual job that requires being away from a toilet). My IBS is due to poor Bile Absorption which means my body irregularly floods my bowel with water whenever it decides it wants an internal waterslide. I've had the Colonoscopy (And the exact same orange flavoured death juice) Gastroscopy (Back to back with the Colonoscopy. fun) MRI, CT and SehCat. I'm not at a stage where I'm "stable" and it has a massive effect on my ability to generally live even if I can scrape by on various meds. It's really encouraging though to hear someone talk about this sort of stuff in an honest manner. It does make me feel more relaxed about it. I hope you recover well from the surgery and thank you. P.S Long live the NHS!

[@NomadicSheep01]

My grandmother has her ileostomy for around 21years now. She had the surgery on my birthday. Ive been diagnosed with IBS. It is incredibly refreshing to see someone like you going through similar challenges and how you handle it even now with pregnancy. Wishing you and your loved ones all the best, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I look forward to sharing your videos with my meemaw😊🌈☀☀🌟🌟🎠

[@78lmonaghan]

I love this so much! I don't have OC but have IBS. I went for a colonoscopy twice now and the prep is grim 😷 it's really difficult to try to describe the pain to others when it's really bad and the fact that if I don't get my meds right I'm either bloated- which family member decribe as my "6 months pregnant belly" or I'm running to the toilet. Thank you so much for bringing up this topic. I feel like it's such an "Ewh subject" for some people but at the end of the day it's a medical condition and if it effects your life then I don't think it should need to be hidden away

[@evercuriousmichelle]

Hey! Fellow bloater here! I too have IBS. I use VSL #3 which is really expensive but the only pills that have truly worked for me. They have been a relief! But everyone is different. I just haven't met a lot of people who bloated to the same extent I did so I'm excited to see I'm not alone!

[@kyivstuff]

LauraMon Try the Low FODMAPs diet, it works for me. Be careful with probiotics, because if your IBS is provoked by SIBO it'll only make it worse (from experience).

[@captaincreemo]

I also am an IBS gal with bloating and diarrhea. and the low FODMAP diet helped, but didn't completely get rid of my symptoms so I also take tummy fiber and probiotics. This was after loads of trial and error with probiotic brands and fiber sources and elimination diets. So basically have to find what works for you! I still have it flare up when I am stressed or overly excited. So still working things out in this body of mine. Good luck to all my tummy troubled friends.

[@littlemissblackbird7249]

LauraMon hahah my best friend and i also have a running joke about my "5 month pregnant belly"! What makes it a bit better is that i can claim a seat on the bus if i am already feeling bad.

[@berenicethegirl]

LauraMon try activated carbon :) it's basically the only thing that works for me

[@marianna3833]

My housemate for the past year has Crohns and getting to know her has made me aware of just how cruel stomach issues can be. Its awesome you are talking about it

[@ingvildsolheim6061]

I have IBS and I am so thankful that someone finally talked about this!

[@kimolyslager]

I have IBS as well! It's something a lot of people have but I am one of those unlucky people that has it really bad :(

[@booksbeautifulnightmares3317]

I have an undefined type of ulcerative colitis, I'm glad you talked about this! For me it flared up in a period where I was very unhappy; my stomach would hurt and when I went to poo, there was blood. Then I moved back to my country (it's a long story) where I was much happier, and it went away. It's been 2 years since I've moved, I'm 17, and it hasn't come back since. It was hell drinking that horrible thing before having a colonoscopy. I'm so glad it's not a serious part of my life now.

[@lparrish89]

If anyone reading this is taking azathioprine, PLEASE be extremely careful with taking it, you really shouldn't immediately stop taking these tablets because your immune system and liver can go into shock (if you're on a high dose of azathioprine for a long period of time then you should be going for quarterly blood tests anyway to test your LFT levels). Just a warning in case anyone was unaware! Like Hannah said, they'll drop your dosage and wean you off them gradually over an extended period of time.. it just gives your immune system a chance to build back up again :)

[@cherrilynnlelezhang3856]

+

[@mrd4518]

I went off it suddenly... but that's because it gave me acute pancreatitis! So that's another consideration for anyone thinking of taking it, I had been on it for 8 months and it was helping me until suddenly, I had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. It happens to an estimated 1-2% of patients on azathioprine. Everyone should carefully consider any heavy duty medication and talk to their doctor/s about the pros and cons.

