Mother in Laws... ugh. If you didn't have UC, she'd still probably find something to say that would annoy you. I think that's in section 3, subsection B of the MIL Code of Conduct.

Oh she has numerous reasons lol why she doesn't like me .. and things she annoys me by :-P LOL

Yes, I have a great support system at home :)

My parents are very encouraging and help me whenever I need it. My dad hates to see me super sick, so when i'm not feeling my best he tends to kinda back off for awhile.

My siblings are also amazing. Both of them don't live at home but whenever we are together, it is very easy to talk to them about and they also are very understanding. We tend to joke about it alot. It makes it easier I think.

My boyfriend is also great! He came into my life when my UC was pretty good. It had stayed pretty well throughout our relationship so he actually hasn't seen me at my worse. I don't know what he is going to think when that happens. Let's hope it's not anytime soon though! He pushes me to do alot of things that I used to shy away from. I'm really grateful for that :)

Overall I have a pretty dang good support system! I should also say that my friends are pretty amazing about it too. Mostly all my friends know. It's just easier that way for me. They don't expect me to be available whenever they are, but when we all can get together..it's a hell of a good time :)

@Kricha

it sounds like you really have it great! I am so glad that your family, friends, and bf make sure to take good care of you! That is so important and it makes life with our issues a lot easier!! I pray and hope you stay feeling good too!!

Hi Kelsey! I see you are a Kansan, I grew up just outside of Kansas City myself! My family still lives in the area, but on the Missouri side now. They are a wonderful support system, but I wish they were closer to me--I live in DC now. Despite being far away, they do a great job of checking up on me when I'm having issues, so sometimes it almost feels like they are here :)

@alm1771 -

Yes I am a Kansan born and raised :-) That is neat you used to live near me I really enjoy living here, probably for the rest of my life :-)

That is great to hear that you have a good support system. I think that helps so much! It is great that you live a little bit away and still feel the support!!

Yes and no. I have a great husband who is very caring but he really does not understand the nature of UC. He is a black and white type of guy and just doesn't get that you can be doing everything right and still have flares. Right now I am having back to back flares and the first thing he said is..."you better get back to the doctor". Tried to explain that UC has a path of it's own and sometimes no matter what you do...you flare.

We have been married for 6 years and this is the first time I have really had any serious flares since we met. To add to the challenge, he is out of town so trying to talk about it over the phone is difficult.

I can say, for the most part, I don't. That's one of the reasons I sought out the online support groups. When I lived in AZ I also went to a monthly support group at the hospital, and really liked the people and information I learned there.

jn4025, would you mind sharing more about your experience in the hospital support group? I have been thinking of attending one, but admittedly, I'm a little bit hesitant to go by myself.