Tackling colitis with
persistence
Tim Witenske’s gastrointestinal problems began during college,
with rapid weight loss. He was unable to eat, had stomach pain,
and digestive problems. Doctors at AHN diagnosed him with
ulcerative colitis, but he continued to lose weight, reaching 137
pounds.
“I’d lost my identity as a college football player,” Tim said. “I
couldn’t go anywhere because of the colitis. I was battling anxiety
and constant stress.”
“Tim was very frail, unable to exercise or leave the house,”
said Sandra El-Hachem, MD, medical director, AHN Center for
Infl ammatory Bowel Diseases. “We treated him aggressively, with
diff erent medications, and found one that works.”
With Vedolizumab monthly IV treatments, Tim slowly got better.
“My AHN doctors and nurses have been spectacular. They are
always there for me,” he said. Today, Tim weighs 208, and he’s
coaching the football team at Upper St. Clair Middle School. He
plans to become a teacher.
“These last couple of years have given me time to think about
what I want to do in life,” he said. “Through my illness, I learned
that I wasn’t just an invincible football player. I really built up
my resilience.”
70 k
ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL
DISEASE (IBD) EACH YEAR*
48
%
“At last, I’ve got
my life back.”
TIM WITENSKE
OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS
PATIENTS ARE IN
REMISSION THIS YEAR*
* Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Updated IBD Factbook, 2019