[@emily25342]

Laura Parrish oh wow I had no idea I will be careful yesterday I forgot to take mine!

[@Nikola-jb7yo]

I have to take it.....

[@KristaClose]

It also gave me pancreatitis!

[@Biancaaaarr]

It's so lovely to hear you talk so frankly and openly about an invisible condition/illness. I have a congenital heart condition, another illness people can't "see", and despite it being very different to what you experience, I completely understand and empathise with the way what you have to cope with regarding social lives having to take a back seat sometimes and taking daily pills and the responsibility that comes with a life long condition. Brilliant video, you're so inspiring 😊❤️

[@vamvam7690]

I also have a congenital heart condition :) invisible illness can be tricky...There’s the pro that you can pick and choose who knows - people can’t tell just by looking at you (many disabled/chronically ill people don’t have this privilege) but on the other hand because no-ones knows you are often not offered the same support/assistance that may be give to others and people may not understand why you’re behaving in certain ways etc Nice to see someone else ‘young’ in maybe a similar health position to me, most the time cardiac wards and outpatient offices are full of people decades older than me. I hope you’re well :) x

[@christineleitz7162]

I'm going to be checked for this. Confusing thing is I usually don't poop for days.

[@laurens7054]

Tip if you've to take Movicol or other powdered laxatives-mix with diluting juice as well as water, makes it taste not tooooo bad

[@hollyblogs1745]

I'm a member of the poop group! Acute appendicitis and surgery to remove it plus an infection and a bad reaction to antibiotics three years ago left me with pretty awful symptoms for a few months and now I have an appointment with a dietician next week after waiting for four months to help me use my diet to help control symptoms of fatigue, pain and (lovely, I know) severe wind and bloating! I know I'm lucky and others have it worse, but thank goodness for the NHS!

[@HelloThere-lm8en]

I was diagnosed with UC yesterday, been trying to find some videos like this to see others experiences and to reassure myself I’m not alone x

[@OMGSHSammielovesyou]

Same yesterdsy...

[@IPeroXiiideI]

Same last week! We'll be okay guys!:)

[@Fizzstah2]

I have a chronic condition and I've been on Azathioprine for 2 years. I make videos on this channel about my life with my condition. I'm so happy Hannah is speaking about her invisible illness

[@smmisimms]

I had a colonoscopy for the first time recently and can no longer drink orange flavour cordial as it just reminds me of Moviprep, it took me so long to drink the first dose that I ended up drinking about 1 and a half doses all together. I recently got diagnosed with Colitis after years of suffering and almost a year of speaking to various doctors, my GP and other specialists before they actually decided to give me a colonoscopy. I'm definitely glad for the NHS, but it can definitely be difficult to get appointments and diagnoses. The first doctor I saw gave me some tablets that mostly made my usual symptoms worse as well as making me tired and gave me strange mood swings. I also tried a diet which involved eating no gluten, dairy, sugar, potatoes or red meat. Luckily when I was properly diagnosed the doctor told me that if the diet wasn't helping I might as well eat a regular diet.

[@katiex3715]

I'm not really supposed to eat red meat, ice cream etc but I do anyway, and it's all good. It'll probably be different to you, so just stick to the recommended diet for now or do whatever you want I guess.

[@freyareynaert8387]

I saw this video after your recent video. Which made me think even more of how fast everything went from good to bad! Gosh, you are so strong the way you talk about it in your recent video. I wish you a good recovery! And I hope you can go soon to your pub nearby your house!!

[@chandy1996]

thank you for showing awareness bc I had no idea before this video!

[@OswaldDigestiveClinic]

If you appreciated this video, you may also want to know that Gut health is so important for overall health! A survey from 2018 of 71,000 Americans found that 61% had at least 1 bothersome gut issue! The most common gut symptom was acid reflux or GERD, then abdominal pain, then bloating.

