This topic is about a personal journey with ulcerative colitis, a condition that affects the colon and rectum. The story begins in 1963 when the person first experienced symptoms while in college. Back then, ulcerative colitis was not well understood, and there were no medications available. Doctors often dismissed the pain as being "all in the head" or related to stress. Without a proper diagnosis, the condition worsened, eventually leading to the need for surgery to remove the entire colon and rectum. Even today, the exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, though it might be linked to immune system issues or genetics.

Here are some helpful insights and advice from this experience:

1. Always advocate for yourself, especially if you face misdiagnoses. If you have persistent, unexplained pain, it's important to seek further investigation and consider getting second opinions.

2. Undergoing extensive surgeries and living with an ostomy doesn't mean you can't have a fulfilling life. Many people continue to travel, achieve their goals, and return to normal activities after recovery.

3. Perspective and resilience are key. Keeping a sense of humor, practicing gratitude, and adopting a mindset of embracing challenges can help you cope with chronic illness and significant changes to your body.

4. Sharing your personal story can be healing for both you and others. It offers encouragement and shows that people can survive and thrive even after severe illness and multiple surgeries.