Battling Ulcerative Colitis: Glenn’s 20-Year Journey to Disease Remission

For those living with a chronic illness like ulcerative colitis (UC), even the simplest moments in life – like a peaceful walk, an uninterrupted workday or spending time with loved ones – can feel out of reach.

UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, and for those who experience it, symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and constant worry about finding a restroom (due to bowel urgency) can disrupt every aspect of life.

Glenn knows this all too well.

His journey with UC began during law school, a time already filled with stress and high expectations.

The Challenges of Living with UC

“I was in a lot of distress,” Glenn shared, reflecting on the early days of his disease. “I went through so many ups and downs, and the symptoms were very bad.” At the time, Glenn didn’t know his symptoms were the hallmarks of UC, a condition that would define the next two decades of his life.

Diagnosis from a gastroenterologist brought clarity but also new challenges, and Glenn quickly found himself adjusting his life around the disease. He brought a change of clothes everywhere due to potential accidents, scoped out restrooms before leaving the house and avoided social situations that felt too risky.

Finding Hope Through Treatment

For nearly 20 years, Glenn’s severe symptoms impacted him both personally and professionally. He had to turn down a dream job because of the unpredictability of his condition and missed out on many moments with friends and family.

“Everything about my day-to-day life was difficult. I couldn’t work without interruption, and I couldn’t make the bathroom in time,” said Glenn. “I was desperate for relief.”

Determined to improve his condition, Glenn sought treatment and eventually qualified for a clinical research study that focused on treating patients with UC.

This proved to be a turning point in his journey. Through the study, Glenn found a treatment that worked for him, and his symptoms steadily improved.

Now, Glenn is celebrating nearly one year in disease remission and getting back to the things he loves most. “For so long, I had to think constantly about my UC, make plans around it and be ready if something happened,” he said. “I’ve been able to do things I never thought I’d get back to.” Glenn accepted the job he once had to decline, attends social gatherings without worry and even travels freely – no longer mapping restrooms along the way.

The Importance of Seeking Effective Care

Glenn is not alone. An estimated 1.1 million adults in the U.S. live with ulcerative colitis and are still seeking treatments that can provide long-term remission and relieve symptoms over time.

For anyone struggling with UC, Glenn has an important piece of advice: “Be insistent with your doctor. This is not something you should go through alone. Embarrassment should not be a barrier to being honest with your health care provider and treating the symptoms of your UC.”

Through our scientifically driven, clinically relevant portfolio of medicines, we’re advancing solutions to elevate care and improve treatment outcomes for people living with inflammatory bowel disease.

For more information, including tips for speaking with a gastroenterologist about treatment options, please visit www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org.