[@slowreadersclub7860]

I'm only at 2.50 minutes in and I can honestly say that I wish this video (or similar) was available when I was first diagnosed with UC 7 years ago. I experience it in the same way that you've described... completely fine until a flare up and then can be going to the toilet 10-20 times a day, constant unbearable stomach pain that makes me have constant urges to use the toilet (even if nothing is coming out). For me it's almost worse during the night and have had many, many accidents during flares where I've not made it to the bathroom in time because I've been half asleep. THE JOYS. You are honestly a breathe of seriously good fresh air. I have watched some of your newer videos before this one and I'm sorry to hear about your surgery. You come across at least in your videos as though you are dealing with it as best as you can though so that makes me happy, and I just hope that you're proud of yourself and you remind yourself daily of what a warrior you are! :)

[@smileybubblyducky]

You were already my favourite person on youtube, now you're even more amazing! I had a bad flare up of UC during my GCSEs too, but have been clear since then! And taking moviprep is like living a nightmare I agree

[@alycats94]

So, I just stumbled across this, but I’ve had Crohn’s for almost 10 years now. Even though it’s different from UC, I still relate to a lot of your experiences/symptoms you talk about here. It’s really cool to see you be so open about it, because it’s something I’ve struggled talking about to people because they’ve treated me differently in the past because of my Crohn’s, and I hate that. I see you have other videos on the topic, so thank you for being so open about it and showing people that daily life is different for some, and that’s completely fine and normal.

[@Wonderingplanet]

for some reason, i thought it the title said ulcerative clitoris, how wrong i was

[@aimeetrudgian8307]

Lilac Blues same 🙈

[@bekahrollins7070]

Hi, Hannah! Thanks for sharing your story. I suffered through a 6 month period of basically the symptoms you had at 15 last year. I went undiagnosed and then ended up being diagnosed with Celiacs Disease. I went through the endoscopy and colonoscopy as well. I was having similar symptoms to colitis, so they thought that's what I had at first, or IBS. It's nice to see KZbinrs on bigger platforms who share similar problems, especially ones that are as debilitating as colitis.

[@samuelelder9434]

Really sad watching this on 30/12/2019 knowing what is just around the corner for her, especially when she said she is due for her next check up in 2020

[@SHASHB1901]

Thank you for doing this video so much it's so nice to hear someone talk about it. I had an ileostomy at the end of last year after only having UC for a year and I can't imagine being diagnosed so young.

[@rr8753]

My step daughter at age 13 when she had her colon was removed had a tubing inside cause the small intestine tied itself in a knot. throwing up bile. She is 42yrs old and had her 2nd child with her 2nd husband and he is 13yrs old don't want to reverse stoma she is doing great.

[@katefrances5450]

This makes me so happy, I've had crohns for three years now and can relate to so much of this, and it makes me so happy to see someone talk about IBD so openly because not enough people do, gives me a lil hope I might be better one day😊

[@SparklesBooks]

This is such a good video, I've been fired before due to UC because no one knows what it is

[@jas88cam]

SparklesBooks wow, that's really evil - firing you for being ill?! :( I hope it's better controlled now, and you found a better place to work!

[@chelseyvasquez7010]

That's messed up! So sorry 😐

[@TheOysterjam]

Chelsey Vasquez and also BS.... employers can't terminate solely due to documented illness, so either their 'illness' wasn't documented (or self-diagnosed) or they made it up completely

[@kikistarr4348]

Are you from the us?

[@ASithLordd]

thats what im worried about. I just found out a couple weeks ago that i have UC

[@zynababuzar8390]

I can relate to this Soooooo much. I am 12 and I have had it since 2012. People never really believe you when you say you don't feel well because it is a invisible illness. Keep strong fellow IBD sufferers. YOU'RE AMAZING!!

