Journalist Shares Bowel Health Struggle
Chloe Melas, the 37-year-old NBC News entertainment correspondent, recently shared her personal health journey dealing with ulcerative colitis. In a candid conversation with TODAY.com, Melas revealed the profound impact the condition had on her life and the struggles she faced.
“I spent a decade thinking about my bowel movements. It consumed my entire life, and it was so stressful,” Melas disclosed, highlighting the emotional toll of her health journey. The revelation came when she noticed bright red blood in her stool at the age of 23, prompting her to seek medical attention.
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Initially diagnosed with proctitis, inflammation of the rectum lining, Melas faced uncertainty about the cause. “They could not tell me what it was from. Is this something in my diet? Is it due to stress? Is it genetic? No one in my family had any (gastrointestinal) issues,” she shared.
Prescribed suppositories initially, Melas continued to struggle, leading to a colonoscopy after two years. The diagnosis was ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition involving inflammation in the colon. Medication brought relief but also flare-ups, prompting Melas to adopt a paleo diet, cut out alcohol, and seek a second opinion after doctors considered removing part of her colon.
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With a new treatment plan and dietary adjustments, Melas achieved remission, celebrating her “first normal colonoscopy in years” recently. Despite the positive turn, she remains mindful of the condition’s unpredictability. “You never know when ulcerative colitis can rear its head,” she noted.
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Melas emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for bathroom-related issues, urging those facing similar challenges to consult a gastroenterologist. Incorporating healthier habits, such as drinking more water and increasing fiber intake, has contributed to her improved well-being.
“I’m able to go to the bathroom stress-free, and that’s something that for so long I didn’t have. But I don’t take it for granted,” Melas shared. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience required in facing health challenges and the significance of proactive healthcare.
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Melas’s openness about her battle with ulcerative colitis aims to raise awareness about gastrointestinal health and encourage those experiencing symptoms to prioritize seeking professional help.
Have you or someone you know faced challenges with gastrointestinal health, and how did seeking medical advice impact your journey?
