I'm experiencing my first flare up after being diagnosed with UC. I put the brakes on training in hopes to remain healthy enough to compete on December 9th in single ply, as planned.
So the first thing most GI doctors do is put you on a corticosteroid. Well, now I'm on two. And for those that don't know, corticosteroids are catabolic and make your tendons weaker. Long story short, it puts you at risk for a tendon rupture, which just isn't worth it. It sucks, but it's nothing new in my career at this point.
Next, I got some genetic testing done to determine how well the Humira is working. Bad news- my body has created antibodies to the Humira so I have nearly none of the drug active in my system.
So my two options at this point are:
1. Switch to Entyvio which is really a great option and it's worked well for many UC/Chron's patients.
2. Stay on Humira (which worked extremely well for me) but add a chemo drug, Methotrexate, which means the following:
-It will further suppress my immune system, making me susceptible to some nasty shit.
-It will likely give me some side affects(s)
-In 7 out of 7 clinical trials it made the Humira work well again and put the recipients into remission.
I had a football coach who used to say, "It's never as good as you think it is, it's never as bad as you think it is. Reality always lies somewhere in the middle."
After talking with Clint, Schwab, and few random IG strangers who have dealt with this disease and are just cool dudes, I'll be going on Methotrexate. If I were to switch to Entyvio, as I understand it, I can't go back. And limiting drug options isn't smart in my opinion. So I'll go with the data and deal with the side affects for now.
Training wise I'll be leaning on mentors for advice and listening to my body the best I can. Competitions- we'll see. I'm entered into the US Open in May and planned BOB in August- but we'll take it one day at a time for the next six months.
In my head it makes sense to take the next few months for some hypertrophy and speed work. The heavy training of the last few months went well, all things considered.
I got back to an 800lb squat in single ply, 500+ raw bench, 700lb single ply bench, and an easy 765lb deadlift. From where I was, to where I was knocked down to, I have no complaints. I'm grateful.