[@TheRealMTR]

Hey thanks so much for sharing your story. I have UC but with very different symptoms as you. Currently going through a flair and I found your video. It really helps to hear your story

[@TheMutantCreeper]

I found you just by looking up ulcerative colitis. I think it’s also amazing because you have a big passion for sexuality and healthy relationships. I’m in the same road. Even though I’m demisexual, I love the study and talk of sex and gender equality. Your videos have been helping me cope with my current flare that has been kicking my ass recently, so thanks for the entertainment and knowledge.

[@amyarnett8143]

I have IBS and really can't do anything (except take antidepressants, which only lessen the symptoms) because I have the combined type with both diarrhea and constipation. Thankyou for talking about this, I know some people like my best friend (also has ibs) find it "gross" and "embarrassing" and feel like they need to suffer alone, which no one should have to do. Keep up the awesome work.

[@Jenz16x]

Theres so many people in the comments that have IBS like me!! I'm so happy you have brought this up Hannah! I don't feel embarrassed knowing theres definitely others in same position.

[@mwalsh925]

My dad had colon cancer and had part of his intestines removed so he has much of the same symptoms in terms of having almost no warning when poop is coming or even just sometimes not having much control over his bowels period. So my brother and I have to have colonoscopies early. In my house we try to laugh about all of this because if we don't it's just too depressing. We call the special drink "colon blow" because it just makes it a little funnier to deal with. This is such an interesting video. I feel like we should talk more about this kind of stuff that actually really affects a lot of people.

[@allie-ontheweb]

Been having diarrhoea for like 3 months, went to the GP and thought it was IBS, had a blood test and no, turns out I'm Coeliac (gluten intolerant) and my body's now trying to recover from 17 years worth of damage. Always good to go to the GP ^.^

[@river6218]

i love that you can talk about this! also you're looking good as always, hannah!

[@abby-zp5ky]

eden i love ur name :)

[@stephencharity9363]

Hello Hannah. I have had UC since 2002. I am on Asacol and Azathioprine and have been in remission since 2012. I have been on steroids in the past, but not since 2012 when I started on Azathioprine. I was in my early 40s when diagnosed and it led me to change my career to become a nurse. I have even worked in the Endoscopy dept at my local hospital looking after patients having colonoscopies. Having UC has changed my life in a positive way because of my career change. Thank you for raising awareness through this video.

[@beckiejbrown]

Thank you for talking about this and being so honest. x

[@hillmo1198]

My fiancé was diagnosed with UC, IBS, and fibromyalgia all within 4 months last fall. Absolutely brutal. He is now in somewhat of a recovery, thanks to the low fodmap diet, medical marijuana, yoga, frequent massages from me, and the different medications he's trying at the moment. Thank you for sharing, Hannah. It's nice not to feel so alone.

[@9_in_the_afternoon]

Thank you for this video. My genetics mean that it's fairly inevitable that I'll develop gastrointestinal issues someday, so I'm finding it really useful to learn as much as I can beforehand. I just hope I don't follow in my dad's footsteps - he was fine until he was about 25, then developed very severe Crohn's. He now has roughly three feet of small intestine (I think it's normally about 20 feet), and nearly died in intensive care after getting pneumonia after an operation, because his immune system was basically nonexistant. Autoimmune diseases are shit.

[@brianphillips4173]

My mom had ulcerative colitis and an ileostomy. You are a brave lady for sharing your story! I was 12 when mom had her surgery and vividly remember seeing her stoma for the first time. Keep up the cool blog!

[@volkanceylan4696]

So glad, you're making people aware about this condition - it's more common than people think! I was diagnosed in summer 2015 and by summer 2016 I had to have surgery to remove my colon :( Good luck, and stay healthy!

[@RomySews]

It’s great that you’re so open and candid about this, it’s stupid that we’re embarrassed to talk about it really. My dad has colitis and growing up I never really understood what it entailed except him needing the loo a lot, which I noticed especially on holiday because we were together more. But I sympathise a lot more with him now knowing what it involves and wish he’d told me more, though I guess parents don’t want to worry and involve their kids in medical stuff too much. I do hope it isn’t hereditary though after seeing what you and he have been through.

