Phil's IBD Story
World on a String
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This picture was taken two weeks after I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. | | At age forty-three, Phil seemed to have the world on a string. From FORTUNE 500 executive to owner of a successful leadership training company. From successful speaker and writer to father and husband to a beautiful family.
Radical Change
But Phil's life was about to change radically and permanently. Phil had tried to dismiss extended bouts of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever as the consequences of constant business travel and poor eating habits. Ignoring advice to see a doctor, Phil struggled to maintain control of his life as the symptoms became more severe. Until the day he noticed the blood. Panicked and afraid, Phil knew he needed medical help.
Troubling Diagnosis
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This was taken a few hours after my initial surgery. | | In 1999, Phil was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a disease he had never heard of. After months of medical treatment and diet management, no remission was in sight. One flare-up after another had taken a heavy toll on Phil's body, his mind and his spirit. Phil lost over fifty pounds and weighed a frail 148 at his sickest. Worse still, his mind was consumed with fighting this disease. Every part of his life was suffering at the hands of ulcerative colitis.
After fully exploring his medical options, Phil made a life-saving decision to have his diseased colon removed. In November of 2000, Phil checked into the Cleveland Clinic for a total procotocolectomy and j-pouch ileoanal anastomosis. A two-surgery process, Phil wore an ileostomy for three months while his j-pouch construction healed. In February 2001, Phil again visited the Cleveland Clinic where his temporary ileostomy was successfully reversed.
Healthy Again
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A survivor of IBD, I enjoy a full and active life. My wife, Susan, and I enjoyed a few days on the slopes of our favorite ski town, Steamboat Springs, CO! | | Today, Phillip Van Hooser refers to himself as the patient who formerly had ulcerative colitis. Phil now enjoys great health and a physically active life playing golf, snow skiing and running. As president of Van Hooser Associates, Phil continues his career as an award winning keynote speaker, leadership expert and author. Phil also shares his unique perspective on IBD with medical providers, pharmaceutical companies and patient support groups around the country.
Phil also works closely with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to raise awareness and support for those still suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. "It Takes More Than Guts," documents Phil's journey from chronic illness to cure. A portion of each book sale financially supports the fight to cure IBD.
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"Thanks again for your commitment to CCFA and the patient community."
Rodger DeRose
President and Chief Executive Officer
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America |
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I am healthy again! Now I am volunteering my efforts with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to help find a cure for IBD. I am pictured with Rodger DeRose, CEO of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. |
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My family is my inspiration for finding a cure for IBD. From left, Sophie, Sarah, Joe, Susan and me. |
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