Ulcerative Colitis Success Stories
Josh Reineke
An inspirational story about a UC patient going the distance for a good cause.
Click here to read more about Josh's "Going the Distance with UC" experience.
Josh Reineke takes on many roles in his life. He is a grad student, father, husband, accomplished athlete – and he tackles all of these roles while managing his Ulcerative Colitis (UC). But the 27-year-old will tell you that none of it was easy, and it is only possible by maintaining control of his UC.
Josh, a grad student working toward his PhD at Brown University's Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, was diagnosed with UC in the summer of 2005. After a long and frustrating process of misdiagnoses by many doctors, he finally went to a specialist who correctly diagnosed him with UC and immediately started him on an appropriate treatment, including Asacol (mesalamine). "After a series of incorrect diagnoses, I finally learned that I had UC, and thought that it meant the end of my dreams," says Josh. "But then I realized that I could do this. All I needed was a good support system, which I have in my family, a good doctor and dedication to adhere to proper treatment prescribed by my physician."
Josh's experience and accomplishments are exceptional; individual results may vary.
Click here to read more about Josh's "Going the Distance with UC" experience.
In the Beginning
Josh Reineke takes on many roles in his life. He is a grad student, father, husband, accomplished athlete – and he tackles all of these roles while managing his Ulcerative Colitis (UC). But the 27-year-old will tell you that none of it was easy, and it is only possible by maintaining control of his UC.
Josh, a grad student working toward his PhD at Brown University's Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, was diagnosed with UC in the summer of 2005. After a long and frustrating process of misdiagnoses by many doctors, he finally went to a specialist who correctly diagnosed him with UC and immediately started him on an appropriate treatment, including Asacol (mesalamine). "After a series of incorrect diagnoses, I finally learned that I had UC, and thought that it meant the end of my dreams," says Josh. "But then I realized that I could do this. All I needed was a good support system, which I have in my family, a good doctor and dedication to adhere to proper treatment prescribed by my physician."
New Inspiration
Through the support of his friends and family, Josh is able to maintain his active lifestyle despite having UC. He says that his wife, Noi, provides much of the motivation that he has in his life, pushing him to live his life normally and be grateful for what he has. And his 2-year-old daughter, Jaixai, constantly keeps him smiling. The birth of his daughter made him realize that he really wanted to make his dreams come true. "The many supportive people in my life are the main reason that I've been able to handle my condition," says Josh. "I believe that it's really important to openly talk to others about my UC, because their support reduces my amount of worry and stress. Whether they serve as somebody to talk with, someone who can relate or just simply someone who is understanding, my support network has been instrumental in maintaining my health."Going the Distance with UC and Living His Dream
With this constant support, Josh has continued to accomplish what some may perceive as impossible: participating in several triathlons and a duathlon, including the 2006 Duathlon World Championship last July. A competitive triathlete, Josh entered the world of duathlons by mistake, after checking the wrong box on a registration form for a race in upstate New York in June 2005, accidentally signing up for the three-leg, run-bike-run event. He ran the first leg, a five-kilometer course, in 21 minutes, 28 seconds, biked 30 kilometers in 45 minutes, 39 seconds and completed the last five-kilometer run in 24 minutes, 23 seconds. His final time was one hour, 33 minutes and 46 seconds, placing him fourteenth overall. This qualified him for the championship. Since then, he has competed in many races and is able to continue this active lifestyle by adhering to a healthy diet and taking medications as directed by his doctor. His dream is to someday also qualify for the World Championship of Triathlons, proving that UC has not stopped him from participating in the athletic events that he loves so much.Josh's experience and accomplishments are exceptional; individual results may vary.
Important Safety Information
Asacol® (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, available only by prescription, are indicated to treat mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and maintain remission of ulcerative colitis.Asacol is generally well tolerated. In studies of flare-ups, some people taking Asacol reported headache, abdominal pain, general pain, rash, upset stomach, and worsening of colitis symptoms. In a six month maintenance study, some people reported headache, runny nose, general pain, sore throat, infection, and nervousness.
You should not take Asacol if you are allergic to Asacol or to salicylates such as aspirin. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease. It is recommended that all people have their kidney function tested prior to starting Asacol tablets and periodically while on Asacol therapy. Serious side effects may occur. If you have questions about taking Asacol, please talk to your doctor.
All personal information you choose to provide will remain confidential and anonymous and will only be available to Procter & Gamble and the companies working for them to help provide materials of interest to you. Please see full privacy statement by clicking the link below.