[@lizstubbs2969]

I have ibs so can kinda empathise but as you say the different diseases are all different and they affect people differently also. I find mine is worse when I'm stressed or really tired. when mine flares up the pain is horrendous and I take buscopan which thankfully does work but it takes up to a week to settle down properly xx thanks for sharing your story , it makes other sufferer feel less alone xx

[@herpaderp75]

I deal with similar symptoms to this all throughout high school. I spent 5 years planning every outing around bathrooms. I rarely left the house. I had to experiment with allergies to find triggering foods. Whenever I wasn’t sick from my intestinal issues I was sick from something else. I was underweight and always tired. I made countless visits to the GE just for them to tell me I have IBS. IMO one of the least satisfying diagnoses of my life because it felt like the doctor was saying “idk what’s wrong I just know your symptoms” but I found a diet that helped me. I fixed my sleep schedule. I started exercising. And I took the advice my doctor gave me. I still have some issues every once in a while. I’m watching these right now because I’ve been stuck in the bathroom for the entire day and have nothing to do, but it’s nice to know I’m not alone especially when I’m in intense pain. I hope everyone else who has to deal with these kinds of issues is lucky enough to get a great medical team to help and figure things out.

[@andrewjames4346]

i have followed you some time now and this is the first thing relevent to me. I don't have UC or ibs or anything visibly wrong but I am allergic to every single thing I consume including tap water and bottled water. I have a (marked) gastrocolic reflex. witch mean I have a very fast reflex to food meaning it goes in and 6 minutes later the exact same food comes back out the other end all chewed up but not digested. I go to the loo 30+ times a day and have the worst sore bum you can possibly imagine. I also suffer from (visceral hiypersensitivity) it means that I can feel the food in my tummy and every single inch of my gut as it moves and churns and gargles and dosnt digest while it races through me to ultamitly end up in the loo less then 10 mins later. I am on 13 medications to slow my gut down which can go as low as 15 out of 30 so 50% slower and less often but i am crippled with the pain and the medication leaves me feeling like and looking like a drug abuser. my life is ruled by the toilet but because of the condition I have I am not able to have a colostomy or iliostomy as it would make things worse! I worked on the oil rigs. I was engaged to a lovely girl who I loved and I had my own home. then I got (post infectious gastroenteritis) while off shore and was medivac back to Aberdeen where I was admitted and went from 10st to 6.⁴lbs in 9days. I have been suffering for 4 years now and have lost everything from my independence and my hone. car. friends. job. career. to the love of my life who decided that she needed love from someone who didn't shit them self or didn't weight 6.4stn but hey. she loved me when I had it all and when I lost it she got her love from someone else. anyway that's a little bit about my story hannah. it's pretty grim. I am house bound and do not socialise as being 31 male and incontinent isn't a very attractive thing in a friend or partner. if anyone wants to know more I am happy to talk about it. it's really rough and nasty and keeping a poo diary with pictures and videos isn't exactly the content I like on my phone but its doctors orders. anyways. happy to enlighten anyone who asks. thanks for sharing hannah

[@dhouse5237]

Al James Hope u find the happiness nd peace tht u deserve in your life bless u Take care

[@smittenthekitteninmittens2679]

Are you anywhere near Peterhead??..i have some family up there..i love Scotland :)

[@emilyhendersonx]

I've just come across your videos. I have Crohn's disease and was diagnosed in November 2016. It is shit and I've struggled a lot with it and knowing that you've managed to get on with your life has made me feel happier about it xx

[@johndrew6821]

Hi Hannah i have Crohn's and i have infusions at the hospital every seven weeks and I'm on alot of medication including liquid food at the moment. I am on strong pain medication as well but i am staying positive that things will improve one day. Thank you for doing this video and making people aware about Crohn's and colitis. My husband has Colitis and we met at a meeting for our illnesses. Unfortunately i have other medical conditions and one of them is Endometriosis and one illness seems to flare the other. Anyway just wanted to say i'm a huge fan of your videos and book and look forward to watching more of your videos. I think it is important to talk about Crohn's and Colitis so people can try to understand what it is like to have such an awful invisible illness like this. Glad you are going through a good patch. So thanks again. Heather x