Playing with Ulcerative Colitis Pain

The Surprising Game-Changer: Overcoming Ulcerative Colitis

July 28, 2023 – What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “game-changer”? For two-time Olympian, three-time Women’s World Cup player, and former professional soccer player Rosie White, it’s a condition called ulcerative colitis, and it would be a takeover that neither she nor her teammates anticipated.

White’s journey with ulcerative colitis began when she was just 19 years old, an age when the condition often emerges. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the colon lining. The symptoms, including severe diarrhea, bowel urgency, cramps, pain, and fatigue, can have a profound impact on daily life, even interrupting significant career milestones.

“I was playing collegiate soccer at UCLA and also playing for the New Zealand national team when I started feeling symptoms during an international game,” White shared. “There was blood in my stool, and I realized this was not normal.”

Instead of celebrating her 100th game with the New Zealand Ferns, White found herself collapsing on the field and enduring severe cramps. The road to a diagnosis was filled with challenges, as ulcerative colitis is not easily detectable. It took months, if not years, and multiple visits to different doctors for White to finally receive the proper diagnosis and medication.

Ulcerative colitis is believed to have a genetic component, but environmental factors, such as diet and stress, also play a significant role. Victor Chedid, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in IBD at the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the importance of considering these factors when diagnosing and treating the condition.

While the physical symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be debilitating, there is also a psychological aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked. Like many patients, White initially felt embarrassed about her condition and avoided discussing it. However, she soon realized the detrimental effect of delaying seeking help and keeping her struggles hidden.

“I didn’t talk about it for 5 years. And what I learned the hard way is that the longer you wait, the worse your symptoms get,” White shared. She emphasized the importance of seeking credible information and support, involving family, friends, and a network of understanding individuals.

Diet plays a crucial role in managing ulcerative colitis. Kelly Issokson, a registered dietitian at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, highlighted the significance of nutrition in improving medication response and reducing inflammation. In general, a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins is recommended, with an emphasis on foods with omega-3 fatty acids.

The impact of mental health on ulcerative colitis cannot be ignored. Laurie Keefer, PhD, a psychologist specializing in IBD, revealed that a significant percentage of patients experience depression and anxiety. Addressing the psychological aspect is vital for overall well-being and symptom management. White emphasized the stress and emotional burden that ulcerative colitis brings, but also the importance of open communication with loved ones and a positive mindset.

Today, at age 30, White has gracefully transitioned from the soccer field to the television microphone. She is a spokesperson for Bristol-Myers Squibb and has developed an effective ulcerative colitis toolbox: medication, a strong support system, and a good relationship with her doctor. White has become the advocate she needed and encourages others to do the same.

Ulcerative colitis may have been an unexpected game-changer for Rosie White, but her story is one of resilience and triumph. With a combination of medical management, informed nutrition choices, and nurturing mental health, one can confidently face the challenges of this condition and excel both on and off the field.

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The Surprising Game-Changer: Overcoming Ulcerative Colitis

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