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I first knew something was wrong when I noticedblood in my poopin 2013.
Courtesy of Shawna Reeve
Thankfully, with a solid medication regimen, my health stabilized quickly and I started feeling better.
I was really proud of my body for its strength in rebounding from my first flare-up.
But in 2015, my symptoms started coming back.
Some nights my bowel movements were so painful, I was afraid my screams would wake the neighbors.
Even practicing on my own was hard because many posesinversions, compressions, and twistsstimulated my bowels.
While all this was going on I was planning my wedding and preparing to move in May of 2016.
Finally in remission, I planned to travel to Spain to hike part of theCamino Trailin May 2020.
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You know your body best, so get a second opinion if you might.
During my first major flare-up, my health deteriorated for months while my doctor dismissed my concerns.
So after my hospitalization, I started looking for a new gastroenterologist right away.
He helped me fine-tune my UC medication, but most importantly, he and his stafflistenedto me.
Prep for the unexpected, no matter where you are.
Anyone who spends time in the wilderness knows how important it is tobe ready for any emergency.
Whenever Im making camping reservations, for example, I pick the campsite thats closest to the restroom.
But with UC, I dont always have enough time to do that.
Enter: aWAG bag, which is basically a portable toilet kit.
Knowing its available in an emergency alleviates my anxiety so much.
Alone time is great, but community can also be healing.
I used to do most of my hikes solo, which I loved.
Lately, though, Ive had fun hiking with like-minded women Ive connected with through Instagram.
More importantly, we support each other outside of the woods too.
Dial into your body to minimize stress.
Yoga has given me the tools to slow down andfocus on my breathing.
I currently teach a class one to two times a week, in addition to practicing on my own.
Shut off the shoulds.
During my 2021 flare-up, I was so sick I couldnt hike for more than six months.
Before I attempted to hike again, I started with short walks around my neighborhood.
So heres another reminder for anyone who is living with UC: Meet yourself where you are.
There will be days when you have to scale your plans back or cancel them completelyand thats okay.
No ones keeping score.
Your health has to come before your workout.
And when youre feeling well again, your sport or hobby will still be there waiting for you.
Im reminded of this every time I hit the trails after recovering from a flare.
No matter what kind of physical shape Im in, returning to nature feels like coming home.
