Emmie Elliott

In 2021, life didn’t feel like my own. I was exhausted, foggy, and just not myself. Doctors told me I was “fine” because nothing too abnormal showed up in my bloodwork. Thankfully, I pushed for more answers and was referred for a colonoscopy and endoscopy, which confirmed an ulcerative colitis diagnosis.

I was put on medication and told to come back in two years for a follow up. As that checkup approached, I found a new specialist (almost skipping the appointment because I was busy planning a trip around Australia). She was incredible, she actually listened. I had scopes done with her, expecting to wake up and head straight off to explore. Instead, I was told they found three polyps, ranging from 15–35mm, along with the UC, and that I’d need to see a polyp specialist.

Two weeks later, I was in surgery with him. Again, I thought I’d wake up with all three polyps removed and be on my way. But when I woke, only two had been removed and the largest had been biopsied. The results came back abnormal, and I was referred to a colorectal surgeon to remove part of my large intestine and potentially live with a bag.

I was told that if I hadn’t gone for that checkup, I could have been riddled with cancer within six months. Thankfully, my surgeon, gastro, and polyp specialist worked together and recommended only removing the right side, where the disease and polyps were concentrated. Within 10 weeks, my life completely changed, and travel plans were put on hold. Surgery went well, though recovery took at least eight weeks and I don’t think I even realised how serious it was at the time.

A follow up within the year showed the surgery was successful, but my UC still wasn’t responding to medication. The next option was biologics (IYKYK). Luckily, a new tablet drug was just being added to the PBS. Since I still had my heart set on a year of travel, my gastro worked with me so I could access it. Within three months, I started improving, and she told me remission could be possible within six months. With her happy for me to travel, I set off on my travels anyway, because life hadn’t gone to plan, work was stressful, and the only constants I had were my family and friends.

A few months into traveling, I had another checkup. The results: deep remission. All the hard work, taking multiple daily meds and supplements and working on my diet was all worth it! I cried happy tears in recovery, it had been such a long road back to feeling like myself.

Now, six months later, I’m nearing the end of my year of travel. I’m so grateful for my gastro and the way she worked with me to make this possible. My friends keep reminding me that I should be proud of myself and lately, I really have been feeling that way. Fingers crossed my next checkup confirms remission continues!