Just an Update

It's been a while since I've posted on my UC blog. The reason being I've actually been doing pretty well. Yay! Things have been relatively uneventful as far as my health goes. I think there's only a few things to report. 

Infections

I have been getting frequent infections over the summer such as BV (bacterial vaginosis), yeast infections, and UTI's. I am now on either medication or vitamins for all of these and it has settled down since. 

Rinvoq

I went back to the GI doctor about a week ago and it went pretty well. I have been instructed to start taking a lower dosage of Rinvoq -- going from 30 mg to 15 mg -- starting as soon as possible. My GI doctor is hoping that this will lessen the frequency of the infections while still keeping me in remission. 

My Energy Levels

Although I have been feeling much better, my energy is still unusually limited for my age. I'm still not completely sure why this is since I've been in remission, but I try to push through it for work and socializing sake. It is better though. I have even taken on a second part time job that is extremely flexible so I can rest when I need to. 

Anxiety

At the GI doctor I was told that I needed an EKG done on me to check my heart because it either sounded off or was beating too fast or both. I assumed this was because I was nervous at my appointment, and I told my doctor that, but he insisted I get an EKG since I also mentioned I had been feeling this more frequently. I've been feeling short of breath more often and anxious for no apparent reason. I will be thinking about little to nothing and still be feeling like my body is freaking out. It's odd, but something to note. 

I have been in remission for about a year and seven months now. I have been experiencing some anxiety just anticipating the next flare because I've been told that remission does not last forever. With some research I found that remission can last years, but it depends on treatment. In my personal experience, my remissions had lasted about six months at a time, so this is the longest I've gone without a flare since my diagnosis. I'm hopeful it will last many more years, but also just a little worried. I've been trying to stay healthy and calm to keep the remission going. 

As of now, I am staying on my medicine, trying to stay healthy, and trying to give myself grace when my body falls short. I tend to compare myself to normal 21 year old people and feel bad... Like I'm being lazy or not pushing hard enough. My family and friends have been very kind in helping me through those insecurities and I continue to do my best. 🩷

My next GI appointment, assuming I stay in remission, will be in March next year.