Anyone can get the condition, but most people develop it between the ages of 20 and 40.
Heres her story, as told to health writer Theresa Tamkins.
About three years ago, during my senior year of college, I started having health problems.
Sophi Gullbrants
Id never really experienced digestive issues before, but I started seeingblood in my stool.
It was so bad that the toilet water would turn red.
They were very intense and came in waves.
I also lost a lot of weight10 pounds in just a few weeks.
They put me on a medication called mesalamine.
The medication came in this little tube, and I had to squeeze it into my colon.
I couldnt just fall asleepI was always like, Wait, I have to put my enema in.
But thankfully, after using it for a while, I started feeling better.
My gastroenterologist didnt give me much guidance when it came to food.
He told me I could continue to eat what I usually ate and just take the medicine.
But that didnt seem right to me.
I wound up completely changing my diet and saw immense improvements in my symptoms.
However, Ive still endured some bad flares in the last three years.
When I was diagnosed, I weighed 120 pounds.
During the worst flare Ive ever had, I dropped down to 90 pounds.
After that, I was afraid to leave my house.
My social life plummeted.
And yes, Ive pooped my pants in public.
I once had a really bad experience at Bath & Body Works.
I was feeling pretty good about my UC and wanted to treat myself.
I was so happy.
When this happens I really cant control it.
There are many times when Im running to the restroom and I just dont make it in time.
I also have severe sleep deprivation during flares because my stomach pain wakes me up every hour.
I would say this is one of the side effects of UC that isnt often discussed.
Im still trying to figure out everything that triggers the flares.
A flare can last two weeks or just a few days; I cant really predict it.
This has definitely been a mental strain.
I was never an unhealthy person; I always did the right thing healthwise.
But after finding the care I needed, my mindset shifted.
I quit my job a little over a year after I was diagnosed.
Im now a holistic health coach and yoga instructor.
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If anything, this condition has made me stronger.
If I sat for an hour in traffic in any other life, it would have been so annoying.
But at that moment I was just like, This is amazing.
I believe everything happens for a reason.
Even though it sucks to have UC, its truly been the catalyst for everything positive in my life.
Without this diagnosis, I wouldnt be the person I am today.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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